Brain Training with the Buddha: A Modern Path to Insight Based on the Ancient Foundations of Mindfulness

Having a life long attraction to Eastern Philosophy and Western Traditions (for sure an ongoing dualistic approach for understanding life and the Universe); this book is a jewel presenting Buddhist original scriptures and popular ancient interpretations alongside 21st Century reality, experience, and New World Physics.As you read you will get comfortable with an intuitively better explanation of what Zen Buddhism is and how it relates to damn near everything in the Universe. (And how to accommodate and assuage our fears, disappointments andexpectations).Equanimity. Meditation. Attention. Mindfulness. Come see how this book gives NEW world view interpretation of these important concepts and makes the Physical practice of Buddhism much more comfortable, practical and intuitive.Namaste. Carpe Diem!!!

Eric Harrison became one of my teachers on Mindfulness after I listened to its Audible version.I bought the paperback again to compliment the audiobook. I wish I did sooner!!Thank you!

One of the standout features of "Brain Training with the Buddha" is its ability to bridge the gap between traditional Buddhist teachings and contemporary scientific research. The author skillfully combines the wisdom of the Buddha's original teachings with insights from neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science. By doing so, the book provides a comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the transformative power of mindfulness.The book guides readers through a step-by-step journey, offering clear instructions and practical exercises to cultivate mindfulness and develop insight. The author's approach is accessible and relatable, making the teachings applicable to everyday life. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive and structured path that allows readers to progressively deepen their practice.What sets "Brain Training with the Buddha" apart is its emphasis on the concept of "brain training." The author highlights the neuroplasticity of the brain and the capacity for deliberate cultivation of positive mental qualities through mindfulness. The book provides insights into how mindfulness practice can reshape neural pathways, enhance cognitive functions, and promote well-being.Furthermore, the book delves into the profound wisdom of the Buddha's teachings on impermanence, suffering, and the nature of reality. The author skillfully elucidates these ancient principles and offers practical guidance on how to apply them in our daily lives. Through the integration of mindfulness and insight meditation, readers are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and liberation."Brain Training with the Buddha" is not just a theoretical treatise; it is a practical guide that encourages readers to actively engage in their own transformation. The author's compassionate and supportive tone creates a sense of connection and trust, guiding readers through challenges and offering encouragement along the way.In summary, "Brain Training with the Buddha" is a captivating and enlightening book that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science. It provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for cultivating mindfulness, developing insight, and transforming our minds. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book will serve as a valuable companion on your path to greater well-being, wisdom, and inner freedom.

I have been learning about Buddhism for 20 years now. The first five years or so I read everything I could get my hands on and realized there were different traditions and so much to learn, so I did the best I could deciphering what they were all about from dozens of books and trying different forms of meditation learned from books. Finally, I decided that Tibetan Buddhism was the path for me. While it was a lot more complex than Theravada or Mahayana traditions, Vajrayana just seemed like it made the most sense to me in that it felt the most complete.So, off I went. I received transmission, teachings, and did my best to practice this tradition. After a good 10 years or so, what I found, for me, was that it did not become all that much clearer as I had assumed it would after I put in the time practicing in studying. In fact, I became more confused and frustrated because I thought I should have more understanding and results after a significant amount of practice. I started feeling dread and anxiety about every little failing of mine, assuming all the roadblocks life was throwing my way were the result of negative karma ripening now that I was on the path and perhaps even the dharma protectors throwing obstacles at me whenever I made some mistake and strayed from the path. Eventually, I felt so much anxiety about the practice that I decided to just stop and see if my life got any better. Instead of dharma practice, I would throw myself into my career. Instead of hours a day reading about Buddhism and practicing meditation and mindfulness, I would spend that time dedicated to learning and mastering what I needed for my career. I figured once I rid myself of career anxieties, perhaps I could return to Buddhist practice and would feel less anxiety about lack of progress in that department so long as I felt "safe" in my career and had less worry about that, at least. Well, I never really went back to practice much. Not yet, anyway. I've wanted to, but just thinking about doing it gives me anxiety.So, anyway, I discovered this audiobook and it must have come at just the perfect time because it starts out with basic breathing meditation, which is the first meditative practice I did 20 years ago and thought was too boring and ineffectual for way me back then. Today, I did 15 minutes after listening to the author's explanation of what it was all about and it was amazing. I feel the difference hours later. I have yet to finish the whole book, but I know I will be doing this as my path at least for the foreseeable future. I was thinking how it seems to make such a firm foundation that perhaps eventually I will begin to do my other practices again afterward.Honestly, I think I skipped this very foundational practice and moved right on to meditation without an object, deity meditation, etc. perhaps too fast from the beginning. This is probably my own fault since I wanted to advance fast and did not have constant supervision from a teacher, though I did have a teacher. A few teachers, actually, but they're Tibetan and I didn't really have the easiest time communicating my problems/needs to them when I saw them. If they told me I needed to stabilize breath meditation, I probably wouldn't even really understand and I would have thought they don't understand me because I've gone beyond that. But, these instructions in this book are very good. They really take away the anxiety of expectations or lack of understanding. I felt I knew exactly what to do and exactly what to expect—I'm not gonna turn into a freakin' Buddha from 15 minutes of breathing. I'm just pushing some buttons in my nervous system that evolved over millions of years to disengage a habit of anxiety that's built up from years of fear and worry and muscular tension.Can't say enough great things about this book. I already bought The Five-Minute Meditator by the same author even though I haven't finished this audibook yet. That book brings mindulness into daily life instead of sitting in the corner breathing. I've always wanted to do mindfulness practice in daily life but never found a really comprehensive explanation anywhere. After listening to 4 chapters of this audiobook, I am sure this author can be the one to teach me those practices as well, so I wasted no time and just bought the Five-Minute Meditator today. By the time I finish this book, the new one should arrive.

A very, clear and concise argument on the Buddhist origins of meditation and basically explaining what a mess we’ve made of the Buddha’s original meaning of being mindful!