Science has long treated religion as a set of personal beliefs
that have little to do with a rational understanding of the mind
and the universe. However, B. Alan Wallace, a respected Buddhist
scholar, proposes that the contemplative methodologies of Buddhism
and of Western science are capable of being integrated into a
single discipline: contemplative science.
The science of consciousness introduces first-person methods of
investigating the mind through Buddhist contemplative techniques,
such as "samatha," an organized, detailed system of training the
attention. Just as scientists make observations and conduct
experiments with the aid of technology, contemplatives have long
tested their own theories with the help of highly developed
meditative skills of observation and experimentation. Contemplative
science allows for a deeper knowledge of mental phenomena,
including a wide range of states of consciousness, and its emphasis
on strict mental discipline counteracts the effects of conative
(intention and desire), attentional, cognitive, and affective
imbalances.
Just as behaviorism, psychology, and neuroscience have all shed
light on the cognitive processes that enable us to survive and
flourish, contemplative science offers a groundbreaking perspective
for expanding our capacity to realize genuine well-being. It also
forges a link between the material world and the realm of the
subconscious that transcends the traditional science-based
understanding of the self.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!