Zen-Brain Horizons ― Toward a Living Zen

In Zen-Brain Horizons, James Austin draws on his decades ofexperience as a neurologist and Zen practitioner to clarify the benefits of meditative training.Austin integrates classical Buddhist literature with modern brain research, exploring the horizonsof a living, neural Zen.

When viewed in the light of today, the timeless wisdom ofsome Zen masters seems almost to have anticipated recent research in the neurosciences. The keenattentiveness and awareness that we cultivate during meditative practices becomes the leading edgeof our subsequent mental processing. Austin explains how our covert, involuntary functions can makecrucial contributions to the subtle ways we learn, intuit, and engage in creative activities.

Austin begins by looking back at ancient Buddhist narratives. He then weavestogether the major themes of self, attention, emotion, language, and insight. He goes on to examineZen and psychology as cultural developments, including recent information about how a clear, calmawareness can change the meditating brain. He considers the pathways through which intuitionsdevelop on their way to becoming realized, exploring the phenomena of the spontaneous color imagerythat arises during meditation.

Looking out even further into the future, Austindiscusses the universal themes of creativity, happiness, openness, and selflessness. Along the way,he bows in homage to William James, explores "Buddhist Botany" and "Avian Zen,"demonstrates why living Zen means much more than sitting quietly indoors on a cushion, and providessimplified advice that helps guide readers to the most important points.

James H. Austin, a clinical neurologist, researcher, and Zen practitioner for more than three decades, is Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Courtesy Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He is the author of Zen and the Brain, Chase, Chance, and Creativity, Zen-Brain Reflections, Selfless Insight, and Meditating Selflessly, all published by the MIT Press.