A Neuroscience of Enlightenment

Summary: David Vago is a contemplative neuroscientist and Jake Davis is a philosopher and Buddhist practitioner. Together they have authored an article proposing the question of whether Enlightenment can be traced to specific neural, cognitive, or behavioral correlates–and if so what those might be. In this episode David and Jake join host Vincent Horn to discuss the article titled “Can enlightenment be traced to specific neural correlates, cognition, or behavior? No, and (a qualified) Yes”. Jake and David describe the genesis of the article, the conflict and opportunity provided by using the word “enlightenment” in the title, and the important role first person subjective experience plays in scientific inquiry. This is part one of a two part series. Listen to part two: Quantifying Mindfulness. Episode Links: “Can enlightenment be traced to specific neural correlates, cognition, or behavior? No, and (a qualified) Yes” ( http://bit.ly/1DNpwdn ) The Emerging Science of Mindfulness Meditation ( http://bit.ly/1DNp4vU )