Ep142: Science & the Enlightened Self - Dr Jud Brewer, Shinzen Young, Chelsey Fasano, & Dr Sanguinetti
Special guest Dr Jud Brewer returns to join the ongoing conversation featuring Shinzen Young, Chelsey Fasano, and Dr Sanguinetti.
Available on Youtube, iTunes, SoundCloud & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
In this episode, the group take a deep dive into concepts of the ‘Self’, comparing and contrasting religious models with the latest theories in neuroscience and psychology.
Shinzen rethinks Early Buddhist craving and aversion doctrines in the light of modern mathematics and Jud considers the clinical implications of neuro-modulation and psychedelics.
The group also discusses the typical learning curve to enlightenment, as well as the role of connection and communion in contemplative endeavours.
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - What is the self?
06:24 - DFN hubs of the self
09:13 - The multi-dimensional self
10:14 - 6-fold aspects of the self
12:58 - The experiential self and seeing through illusion
16:35 - Shinzen on mathematics, the self, and early Buddhist teachings
24:11 - Distinctions around dimensional analysis
31:03 - Clinical considerations and psychedelics
34:28 - Stickiness and surprising results of ultrasound neuro-modulation on meditators
37:45 - Different kinds of self-stickiness can be directly targeted by ultrasound
39:11 - Shinzen rethinks craving and aversion doctrines
47:00 - More on targeting self-clinging with ultrasound
48:32 - How to attain stream entry
55:09 - Jud on phase change and the ice cube analogy
01:00:22 - Typical learning curve to enlightenment
01:05:41 - Connection and communion
01:15:21 - Three important concepts for current and future meditation researchers
01:23:25 - Jud on his clinical observations
01:31:26 - A kinder, gentler B.F. Skinner
Previous episodes in this series:
To find out more about Dr Brewer, visit:
To find out more about Shinzen, visit:
To find out more about Chelsey, visit:
To find our more about Dr Sanguinetti, visit:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James