Neuroplasticity and Buddhism

shannobn

There is a widely held viewpoint on some kind of fixed outcome of a person based on their early childhood and genetics that limits the possibility of change; wherein there is a degree of predictability of their future behavior based on certain genes, certain immutable cards one has been delt.

This viewpoint to me feels very pessimistic and discouraging. It also seems fundamental to Buddhism in which through training we can either change patters of behavior, thoughts and perceptions OR there are certain limits or boundaries which are determined by a hardwired brain unable to change substantially.

Neuroplasticity is... capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behaviour in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction. Rapid change or reorganization of the brain's cellular or neural networks can take place in many different forms and under many different circumstances. Neuroplasticity occurs when neurons in the brain sprout and form synapses. As the brain processes sensory information, frequently used synapses are strengthened while unused synapses weaken. Eventually, unused synapses are eliminated completely in a process known as synaptic pruning, which leaves behind efficient networks of neural connections. Neuroplasticity occurs during development in childhood, following physical injury such as loss of a limb or sense organ, and during reinforcement of sensory information such as in learning.

I'm very interested in the possibility of neuroplasticity aiding in the transformation of individuals. So I would like to see a discussion on this. Can substantial and radical changes occur in the individual with (and even without) mental trainings such as Buddhism?

Palzang

What is important is to change your karma. The neurons will change accordingly.

Palzang

blueface

I buy that...i think as we are forever changing from one moment to the next why shouldn't extensive change be possible over time? Use it or lose it. If you stop using the muscles of your arm they will wither away, neuro pathways may also follow this pattern (Davis' Law). I think som people take things as a fait accompli, others expect too much personal freedom in self determination. My view is there's plenty of scope for change, in fact trying to resist it is like trying to stand still in a river.

shannobn

I'm not sure if I'm confusing mind with brain, or brain with mind. Either way I am confused (!) on the role or if there is any role of neuroplasticity in progressing spiritually.

I feel maybe there are limits that are not 'self imposed' to how far one can progress. And I so hope I am wrong because I view progression as realizing that there are no boundaries. But on the other hand, there may be limits. Is this wrong?

Can perception radically change while brain stays the same?

Palzang

Well, I'd say neuroplasticity is a property of the physical brain. It is reflected in the way our mind processes the signals which pass through it. Sort of like changing the arrangement of the signal gating on a computer chip. That could certainly have an impact on the way we perceive things. For example, LSD is known to affect the way certain neurotransmitters are recycled in the brain. In other words, it alters the timing of the signals being transmitted along the axons of the nerves. Therefore one's perception changes accordingly. Some people call this change in perception spiritual as it seems to afford a different and more profound way of perceiving reality. In fact, though, it is simply a temporary change in the neurotransmitter physiology of the brain. So perception can easily be altered, and it can definitely be changed through the process of neuroplasticity.

What neuroplasticity means, actually, is the creation or destruction of synapses between neurons in the brain. When we learn a new skill, what is really happening in the brain is that certain neurons associated with that skill (perhaps motor neurons if it is a physical skill, like juggling) form new synaptic networks with other motor neurons to coordinate the movements of the skill (a simple example). If we don't utilize a specific neuronal network in the brain, it eventually disassociates and the synapses will disconnect, like if you don't juggle for a long time, you tend to lose the skill. This is something that is constantly happening in the brain, and it applies to the areas of the brain where higher associative thinking takes place as well. So yes, I'd have to agree that neuroplasticity plays a role in the change of perception that you're calling spirituality. It's simply the way the brain works.

Palzang

ownerof1000oddsocks

To a certain extent there are limitations, and some of the time the limits are self imposed. The sort of things you tell yourself everyday that affect what you will and won't do.

I think a lot of the time our behaviours have deep emotional roots. We're all like big children with extra added on jumbles of ideas and refined skill-sets to help us negotiate life. You see that's part of my programming. I'm aware that it is. I'm aware of something 'bigger' than myself, and often at a loss to clarify.

You know it's pretty bad being stuck in life. I think a lot of people go through rituals and routines; sticking with the same method and expecting different results. We put such stock in our ideas, because without them we're at a loss to experience any relief on an organic level.

That's the hard part; thinking your way through life, or not once all the basic stuff has been satisfied, then it's just there, like an entitlement. But also, the attitude is very important. You know the saying; look with the heart- because the eyes are blind. Well, if you take that literally you start talking about hormones regulated by the sympathetic and autonomous nervous system. Once you break it down technically like that, you lose sight of the big picture.

Just get aware of what you're doing automatically all the time, and somehow you might get to break away from an old habit. You'll actually be able to look at what you're doing rather than doing what feels normal or natural, or maybe tell yourself a different story about yourself and your relation to everything else.

Subjectivity9

Shannobn,

The body does this changing, too. If you have a small blockage in an artery leading to your heart, over time the collaterals (smaller arteries) will pitch in and take over some of the work. If later, you have a massive heart blockage, as you can well imagine, it will not be as life threatening. Is this plasticity, or flexibility? You tell me. Maybe they are the same thing.

Anyway, that is how all of nature operates.

You will see the same thing in the brain with a stroke. Slow is better. The body is not perfect, things break. But, over centuries the body has learned to pick up the pieces in order to survive, a prime directive.

I think that Spiritual Growth is built right into the system, as it actualizes the human self. Just like Sexuality is built in to propagate. It is an intelligent system that self corrects.

The twin’s studies show that there is kind of a script, too.

So we are speaking in black and white terms here. More like probabilities, if you will.

For instance, you can’t go live with wolves, and actually become one, (all hairy with large teeth) although you may very well learn the joys of howling at the moon. ; ^ )

Peace,
S9