{"product_id":"zen-and-the-brain-toward-an-understanding-of-meditation-and-consciousness-9780262011648","title":"Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness","description":"\u003cp\u003eWinner of the Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize for 1998  Aldous Huxley called humankinds basic trend toward spiritual growth the \"perennial philosophy.\" In the view of James Austin  the trend implies a \"perennial psychophysiology\"because awakening  or enlightenment  occurs only when the human brain undergoes substantial changes. What are the peak experiences of enlightenment? How could these states profoundly enhance  and yet simplify  the workings of the brain? Zen and the Brain presents the latest evidence.  In this book Zen Buddhism becomes the opening wedge for an extraordinarily wide-ranging exploration of consciousness. In order to understand which brain mechanisms produce Zen states  one needs some understanding of the anatomy  physiology  and chemistry of the brain. Austin  both a neurologist and a Zen practitioner  interweaves the most recent brain research with the personal narrative of his Zen experiences. The science is both inclusive and rigorous; the Zen sections are clear and evocative. Along the way  Austin examines such topics as similar states in other disciplines and religions  sleep and dreams  mental illness  consciousness-altering drugs  and the social consequences of the advanced stage of ongoing enlightenment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45279571410997,"sku":"ByrdShop_0262011646","price":182.66,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780262011648.jpg?v=1780602569","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/zen-and-the-brain-toward-an-understanding-of-meditation-and-consciousness-9780262011648","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}