A Return to Innocence: Philosophical Guidance in an Age of Cynicism [Hardcover]

Jeff Schwartz brings together his training in the clinical neurosciences and in Buddhist meditation in a powerful partnership. He calls on the triune brain model of neurobiologist Paul McLean, which distinguishes three levels of evolutionary development in the brain: reptilian, mammalian, and human. He then relates the struggles of human existence to the relationship between the human prefontal cortex and the "animal brain." In an undisciplined state, we are driven by the animal brain, and we are prone to commit all manner of hurtful actions in the service of our instinctive drives. But the human brain can take control of the animal brain and subdue its reckless tendencies. The reward of this accomplishment is the potential for innocence, for acting in the world in a way that does not add to the burden of suffering. It is here that the Buddhist and the neuroscientist meet. Buddhist meditation is not about self-gratification in blissful states, but is all about the reduction of human suffering.

Together, the physician mentor and the young student explore an incident in which Patrick hurt the feelings of the coxswain of his rowing team, resulting in his dismissal by the coach. The hurtful remark was preceded by a moment of ill will, for which there may have been a good reason. But Jeff is aware that part of the human tragedy is that we always have such good reasons for hurting one another. It is in the moment between the arising of the ill will and the hurtful action that the opportunity for self-observation arises, and it is here that the "innocent" human brain can observe anger without acting on it. Thus the amount of suffering in the universe is lessened, and the goal of the Buddha comes closer to being realized.

The "Impartial Spectator" requires daily training; Dr. Schwartz practices meditation one hour each day. He has assisted patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to control their compulsions without a lifetime of medication by using the ability of their human brains to control the animal brain from which their symptoms arise. He demonstrates, without developing at length, a distinction between two separate but often confused ideas: first, that some mental troubles have biological roots; second, that these conditions require lifetime medication. The second idea does not follow from the first. Part of our human biology includes an ability to observe our inner states without succumbing to their demands. The exploration of this principle in other mental conditions would be a great development in psychiatry for the next century.

Infused with information from today's scientific research on the chemical changes the brain can undergo, the book also details, using historical accounts, how such changes can come about when a person's mind--i.e., a person's will--makes conscious decisions and choices necessary to alter the brain chemistry. In essence, a person can therefore choose constructive brain chemistry as opposed to destructive brain chemistry. The book also broadens the application of the basic principles that were presented in Dr. Schwartz's book entitled BRAIN LOCK, especially the principles concerning mindfulness and the "Impartial Spectator."

The book gives the reader a look into a surprisingly tender and most honest communication between two men--one the regardful father figure, the other, the respectful teenage son. Matters of morality, love, self-preservation and honest friendship are explored with heartfelt conversation between the two friends.

Dr. Schwartz also addresses the issues of OCD in this book, and definitely adds to the dimensions of understanding this disease and how behavior therapy methods can help a person control this chronic condition. It is a book which can help redirect our thinking in answering society's urgent cries for help.