Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- How to harness the source of suffering
- Freedom-giving approach to “self”
- Factors that affect your outlook
- Scientific evidence for Buddhism’s beliefs
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Scientific studies confirm the tenets of Eastern philosophy
Imagine pitching a project to a group of potential investors. While talking, you notice that a woman starts exchanging glances with her colleagues, whispering, covering her mouth, and writing something down. Thoughts like “did I say something wrong?” or “are there mistakes in my slides?” quickly pop up in your head. After finishing the speech, you feel anxious and exhausted by doubts, anticipating the questions. Then the lady says, “I will be honest. Just before your speech, I told my colleagues what I was looking for. It was exactly what you presented”.
In Western culture, we rarely question our thoughts’ accuracy compared to reality.
Some wrong assumptions can cost us more than a few minutes of worrying. For centuries, Eastern philosophy has emphasized the need to question our judgments to be at peace with ourselves. It may be high time we heed this advice.It's not only a matter of trying something for a change since recent scientific experiments confirm notions known in the East for years. For instance, neuroscience states that meditation significantly affects the cortex, a part of the brain responsible for problem-solving, reasoning, and other higher-level processes. With time, this part of the brain shrinks, yet people who meditate for an extended period can delay this process: at age 50, they can have a cortex like a person twice as young.Neuropsychology's discoveries about the left and right sides of the brain prove the perspective of Eastern philosophy on the role of the thinking mind and the notion of self. Soon you will discover how detachment from your judgments can bring you freedom and decrease agitation.
second KEY POINT
The reality warp via brain's “default settings”
One of the Buddhist tenets is that we are more than our thoughts or beliefs, and science confirms it. All human beings are full-time interpreters, explaining people or events around us and ourselves. In charge of this process, the left hemisphere isn’t an objective observer: many underlying principles affect its conclusions about reality.For instance, if we are in a supermarket and notice cereal boxes of unknown brands, we are likely to choose the one to our right. We may think it is more attractive or looks familiar. The left hemisphere creates these explanations, and usually, they are ill-founded. The actual cause of our choice is right-side preference. It's one of the numerous “default settings” we are unaware of. Thus, our brain fills this gap with various interpretations we perceive as a reflection of reality.Intense emotions can also puzzle our brains. In one experiment, scientists approached people before or after they enjoyed a rollercoaster and showed them a photo of a stranger. Those who had already been on the ride found a person in a picture more attractive. They might say beady eyes, cheerful smile, or hair color was a decisive factor. In fact, their brain misattributed the excitement after the ride to liking the stranger. Yet when a research participant was married or dating someone, the left hemisphere drew a plausible conclusion.Even hormone levels, such as dopamine, alter how you perceive the world. When dopamine rises, you may start noticing patterns, although there are no grounds for them. For instance, you can interpret colleagues whispering in the corner as a sign of plotting while, in truth, they are preparing a surprise.
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first KEY POINT
Categorization helps us decide what to call “failure” or “success”
second KEY POINT
Beliefs can make us recover or suffer
third KEY POINT
Trust the right hemisphere
fourth KEY POINT
Intuition is a gift underestimated by the left hemisphere
fifth KEY POINT
Our yesterday's “self” is different from today's
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism about?
No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism by Anam Thubten explores the intersection between modern neuropsychology and Buddhist principles, especially the concept of self. The book delves into how understanding the self can alleviate suffering and enhance mental well-being.
What are the key takeaways from No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism?
Key takeaways from No Self, No Problem revolve around the idea that letting go of the rigid notion of self can lead to increased freedom and joy. Anam Thubten emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and the science behind neuroplasticity as tools for personal growth and enlightenment.
Is No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism worth reading?
Yes, No Self, No Problem is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in personal development, mental health, or the synergy of science and spirituality. Anam Thubten's insights provide practical advice and a fresh perspective on age-old Buddhist teachings.
How many pages is No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism and when was it published?
No Self, No Problem consists of 152 pages and was published on March 19, 2020. This concise format makes it an accessible read for those wanting to integrate complex concepts into their daily lives.
How does No Self, No Problem relate to modern psychology?
No Self, No Problem connects to modern psychology by illustrating how Buddhist notions of selflessness align with neuropsychological findings on the brain's adaptability. Anam Thubten combines traditional wisdom with contemporary science, suggesting that both can enhance our understanding of human experience.