This is an an extremely interesting take on Buddhist-type mindful practices, blending as it does evolutionary theory, neuroscience and, essentially, Buddhist meditation methods - though accessible to anyone whatever his or her background. In the first part of the book we have an explanation of the theory behind the practices that are outlined in the second half. The first part is concerned with understanding the nature of the human person and in particular how the mind (though the writer tends to refer to the 'brain') works. I found when I read the first part so much ringing true. The authors speak of the various drives that impact on the human person, influencing how we feel and behave. None of these are negative in themselves. None of them are caused by our own wilfulness as such but are rather the by-product of millions of years of evolution. However, many are less useful now in our modern context and we have become 'victims' to some of these drives. Society has so many problems because our minds are imbalanced in favour of certain tendencies. We are driven for instance by competitive and stimulative drives rather than the innate faculty for contentment. What is needed is to restore balance. It sounds a bit like good old Aristotle and eudaimonia, the notion that humans need to create a harmonic society for human flourishing
The authors offer practical solutions regarding how to balance these drives to make us more happy and content. Many of these practices are taken from the Buddhist tradition yet they bear a resemblance also to traditional Christian practice, such as the Ignatian examen of consciousness.
I will return to this book as it is so full of interesting thoughts and ideas. The important thing is however that it is not abstract but eminently practical. It really helps one understand oneself and there are good guided meditations within the volume to introduce the reader to the mindful methods.
The only criticism I would make of the book is, as I have already mentioned, that it refers to us as though we are a 'brain'. This for me is too narrow. Neuroscience has certainly not solved the mind/body relationship. Eliminative materialism is assumed rather than proven. There is also a sense in which the authors provide us with a machine-like model of the human person: One's problems can be resolved if one switches off one part and turns on another. I personally don't like this as a model though I can see that it is useful.
In any case, the language of the text might appeal to many people today as we have got used to thinking of ourselves as essentially physical brains. The important things are the insights the authors offer into the way we could and should live our lives. The book seems to be so useful that I can overcome my philosophical reservations.
Therefore, I would really recommend this book. It helps you to understand yourself and offers practical ways of developing yourself - and as a consequence, the whole world - for the better.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Frequently bought together
More items to explore
Page 1 of 1 Start againPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
CORSAN
Excelente libro la terapia centrada en la compasión la recomiendo mucho
Reviewed in Spain on 24 October 2021
j. anonymous
Good Introduction...step by step...to Mindfulness and Compassionate Meditation
Reviewed in the United States on 16 February 2014
