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The Monkey or the Mind
Buddhist Psycho Meeting
Saturday 18th October
12:30-2:00pm
Overview:
Psychologists, Buddhists and meditators (and anyone else interested) are invited to join ‘The Monkey or the Mind’ discussion Saturday 18th October.
- 12:30-2:00pm at PSG Penthouse, near Nana BTS
- There is no charge and no need to book.
‘Buddhist Psychos’ was started by the late Dr Holly Dugan, a clinical psychologist. This is a totally informal group, and we do not profess to be experts!
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What Happens:
Continuing the tradition for artful cappuccino discussions relating to Buddhism and Psychology (or any other topic we fancy) all ‘Buddhist Psychos’ are invited to meet, and trade ideas on the topic of the Brain vs Mind – is the mind/consciousness purely a manifestation of firing neurons of the brain, or is it something separate? How do the two relate to each other.
Joining us is Australian meditation teacher Grahame White – he has been practising and then teaching meditation since 1969, and is leading a meditation retreat in Chiang Rai this month.
Please take a look at some of the links below on the topic, so that you have an informed input. Yes, you got to do your homework! Or at least look at youtube for 10 minutes before you set out.
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The Topic:
This time round we are looking at the brain and the mind. Buddhism holds that the mind is a separate function, and indeed that the mind is capable of various psychic powers and transmigration between bodies in a cycle of birth and death. One ‘explanation’ sometimes found is that the brain is the office of the mind.
Neurology on the other hand, finds that experience is purely a functioning of the neurons. Consciousness is purely an electro-chemical firing of the brain (central nervous system). If the brain is responsible for every iota of consciousness, how come we seem to have free choice and the ability to change? (i.e. free will). Or is free will an illusion too? In science, this debate continues (Independent newspaper article)
The physical brain, and the mind of experience and intentions clearly do have an intricate relationship, but which comes first? Quantum mechanics suggests that consciousness in fact, influences atomic particles (The Observer Effect).
Some of the research in the news right now focusses on the always controversial Near Death Experience (NDE).
Conscious awareness continues without a functioning brain – Telegraph
Largest-ever study provides evidence that ‘out of body’ and ‘near-death’ experiences may be real Independent
Consciousness is one of the hard problems in science (includes cheesy video on the Observer effect)
Awareness During resuscitation – Full Academic Paper (only for the very keen!)
If you find an interesting video or article please add the link to the comments at the end of this post.
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Love this cranky 15 minute video on cause/effect and free will:
“Free Will is the arrogance of man”
A more generic take on the mind/brain :
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Location
Anyone is welcome. You don’t need a particular background in psychology. You just need to be free on the Saturday afternoon to join the exchange of ideas and observations.
Event is at Sandeep’s place. It is easy to find – go to Nana BTS, and head down Sukhumvit Soi 6. PSJ Pentouse apartment block in on the left. We’re in 8B
