Brain science realization = /vs spiritual path ?

grout4cake

Today the science of neuro plasicity is showing us very specific ways to train the brain.The Dali Lami is very interested in science ,perhaps it is because a path to higher consciousness for the planet.I also think he is interested because it seems to me that Buddhist (as well as other consciousness explorers)are truly scientests, in the sense of testing and building on theories that "point the way'.
I wonder if one eventually can truly awaken thru training the brain via science and will that awakening instill the compassion,lack of need to "grasp" and other qualities that training slowly builds? On one hand , I think how could it not,as those qualities are intrinsic to wakefulness,on the other hand I seem to have a romantic attachment ( or intuitive knowing?) to the old fashioned way.

Any thoughts on this conundrum?
Lol ,it made me think of my refusing to learn certain cyber skills , waiting til they become"voice activated "

buddhajunkie

What does "via science" even mean?

They've already done tons of research showing the benefits of meditation and loving kindness. So does that mean Buddhist practitioners are already improving their lives "via science"?

aMatt

I wonder if one eventually can truly awaken thru training the brain via science and will that awakening instill the compassion,lack of need to "grasp" and other qualities that training slowly builds?

This is exactly what meditation does. Plasticity notes that over time, the brain accommodates to new environmental stimulation. For instance, continued mindfulness meditation will increase the size of the amygdala, making one biologically less prone to anger and more capable of empathy.

It sounds like you're being lazy, essentially saying "I'm not going to exercise because they will make a drug to do the work for me." The work is the reward, just do it and you'll see.

grout4cake

I think what I mean by " via science", and what I see these scientific inquiries leading to is stimulation of the brain thru electric or technological stimulation ( color,sound, radiowaves or very focused hypnosis while brainwaves are measured.). In other words something like bio feedback or autogenesis , a method that some people might be more willing to try as it is not associated with "spirituality"and perhaps because they are not interested in the commitment required in time, money and location that joining a sangha requires .


I am asking this question because I am wondering if the outcome of this training will be qualitatively different than realization that comes after a lifetime(s) of practice.And I guess I am leading to the question if enlightnment itself contains all the qualities that we are work to develop such as equanamity, compassion and nonjudgementalness or if those are just exercises performed to eliminate ego.
I am not asking you to judge me , though I appreciate the effort you made to do so

person

@grout4cake I think the answer to your question comes down to whether you believe the mind is produced by the brain or if the brain acts as a reciever for the mind.

DhammaDhatu

I wonder if one eventually can truly awaken thru training the brain via science and will that awakening instill the compassion, lack of need to "grasp" and other qualities that training slowly builds?

Does compassion and letting go of grasping lead to awakening or does compassion and letting go of grasping result from awakening?

Do we have a chicken v egg conundrum here?

BuckyG

Hi Grout4cake,
You might look into the following books: Robert Anton Wilson's "Prometheus Rising," & "Quantum Psychology;" Timothy Leary's "Info-Psychology" & "Neuro-politique;" Aleister Crowley's "Book 4;" John C. Lilly's "The Center of the Cyclone" & "Programming & Meta-Programming the Human Bio-Computer;" Patricia Churchland's "Neurophilosophy," & most recently, Norman Doidge's "The Brain that Changes Itself."
May you be happy.
bucky