The Origins of Evil in Hindu Mythology

The sequel to Zen and the Brain is James Austin’s investigation into the interrelationships of Zen Buddhism and brain research. Zen-Brain Reflections is Austin’s clinical neurology, research, and Zen practice. He examines the changing psycho-logical processes, brain changes, and the long-term meditative path. Austin draws on neuroscience research, new neuroimaging studies, and personal experience with alternate states. Zen-Brain Reflections continues where the previous book ended. This book addresses questions such as how placebos and acupuncture affect the brain. Are neuroimaging studies able to pinpoint the areas where our self-images arise? How can brain imaging techniques be used to monitor meditation more effectively? How can long years of meditation training and brief enlightened experiences produce significant changes in the brain’s physiology? Many chapters offer testable hypotheses that suggest how to link normal brain functions and meditation with extraordinary states of consciousness. After briefly discussing Zen and the most recent research on meditation, Austin discusses the latest research on the amygdala and frontotemporal interactions as well as paralimbic extensions to the limbic system. Then, he explores the different states of consciousness: the first superficial absorptions as well as the more profound “peak experiences”. This discussion starts with the states kensho, satori, and ends with a new analysis of the many expressions of “oneness” they offer. He points out that there is an ongoing stage of enlightenment beyond the more advanced states and toward “sage wisdom”, which is a rare form of continuous enlightenment. With