The Sense of Self

At the heart of this book is one of the most ancient and profound question philosophers, spiritual seekers, and curious individuals have pondered since the beginning of history: Who am I?. Advances in modern science, and access to Zen tradition, have provided us with broader and richer understanding of this topic. Over the chapters the author, a psychologist and Zen master, investigates how the brain fosters a sense of an independent self, situating his research in the contexts of neuroscience, ecology, evolution, psychology, and of the principles Eastern wisdom traditions. The book explores a broad range of insights from brain science, evolutionary biology, astronomy, clinical psychology, thoughts and emotions, mental health disorders, and Zen Buddhism. This book will appeal to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counsellors, and researchers of Eastern traditions. General readers interested in the functioning of the brain will discover practical ways to integrate fascinating new findings on an age-old question into their everyday life.

Integrates a broad range of disciplines to provide new insights into the nature of the self Explores how the brain cultivates a sense of an independent self Combines a multidisciplinary scientific approach with the ancient wisdom of Zen Buddhism

Autorentext

Richard W. Sears, PsyD, PhD, MBA, ABPP is a clinical psychologist and Zen master, and is Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation, Cincinnati, Ohio, US. He is the author of 10 books, including Mindfulness: Living through Challenges and Enriching Your Life in this Moment . His website is www.psych-insights.com.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. The History of the Self.- Chapter 2. The Cortex and the Self.- Chapter 3. The Limbic System and Emotion.- Chapter 4. Clinical Findings.- Chapter 5. Clues from Other Disciplines.- Chapter 6. Eastern Wisdom Traditions.- Chapter 7. Tying it All Together.- Chapter 8. Applications.- Chapter 9. Future Directions.