What is Digg?158 Comments
- tomboy501, on 10/11/2007, -1/+125Scientists and Buddhist monks discussing neuroscience and studying brain scans at the Dalai Lama's home?
Even if it's a few years old...fantastic article. Thanks for posting this, todesfee. - DDarkfire, on 10/11/2007, -1/+78Actually there is a lot of joint research between physicists, neuroscientists, and Buddhist monks. I think that it is wonderful that Tibetan knowledge supports scientific belief and complements it. A lot can come from this.
- todesfee, on 10/11/2007, -1/+34i also thought that though it's old, it's interesting, i wonder how the research went on since then. i'm glad you enjoyed reading it, tomboy501:)
- YossarianDent, on 10/11/2007, -9/+39@stonewaljacksn:
So, um, which side of the fence are you on? I see your religious study has really enhanced the love and compassion portions of your brain. - lostboy, on 10/11/2007, -0/+29Depending to who you talk to Buddhism is either a religion, philosophy/spirituality or all of them. I think the distinction is not necessarily a useful one to make.
- listrophy, on 10/11/2007, -1/+26Disappointed? The "old" date on this article implies a very definite possibility of follow-up articles that digg.com hasn't latched onto yet. I'm excited by the date because, instead of waiting years to see more from these monks and scientists, more articles may already exist.
- insanebrain, on 10/11/2007, -1/+26You should be 'lazy' more, so you stop posting stupid remarks. . .
- Samsara, on 10/11/2007, -1/+23If you want to read about His Holiness and how he feels science and Buddhism help each other you should read his book The Universe in a Single Atom.
- DDarkfire, on 10/11/2007, -0/+21A religion from which you can adquire a philosophy. In other words, you can practice buddhist philosophy without being buddhist.
- DDarkfire, on 10/11/2007, -0/+20@Doctorsax
Nope, the Dalai Lama has also always held that title. - DarkTranquility, on 10/11/2007, -1/+20Heres the thing:
Buddhism is a religion...but NOT a theistic one. I'm a born and raised Theravadan Buddhist myself. There are certain doctrines ( called the Dhamma) which give you the outlines for morality spoken by Buddha and how to attain ultimate blessed extinction: Nirvana. This is a "religious notion" only because it is specific just to Buddhism.
But there are daily stories from the Tripitaka, which are stories and teachings on how to live your life, (ex: respecting your parents, results of karma , choosing your friends carefully etc.) which take the Dhamma and apply it. These stories show you can live a Buddhist lifestyle while being a layman and no a monk
So, Buddhism is definitely a combination of both, philosophy and religion. - Subterfug, on 10/11/2007, -0/+19The same type of "mental sculpting" occurs in some cab drivers who must cram their brains with knowledge of many streets and locations. I saw a video on this where cab drivers in London agreed to having their brains scanned and researchers found that many of them had larger-than-average hippocampi (I think this is the right one).
- Derrekito, on 10/11/2007, -3/+22Why are there always those preaching fear?
- Bhima, on 10/11/2007, -2/+20Yes, this is sort of old... if I recall it's older than the Wallstreet Journal article by a fair bit.
In any event His Holiness does *a lot* with scientists. I was at a Physics / Chemistry presentation for him, it went very well and I'm pretty sure he walked away understanding most of what was presented. - Jambi, on 10/11/2007, -6/+22Here's a question for you all, would you categorize Buddhism in its many forms as more of a religion, or a philosophy? (depending on your definition of the two)
- inactive, on 10/11/2007, -1/+17@stonewall: Hello again
I do not have an issue with religion and even certain practices of religion. However, this study just shows that meditation can activate certain parts of the brain, that the 'mind' can shape the brain. I'm a Naturalist and do not believe in souls, and afterlife or any spirits and this study does not change anything.
In fact, despite the similarities that you mention between Christianity and Buddhism, the reason that Buddhist meditate and why Christians pray is very different. The outcomes in a PET scan may be similar but the underlying reason is what I have an issue with. Buddhist pray to be 'one with the universe', to attain 'No Mind'. This is inherently a self journey to improve one's understanding of the cosmos and to improve their minds. Christians and their ilks, pray to be one with God. To feel little, humble and meek in the 'presence' of 'God'. Some pray for guidance or for wishes, inherently leading to a victim complex of being unable to change the world without outside interference. This may give the same feeling of serenity and peace but I don't believe leads to any self improvement. - Bogie22, on 10/11/2007, -2/+17Definitely a philosophy. It's by it's vary nature an atheistic and humanistic sort of belief given that nirvana is neither personal nor a force of creation.
- lazyrussian, on 10/11/2007, -0/+15@ablez3
That's why we probe it. Nothing to fear there - just lots of exciting when looking towards finding information from the unknown. - Lewie, on 10/11/2007, -10/+25I don't know why you're digging bethlagarrison down (actually I probably do), but he is right. [Most] Buddhists don't believe in god, an afterlife (other than a type of reincarnation), and not even really a spirit or soul. I'm glad diggers educate themselves before making assumptions.
- Turambar, on 10/11/2007, -1/+16that's pretty cool. i would like to see more research on this stuff.
- SqueakyWheel, on 10/11/2007, -3/+17this reminds me of how the studies that show pornography reroutes your brain for an addiction to pornography.
- scuzzman, on 10/11/2007, -5/+19@doctorsax
If it's any consolation, I thought the same thing. - Derrekito, on 10/11/2007, -2/+14That is hardly the case. Meditation requires mental control, this can become tiring and difficult. Imagine trying to pay 100% attention to nothing for long periods of time.
- obinine, on 10/11/2007, -0/+12Here's an follow up that you may find interesting: Philosopher Ken Wilber discussing EEG brain changes during meditation.
http://d.i.y.dharma.virishi.net/eeg-evidence-brain-states-associated-satori-ken-wilber - listrophy, on 10/11/2007, -3/+14If you're going to rip on someone's low intellectual ability, I suggest you learn the rules of spelling and grammar.
- pocketcalc, on 10/11/2007, -1/+12The Buddha always told his disciples not to waste their time and energy in metaphysical speculation. Whenever he was asked a metaphysical question, he remained silent. Instead, he directed his disciples toward practical efforts. Questioned one day about the problem of the infinity of the world, the Buddha said, "Whether the world is finite or infinite, limited or unlimited, the problem of your liberation remains the same." Another time he said, "Suppose a man is struck by a poisoned arrow and the doctor wishes to take out the arrow immediately. Suppose the man does not want the arrow removed until he knows who shot it, his age, his parents, and why he shot it. What would happen? If he were to wait until all these questions have been answered, the man might die first." Life is so short. It must not be spent in endless metaphysical speculation that does not bring us any closer to the truth.
- Thich Nhat Hanh, in Zen Keys
found on http://thebuddhistblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/teaching-of-poisoned-arrow.html - vertinox, on 10/11/2007, -1/+11Actually, I bet most of you can't do the breathing concetration exercises.
1. First set a timer for 20 minutes, but don't put yourself somewhere you can see the clock because it will be a distraction.
2. Get comfortable and sit somewhere
3. Close your eyes
4. Count your breathes (in your mind, don't say them outloud!) starting at 1 and then restarting the count after 10 but without opening your eyes, moving, and not even thinking about anything else (all you want to hear in your brain is 1, 2, 3, 4... and so on)
5. Repeat until the timer goes off.
Truth be told I can't do it. I start always thinking about something else and loose my concentration. As soon as you think about something else you are supposed to restart at 1 again. There isn't as much of a goal as it is to be able to concentrate on something so simple without having any other thought pop into your mind so you have complete focus on a single task.
So yeah... Same concept of excersising your mind like cross word puzzles and sudoku, but more on concentration. In truth nothing really spiritual about it... You can meditate without believing in Buddha or reincarnation, it is just that most Buddhism monks use this technique to get spiritual. - swrostmore, on 10/11/2007, -1/+11".How many scientist do this so called mediation? "
lots. Specifically, it seems as if a large percentage of scientists who study quantum mechanics become converts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_science - Neiby, on 10/11/2007, -2/+12Meditation can be very hard, especially in the beginning. You'd be surprised at how difficult it is to quiet your mind and focus on one thing, like your breath, for long periods of time. It's a very powerful tool.
- ddxChrist, on 10/11/2007, -1/+9If you think meditation is laziness, then you have either never meditated or you have been going about it inappropriately.
- KielKilla, on 10/11/2007, -8/+16I'd say it is a way of life. No way in hell that I'd compare something peaceful like buddhism to something modern or popular like christianity. They are nothing alike.
- ultrafine, on 10/11/2007, -2/+10@ronpaulpres2008
Just for the record, not all athiests are pessimistic. It's a really bad stereotype that newer, younger athiests are just a bunch of negative thinkers. A good portion of my (college educated) friends are athiest and it is simply because they think outside the box and find religion to be a primative way of thinking in this world of science.
...just my two cents! - jimmiss, on 10/11/2007, -2/+9@stonewaljacksn
Buddists don't beleive in an almighty god. - hotsake, on 10/11/2007, -1/+7That's a very Western-centric view of Buddhism, now isn't it? Does it follow by your sentiment that a Catholic's repetition of Hail Mary and Glory Be prayers also makes them lazy? For the layman, who often seeks a stronger connection to people and the world around them, meditation reduces stress. It helps those who participate become more spiritually aware. It focuses the mind and aids concentration. Meditation helps one identify negative mental states and work toward breaking those bad outlooks or habits. Enhanced creativity and happiness are other things people may strive for through meditation. The practice as a whole has a host of benefits for those who seek them.
Whether scientists meditate or not has as much relevance to this discussion as whether a scientist goes to church. You say this as if the validity of Buddhism entire hinges upon the research of professors and Ph.D.'s., Western ones at that who doubtfully know what it's like to grow up in a Buddhist society. I believe there are things about this world science cannot explain through experiments and journal literature. Buddhist monks are revered by the common people for their purity and devotion to Buddha, but you wish by your logic to state that monks are instead revered for being lazy.
In the words of Bill Lumbergh, "Um, yeah. I'm going to have to go ahead and sort of disagree with you there." - Neiby, on 10/11/2007, -1/+6There are branches of buddhism. In my opinion, some of them are more philosophical and some lean toward being "religion". Admittedly, this is based on my own definition of religion: philosophy + tradition + ritual = religion. There are types of buddhism that are completely secular, such as the Shambala teachings of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, which I tend to really be drawn toward. He is a very cool guy with an amazing ability to fuse western thinking and eastern concepts so that they make sense to use westerners. If you're interested, go to www.mipham.com and look around.
- Chrelion, on 10/11/2007, -1/+6
Christianity is more a way of life than Buddhism, I guarantee that - all you need to do is look at Christ and the early Church fathers (even those of early Judaism).
... its roots go further down than Buddhism (Judaism has Buddhism beat by at least 1500 years).
-If we're going to roots, Buddhism is to Hinduism as Christianity is to Judaism; and Hinduism predates Judaism by quite a good deal. On the order of multiple thousands of years. On this front, Buddhism wins. The faith, itself, is 500 years older than Christianity on that front. Sorry, but . . . you don't win this one.
...Nevertheless, if you do some studies of Christianity you will see that it and Buddhism are more alike than you seem to think.
-Thomas Merton would be a good example here, among others. I support interfaith dialog and understanding, where common ground can be found. The silent contemplative Christians are the sort I admire. The public face of Christianity, in America, seems to be fundamentalism, though.
...It's not the age of the faith, or how it was modernized, nor the practices of the modernized versions, that we should be focused on.
-I must ask, then, why you brought age into the discussion in your first point?
...So I've spoken truth about Christianity, now I await being dugg down by the ignorant anti-Christian Digg crowd. Do as you will, but think before you do.
-Partial truth, but I don't think you spoke it from malice or deceitfulness. - Zelvan, on 10/11/2007, -1/+6Well. if you think meditation is lame... try to sit lazy for 5 mins(without thinking)... you will understand the restless nature of mind.
- KibibyteBrain, on 10/11/2007, -10/+15@stonewaljacksn I would be interested to see Scientists and Christians team up to look at how devout Christian fear mongering has on ones brain. I'm guessing it wouldn't be quite as positive a review.
- swrostmore, on 10/11/2007, -0/+5Are you saying most of us live our lives in an unconscious state?
I think that was implied, yes. Also that is a major tenet of buddhism. - CGreen, on 10/11/2007, -0/+5@swrostmore
The experimental evidence has been mixed.
"A number of studies have suggested that patients who are being prayed for recover more quickly or more frequently. One such study, with a double-blind design and about 500 subjects per group, suggested that intercessory prayer by born again Christians had a statistically significant positive effect on a coronary care unit population."
"Several studies of prayer effectiveness have yielded null results"
"The previously mentioned 2006 study published in the American Heart Journal[13] indicated that bypass surgery patients who were aware that they were being prayed for developed more complications than patients who were unaware of prayers on their behalf"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer#Experimental_evaluation_of_prayer - bIuebonics, on 10/11/2007, -0/+4the swastika isn't generally considered to come from buddhism. the name swastika is derived from sanskrit and the symbol has been found in many cultures. some of the earliest uses date back to troy in around 1000 bce. chances are it would be considered hindu before it was ever considered buddhist. however, your very first statement is completely innacurate. how can you say that one set of guidelines for living life is more of a way of life than another? sure, christianity's roots may go further than buddhism, but christianity and the new testament are much younger. there is even a disconnect between many of the teachings between the old and new testament, often to the point of logical incompatibilities and incongruencies that, for some, are rather tough to get by. i will say, however, that the actual teachings of jesus are rather akin to buddhist practices. it's unfortunate this is not how the religion panned out. the major difference, and this is rather the most important difference from my perspective, is the monotheism vs. non-personal deity. christianity promotes worship to a single god (which of course, has been skewed) and much of the text frowns upon the acceptance that other people believe differently; where as in buddhism, tolerance of others' beliefs is highly promoted. your overall point, the similarities between buddhism and christianity is rather a moot point (along with your blatantly inaccurate initial statement). these similarities are the core for a majority of the world's religions. it's not the similiarities that differentiate religions and make people have preference of one over another, it's always the differences.
- akyra, on 10/11/2007, -1/+5Buddhism from my understanding doesn't believe in a creator god. I am student of Buddhism and this is what I have grasped so far. There are a lot of articles on the web about this topic.
This is from wikipedia:
Buddhism is usually regarded as a religion without an absolute God who created the universe ex nihilo (from nothing) and to whom devotion and worship are due (although veneration and worship do play a major role in Mahayana Buddhism). Buddhism is a way of life which does not hinge upon the concept of a Creator God.
More can be found at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_in_Buddhism - FredoBerfil, on 10/11/2007, -1/+5I feel the need to play devil's advocate here - it's pretty much the case that *all* mental activity alters the brains function and structure, whether we're talking about meditation, playing online Quake, or surfing the net for porn.
The only interesting part of this article is the issue regarding the observation of gamma wave activity and some of the neurophysiological minutia covered (which is barely touched upon).... aside from that this isn't a very profound article I'm afraid. A lot of flash, no substance. - hectazee, on 10/11/2007, -1/+5I practiced meditation and I read Zen (Japanese Buddhism) Literature, I haven't got any formal training so to say, but I do think Zen is closer to psychology than to any religion. Its simply mind training, knowing where your thoughts come from and how to handle them. It has somehow given me more control of my decisions and subsequently more control of my life. It has also made me more objective. When you look into a problem you no longer look at the consequences it has on you, then make a decision. You have the opportunity of having a more objective view, detaching from emotions, of any given problem. When you do read the literature, you realize that these are people that have been studying thought process for a long time. Interesting and useful if you ask me.
Very interesting article, a bit lacking, but good to know there is some physical proof of what meditation and ways of thinking do to the mind.
Cheers. - asdfasdf, on 10/11/2007, -0/+4You don't have to be religious to be spiritual, and vice versa. This article is about meditation in general, not Bhuddism. Meditation has nothing at all to do with spiritualism or religion. Meditation is extremely beneficial and it's something everybody should do, like physical exercise. Bhuddism is 'compatible' with other religions, and is technically not a religion itself, but more a way of life.
I only started meditating after my first trip on LSD. I wanted to reach the same level of enlightenment that LSD or magic mushrooms put me in without the use of any substance/surgery/device. After I read several books (If you haven't, read The Power Of Now and Mindfulness in Plain English) on spiritualism and meditation, everything the books were saying explained my trips on acid and shrooms almost EXACTLY, and that's when I took up vipassana meditation. So far, the results have blown me out of the water. I meditate 20-60 minutes a day, and practice mindfulness in everything I do. - insecuregirl, on 10/11/2007, -1/+5does LSD also mould the brain and make it customized?
I heard Watson and Crick used LSD to discover the DNA! - swrostmore, on 10/11/2007, -0/+4lsd does not "mould" the brain, and it is not "tough" on the brain. Leary advocated its use as an aid to meditation, not a substitute.
- antidukkha, on 10/11/2007, -0/+4@vertinox
Actually, the object is not to stop thinking. Thoughts will come - just let them pass and don't get caught up in them. I'd say the object is more to identify them as thoughts. It will help you see what kinds of crazy jargon you have running through your head all day. - danarama, on 10/11/2007, -0/+3It's called meditation, moron.
- Bersy, on 10/11/2007, -0/+3What a coincidence! I'm reading "The Joy of Cooking".
-
Show 51 - 100 of 152 discussions
Browsing Digg on your phone just got easier with our enhancements to the 
© Digg Inc. 2009
— Content created and posted by Digg users is