Developments in Meditation and States of Consciousness: Zen-Brain Relections

by James H. Austin

The sequel to the widely read Zen and the Brain continues James Austin's explorations into the key inter-relationships between Zen Buddhism and brain research. In Zen-Brain Reflections, Austin, a clinical neurologist, researcher, and Zen practioner, examines the evolving psycho-logical processes and brain changes associated with the path of long-range meditative training. Austin draws not only on the latest neuroscience research and new neuroimaging studies but also on Zen literature and his personal experience with alternate states of consciousness.

Zen-Brain Reflections takes up where the earlier book left off. It addresses such questions as: how do placebos and acupuncture change the brain? Can neuroimaging studies localize the site where our notions of self arise? How can the latest brain imaging methods monitor mediators more effectively? How do long years of meditative training plus brief enlightened states produce pivotal transformations in the physiology of the brain? In many chapters testable hypotheses suggest ways to correlate normal brain functions and meditative training with the phenomena of extraordinary states of consciousness. 

After briefly introducing the topic of Zen and describing recent research into meditation, Austin reviews the latest studies on the amygdale, front temporal interactions, and paralimbic extensions of the limbic system. He then explores different states of consciousness, both the early superficial absorptions and the later, major "peak experiences". This discussion begins with the states called kensho and satori and includes a fresh analysis of their several different expressions of "oneness". He points beyond the still more advanced states toward that rare ongoing stage of enlightenment that is mainfest as "sage wisdom".

Finally, with reference to a delayed "moonlight" phase of kensho, Austin envisions novel links between migraines and metaphors, moonlight and mysticsm.  The Zen perspective on the self and consciousness is an ancient one. Readers will discover how relevant Zen is to the neurosciences and how each field can illuminate the other.