Selfless Insight

James H. Austin, clinical neurologist, researcher, and Zen practitioner, is Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Missouri (Columbia) School of Medicine. He is the author of Zen and the Brain, Chase, Chance, and Creativity, and Zen-Brain Reflections, all published by the MIT Press.

"This remarkable book uses neuroscience to reveal the inner workings of the mind through the medium of meditation. Stunning facts derived from neuro research combined with the timeless wisdom of Zen open for the reader mental vistas that are fascinating and vast. Both scientist and nonscientist will be edified and inspired on reading this clear and beautiful book, a book that is a landmark in the rapidly developing field of contemplative neuroscience." --Joan Halifax, PhD, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center "The neural networks in our brains effortlessly perform common miracles of conscious behavior. Moreover these neural circuits can, with appropriate effort, such as Zen practice, transform themselves to attain exceptional levels of heightened awareness. Recent neuroscience studies have substantially elucidated the relevant brain mechanisms, and these are brilliantly synthesized in this latest book by neurologist and Zen practitioner James Austin. Building on his previous works on Zen and the brain, this latest volume provides a comprehensive up-to-date exposition of the brain mechanisms that mediate conscious perception of the world and self, both normal and heightened." --Eberhard E. Fetz, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington "James Austin's wonderful book Selfless Insight provides an up-to-date review and synthesis of the brain physiology which permits humans to meditate and how meditation alters brain functions. Just as Hubel and Wiesel's Nobel Prize winning research revealed how the brain permits us to see and perceive incoming light, James Austin's newest book helps us understand how people who meditate see the light and wisdom within." --Kenneth M. Heilman, James E. Rooks Jr. Distinguished Professor of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine "Analytic philosophy of mind sees persons as much less substantial and ego centered than Cartesian rationalism, which posits that my essence is my immutable self, my soul. Neuroscience finds