Hidden Brain Podcast – Seeking Serenity: Part 1

Intro

In this episode of the Hidden Brain podcast, titled “Seeking Serenity: Part 1,” host Shankar Vedantam explores the two ways of understanding reality: the objective and subjective approaches. He delves into the study of the mind, the influence of the counter-culture movement of the 1960s, and the transformative power of meditation. Through personal stories and interviews, Vedantam uncovers the connection between our minds and the state of the world, and the potential for meditation to bring peace and compassion.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Reality

• Reality can be understood through two approaches: objective and subjective.
• The objective approach aims for precision, while the subjective approach is attentive to meaning.
• Our minds and brains construct reality, and it can be perceived differently.

Influence of Counter-Culture Movement

• The counter-culture movement of the 1960s had a significant impact on the study of the mind.
• Musicians like the Beatles experimented with their minds and invited listeners to explore the limits of their own minds.
• Psychologist Timothy Leary encouraged volunteers to explore psychedelic drugs.

Meditation and Personal Transformation

• Meditation plays a crucial role in personal transformation and understanding the mind.
• Richard Davidson’s experiences with meditation and influential figures like Daniel Goldman and Ramdas.
• Meditation allows us to look directly at pain and see its differentiated qualities.
• Benefits of meditation include calm clarity, peacefulness, and contentment.

Challenges and Reconciliation

• Returning to the world after an intensive meditation retreat can be challenging and requires more practice.
• Contemplative traditions have a different orientation of looking at people compared to modern psychology.
• Harvard’s hesitation in studying the mind from the inside out due to concerns about bad science and objectivity.
• The opportunity to bridge the two approaches came with an invitation to meet the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama and Neuroscientific Research

• The Dalai Lama invited neuroscientists to investigate meditation practices in the mountains.
• Long-term practitioners taught the researchers about meditation.
• Western scientists and master meditators had skepticism towards each other’s ideas and intentions.
• Richie Davidson’s goal of becoming a translator between the two approaches failed spectacularly.

Summary

The Objective and Subjective Approaches to Reality

Reality can be understood through two approaches: the objective and subjective. The objective approach aims for precision, while the subjective approach focuses on meaning. Our minds and brains construct reality, and it can be perceived differently by individuals.

The Influence of the Counter-Culture Movement

The counter-culture movement of the 1960s had a profound impact on the study of the mind. Musicians like the Beatles experimented with their minds and encouraged listeners to explore their own. Psychologist Timothy Leary advocated for the exploration of psychedelic drugs. This movement challenged traditional understandings of the mind and opened up new avenues for exploration.

Meditation and Personal Transformation

Meditation plays a crucial role in personal transformation and understanding the mind. Richard Davidson’s experiences with meditation and influential figures like Daniel Goldman and Ramdas shaped his career. Through meditation, individuals can look directly at pain and gain insight into its differentiated qualities. The practice offers benefits such as calm clarity, peacefulness, and contentment.

Challenges and Reconciliation

Returning to the world after an intensive meditation retreat can be challenging and requires ongoing practice. Contemplative traditions have a different orientation towards people compared to modern psychology, which often focuses on negative qualities. Harvard initially hesitated to study the mind from the inside out due to concerns about bad science and objectivity. However, an invitation to meet the Dalai Lama presented an opportunity to bridge the two approaches.

The Dalai Lama and Neuroscientific Research

The Dalai Lama invited neuroscientists to investigate meditation practices in the mountains. Long-term practitioners shared their knowledge and taught the researchers about meditation. However, both Western scientists and master meditators had skepticism towards each other’s ideas and intentions. Richie Davidson’s goal of becoming a translator between the two approaches ultimately failed, but it set the stage for further exploration.

Conclusion

This episode of the Hidden Brain podcast explores the two ways of understanding reality and the transformative power of meditation. It highlights the influence of the counter-culture movement on the study of the mind and the challenges of reconciling different approaches. The invitation to meet the Dalai Lama opens up new possibilities for neuroscientific research on meditation. Stay tuned for part two to discover something strange about the minds of master meditators.