Conversations on Science: The Neuroscience of Zen: Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

With new breakthroughs in neuroscience, combined with insights from thousands of years of contemplative practice, we are beginning to understand how we can actively shape our own brains for greater happiness, love, and wisdom. Rick Hanson combines modern science with ancient teachings to show you how to have greater emotional balance in turbulent times, as well as healthier relationships, more effective actions, and greater peace of mind. The brain is the bodily organ that most affects who you are and your experience of living. We'll discuss how your brain creates worry or inner strength, heartache or love, anger or peacefulness, confusion or clarity, and suffering or its end. If you can change your brain, you can change your life and neuroscience is showing that mediation and mindful awareness does lead directly to changes in the brain.

Speaker: Dr. Rick Hanson, UC Berkeley, with Pamela Weiss