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Science of Enlightenment: How Meditation Works Hardcover – 15 September 2016
by Shinzen Young (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 133 ratings
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"Enlightenment"--is it a myth or is it real? In every spiritual tradition, inner explorers have discovered that the liberated state is in fact a natural experience, as real as the sensations you are having right now--and that through the investigation of your own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions you can awaken to clear insight and a happiness independent of conditions. For decades, one of the most engaging teachers of our time has illuminated the many dimensions of awakening--but solely at his live retreats and on audio recordings. Now, with The Science of Enlightenment, Shinzen Young brings to readers an uncommonly lucid guide to mindfulness meditation for the first time: how it works and how to use it to enhance your cognitive capacities, your kindness and connection with the world, and the richness of all your experiences. As thousands of his students and listeners will confirm, Shinzen is like no other teacher you've ever encountered. He merges scientific clarity, a rare grasp of source-language teachings East and West, and a gift for sparking insight through unexpected analogies, illustrations, humor, and firsthand accounts that reveal the inner journey to be as wondrous as any geographical expedition. Join him here to explore:
Universal insights spanning Buddhism, Christian and Jewish mysticism, shamanism, the yogas of India, and many other paths
How to begin and navigate your own meditation practice
Concentration, clarity, and equanimity--the core catalysts of awakening
Impermanence--its many aspects and how to work with them
Experiencing the "wave" and "particle" natures of self
Purification and clarification--how we digest mental blockages and habits through inner work
Emerging neuroscience research, the future of enlightenment, and much moreFor meditators of all levels and beliefs--especially those who think they've heard it all--this many-faceted gem will be sure to surprise, provoke, illuminate, and inspire.
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The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness
Dr John Yates
4.7 out of 5 stars 1,302
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Natural Pain Relief: How to Soothe and Dissolve Physical Pain with Mindfulness
Shinzen Young
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Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book - Revised and Expanded Edition: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book (Second Edition Revised and Expanded)
Daniel Ingram
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Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas
Leigh Brasington
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Seeing That Frees: Meditations on Emptiness and Dependent Arising
Robert Burbea
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"Mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young's new book, The Science of Enlightenment, is an easy-to-read, down-to-earth primer on why meditation matters and how it actually works."
--Yoga Journal
"The Science of Enlightenment, inspired by teacher/author Shinzen Young's audio teachings, is a guide to meditation that weaves instruction from numerous spiritual traditions, technological and scientific approaches to meditation, and Young's own illustrations and analogies. Written for meditators of all levels, Young presents an exploration of two aspects of meditation--calming and clarifying--known in the Buddhist tradition as shamatha and vipassana. With chapters such as 'The Realm of Power' and 'The Real No Self, ' ?this book illuminates how to use our practical cognitive capacities in conjunction with compassion in order to realize our full humanity."
--Lion's Roar
"Part 'hard-nosed researcher, ' and part 'poetic dharma teacher, ' Shinzen Young brings fifty years of meditation experience and exploration of the best of what East and West have to offer to bear, showing how science and spirituality are coming together in what he calls the 'Marriage of the Millennium.'
The experiences of meditators can now be measured and verified. In demonstrating that while their beliefs may differ, what happens in the neurological systems of adepts during contemplation is similar---so science supports the unity at the heart of the great spiritual traditions. Shinzen also describes his antimeditative childhood, how hashish followed by a chewy chocolate brownie once brought him to a state of samadhi and oneness, and how the horrific death of a beloved mentor transformed him from an armchair academic to a committed monastic. 'Let me be clear: enlightenment is real, ' he writes. 'Not only is it real, but it is something that can be achieved by normal human beings through the systematic practice of meditation.'
Shinzen's 'happiest thought' involves two steps: first, discover a biophysical model for enlightenment (assuming that one exists), then create a technology to reliably facilitate it (if that's possible). Such an achievement, he affirms, though not yet within reach, holds promise that enlightenment could go viral and dramatically change the course of human history for the better."
--Foreword Reviews
"Now, with The Science of Enlightenment, Shinzen Young brings to readers an uncommonly lucid guide to mindfulness meditation for the first time: how it works and how to use it to enhance your cognitive capacities, your kindness and connection with the world, and the richness of all your experiences. As thousands of his students and listeners will confirm, Shinzen is like no other teacher you've ever encountered....For meditators of all levels and beliefs -- especially those who think they've heard it all -- this many-faceted gem will be sure to surprise, provoke, illuminate, and inspire."
--The Edge Magazine
"Not since the Buddha himself has a clear, intelligent, and practical guide to mindfulness and awakening been available. The Science of Enlightenment brings a modern, technological, and scientific approach to the Buddha's teachings. Polymath and polyglot Shinzen is not shy to explain the nature of the Universe and our place within it as we expand and contract. Anyone who reads this book, embraces the recommended practices, and commits to the wisdom provided will catapult themselves towards an enlightened life. In short, The Science of Enlightenment will blow your mind!"
--Arnie Kozak, PhD, author of Mindfulness A to Z and The Awakened Introvert
"This is Shinzen Young at his best--spiritual mentor, guide, scholar of Asian languages, Dharma teacher, scientist, and spiritual adept. Shinzen is my teacher, and this book is his master work. It is a gift to those of us who follow the Dharma and want to deepen and expand our meditation practice. This slender book offers an extraordinary range of knowledge and wisdom. We are lucky to have it!"
--Polly Young-Eisendrath, PhD, author of The Present Heart: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Discovery
"At long last, beloved meditation teacher Shinzen Young lays out his unique meditative vision for us all. This comprehensive manual, peppered with his personal experience and his vast interdisciplinary knowledge, is a testament to his many years of deep exploration and teaching of this terrain. This is sure to appeal to meditators of all levels for the development of wisdom, peace, and freedom."
--Diana Winston, director of mindfulness education, UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, and coauthor, with Susan L. Smalley, of Fully Present
"The most respected man in Western dharma has published his masterpiece. I've been looking forward to Shinzen Young's book for 25 years. It's here now. And it's fantastic. A tour de force and an instant classic."
--Kenneth Folk
"What a joy it is to see this work! Shinzen Young is one of the great meditation teachers alive today. He has a profound understanding of tradition while also innovating for today's world. His rigorous experimentation reminds us that contemplative traditions aren't bound to dusty, tired ways of expression but are living and dynamic forces that still speak to us. The original Science of Enlightenment deeply influenced how I experienced my life and what I should do with it. I'm thrilled that another generation can learn from this master's ever-fresh voice."
--Jeremy Hunter, PhD, founding director, Executive Mind Leadership Institute, and associate professor of practice, Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management
"With warmth, wisdom, and stunning precision, Shinzen Young maps out his unique path through and out of the realms of suffering; a towering work by one of the great teachers of our time."
--Leonard Cohen, Grammy(R) Award-winning singer/songwriter and poet
"I am not a big fan of the language of 'special meditative states' or 'enlightenment' as the most skillful ways to think about or broadly cultivate access to the full range of our intrinsic wisdom and warm-heartedness. Nevertheless, Shinzen's brilliant, wide ranging, deeply passionate, and very clear developmental approach here can give anyone who cares about wisdom and compassion a precise and compelling perspective--both scientifically rigorous and culturally inclusive--on what it might mean to be fully who and what we already are, in other words, fully human, and how to realize it and let it ripen us through the systematic lifetime cultivation and application of mindfulness/heartfulness writ both seemingly small and inwardly, and seemingly large and outwardly. The fate of the world hangs in the balance, so Shinzen's highly disciplined methods and message are best taken seriously, and yet at the same time, approached with a light touch and a sense of humor, as he himself emphasizes, so we do not take ourselves and the possibility of our attaining 'special states' too seriously, especially since they are already here in this moment and there is no one to take them seriously anyway. Seriously."
--Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Mindfulness for Beginners and co-editor, with Mark Williams, of Mindfulness: Diverse Perspectives on its Origin, Meanings, and Applications
"This is a beautifully rich, integrative work for students of meditation in our time. Shinzen Young speaks with clarity and authority grounded deep in contemplative experience, and informed by serious, modern scientific inquiry. This book will engage and guide anyone interested in the scholarship, the practice, and the science of meditation."
--Diane Musho Hamilton, author of Everything is Workable: A Zen Approach to Conflict Resolution
"Shinzen's writing, like his embodied teaching style, is direct, lucid, and insightful. Through his practice, teachings, and ways of transmitting his teachings, he is able to connect with the seeker and the scientist alike in profound ways. The Science of Enlightenment is a must-read for those interested in how meditation works in everyday, practical terms; as well as in logical, scientific terms."
--Robert W. Roeser, PhD, professor of psychology, Portland State University
"Shinzen's wisdom shines forth in this practical and helpful guide."
--Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, director of research, Center for Mindfulness
"This book meets the most critical test of science excellence in that Shinzen's Unified Mindfulness strategies are both simple and therefore readily learnable, yet deeply transformative. Learning and practicing Unified Mindfulness has the potential to radically facilitate the reader's 'happiness for no particular reason.' Equally important is its potential to reduce suffering in the delivery of human and health services. Our team at The Centre for Conscious Care Canada, together with Shinzen's guidance, has developed a revolutionary improved way to support individuals who have autism and other developmental disabilities to be all that they can be. Shinzen's unique qualities of competence and compassion--a perfect balance of science and heart--is woven into the fabric of this sacred gift."
--Peter Marks, executive director of The Centre for Care Canada and coauthor, with Gareth Marks, of Conscious Care and Support
"Cutting to the heart of the matter, this book explores the essence of meditation across all spiritual traditions, and in wonderfully practical ways, shows readers how to reap the rewards of greater mindfulness, concentration, and emotional balance. Shinzen is deeply trained and wise, and I've personally benefited from his instruction. His book is grounded in science, friendly, clear, relentlessly helpful--and highly recommended."
--Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
"The Science of Enlightenment is a highly practical distillation of the key elements of many contemplative traditions, presented as a balanced, practical, and precise method. Shinzen's personal story will resonate with many and his wry humor peeks out of many sections. This book creates the ability to inquire deeply into oneself and learn the skill of responding skillfully to life, as opposed to reacting. In the words of Victor Frankl, 'Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.'"
--Bill Duane, superintendent of well-being and sustainable performance, Google
"Shinzen Young offers a map of meditation that has the incisiveness of good science, and is fully engaging and refreshing. Whether you are seeking an approachable entry, or wanting to deepen on your spiritual path, this book is a brilliant guide, full of insight and inspiration."
--Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
"Shinzen Young's The Science of Enlightenment is a wonderful and informative book for anyone interested in meditation. Beginners will find clear explanations of what meditation is and how it works to support one's evolution; experienced meditators will find new perspectives that will enhance their practices; and 'ShinHeads' will rejoice at having so much of Shinzen's teaching readily at hand. Highly recommended for anyone who practices meditation."--Leigh Brasington, author of Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas
"Shinzen Young's approach to Mindfulness is both poetic and rigorous. He has already benefitted countless people with his innovative techniques. In The Science of Enlightenment, he demystifies the process of practice and makes it easily accessible, which will undoubtedly benefit both new and experienced meditators."
--Maria (Myoshin) Gonzalez, bestselling author of Mindful Leadership: The 9 Ways to Self-Awareness, Transforming Yourself, and Inspiring Others
"In this fascinating, clearly written, and easy-to-read book, Shinzen takes us on a journey that combines autobiographical anecdote with correlations between many different mystical traditions, all leading to a set of principles upon which a science of meditation can be founded. This is an important and groundbreaking addition to world literature on Awakening."
--Culadasa, author of The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science
"The best book I have read on the full process of Buddhist insight meditation, from the muddy beginnings to the strange and beautiful deep end of practice. Young's primary interest is in making contemplative development more rigorous--to disambiguate the confusions, define the terms, and tease out the fundamental dynamics. Between the two great Magisteria of science and spirit, he explores a middle ground of direct experience. There is simply no teacher alive today who can do this with Young's level of experience and precision. The man has the perceptual acuity of a high-powered microscope, with enough actual scientific discipline to clearly describe what he's seeing without falling into premature conclusions or half-baked interpretive conjectures (the pitfall of too many spiritual books that seek the imprimatur of science). The effect is thrillingly provocative, a dramatic validation of the deepest aspects of what it means to be human. The text is also gracefully written, filled with fascinating personal stories and rich cultural and historical context. Simply wonderful. A must-read for anyone curious about both meditation and the future of science."
--Jeff Warren, author of The Head Trip: Adventures on the Wheel of Consciousness (i.e., student number 762)
"Shinzen Young is a genius in making meditation more comprehensible and practical for modern people, writing both from widespread and deep intellectual understanding and from deep personal experience and accomplishment! I give it my strongest recommendations both for those beginning meditation and for those expert in the practice."
--Charles T. Tart, professor emeritus of psychology, UC-Davis, and author of Altered States of Consciousness and The End of Materialism
"Shinzen says that 'to teach about enlightenment is to mislead people, ' but that 'to fail to teach about enlightenment is also to mislead people.' It's impossible to perfectly describe and guide others on this paradoxical path. That said, it's a rare thing to have a guide that fails quite so as well as Shinzen does."
--Vincent Horn, cofounder of buddhistgeeks.com and meditate.io
"Only a broadly trained and practiced dharma-farer like Shinzen Young could have pulled off this remarkable blend of Zen's nonconceptual immediacy, Vipassana's precision, and the Western scientific perspective, along with numerous other helpful perspectives, into something so readable and practical while yet plunging the depths of practice and awakening. In short, Shinzen has totally rocked it!"
--Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, MD, MSPH, author of Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book
"Shinzen is one of the very best meditation teachers I have ever worked with. His openness to feedback and continuous improvement embodies the essence of science: precision, depth, power, simplicity, and universality. This book is a gift from a unique visionary, presenting ancient wisdom in a manner that exemplifies the contemporary zeitgeist."
--Chade-Meng Tan, bestselling author of Search Inside Yourself
"In this remarkable book, Shinzen shares both his personal story and the knowledge of Buddhist practice that he has accumulated over a lifetime. With his unique approach he synthesizes teachings from multiple traditions and presents them in a clear and accessible way. An accomplishment as impressive as it is inspiring."
--Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child and creator of the Inner Kids program
"Shinzen is a genuine meditation master and spiritual teacher, among other talents and abilities far beyond those of mortal monks. His grand vision furthering the unification of science with spirit, as exemplified in this tremendous new work, will help further the integrated science of enlightenment for wise living in this next century."
--Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within and founder of the Dzogchen Meditation Center
"Shinzen is my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. I was a skeptic who came to mindfulness desperately looking for relief, and Shinzen's pragmatic voice, his sheer logic, leveled my distrust. Now, as one of his senior facilitators, I'm grateful and honored to share his brilliantly wrought, unifying system of mindfulness, which has had such a radically positive effect in my life. This book speaks to your ultimate thriving as a human being."
--Julianna Raye, senior Shinzen Young facilitator and founder of Unified Mindfulness training programs
About the Author
Shinzen Young
Shinzen Young became fascinated with Asian culture while a teenager in Los Angeles. Later he enrolled in a PhD program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. Eventually, he went to Asia and did extensive training in each of the three major Buddhist traditions: Vajrayana, Zen and Vipassana. Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the burgeoning dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science. Shinzen is known for his innovative "interactive, algorithmic approach" to mindfulness, a system specifically designed for use in pain management, recovery support, and as an adjunct to psychotherapy. He leads meditation retreats throughout North America and has helped establish numerous mindfulness centers and programs. He also consults widely on meditation-related research, in both the clinical and the basic science domains. He often says: "My life's passion lies in exploring what may arise from the cross-fertilization of the best of the East with the best of the West."
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Shinzen Young
Shinzen Young is an American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant.
His systematic approach to categorizing, adapting and teaching meditation has resulted in collaborations with Harvard Medical School, Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Vermont in the bourgeoning field of contemplative neuroscience.
Shinzen’s interest in Asia began at the age of 14 when he decided to attend Japanese ethnic school in his native city of Los Angeles.
After majoring in East Asian languages at UCLA, he entered a PhD program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. As a part of his thesis research, he lived as a Shingon (Japanese Vajrayana) Buddhist monk for three years at Mount Koya, Japan. It was then that he received the name Shinzen (真善).
Also during that time, he became friends with Father William Johnston (author of Christian Zen). Fr. Johnston helped broaden Shinzen’s interests to include comparative world mysticism and the scientific study of meditative states.
Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science.
Shinzen is known for his interactive, algorithmic approach to mindfulness, and often uses mathematical metaphors to illustrate meditative phenomena.
He is the author of The Science of Enlightenment, Natural Pain Relief and numerous audio offerings.
Shinzen leads residential retreats throughout North America. In 2006, he created the monthly Home Practice Program. These phone-based mini-retreats are designed to make deep meditation practice accessible to anyone in the world regardless of their location, health situation, and time or financial constraints.
Shinzen likes to say of himself:
I’m a Jewish-American Buddhist teacher who got turned on to comparative mysticism by an Irish-Catholic priest and who has developed a Burmese-Japanese fusion practice inspired by the spirit of quantified science.
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Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
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Big Tezz
5.0 out of 5 stars BrilliantReviewed in Australia on 11 December 2019
I wish I could afford the audio book
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1.0 out of 5 stars PoorReviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 March 2019
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This author is particularly egotistical, ironic given the subject matter! A boring, uninvolving read.
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Su Hwang
5.0 out of 5 stars recommend this bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 January 2018
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This book gave me lots of inspiration & tip for my meditation practice. Definitely, recommend this book!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2018
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one of the world's best
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Oskar Saarinen
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 January 2018
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Excellent. Made my practise alot deeper and "understandable"
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Richie
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Inspiring and Highly RecommendedReviewed in Germany on 8 January 2018
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I also read many books about meditation and Shinzen Young knows what he's talking about. He's very clear and precise and a lot of experience and knowledge shines through in what he writes/says.
What I like especially about the book is that it uncovers principles and mechanisms in a rather scientific way which elsewhere are only explained in a mystified/cloudy way.
With scientific I mean patterns and models are derived from the authors and others expereinces, and then these are explained in a way that they can be used to evaluate own experiences or even - and that's the most important part - inspire to do our own experiments to gain further experience in the topic.
As a bonus the author covers meditation from the perspective of the worlds different traditions (e.g. different religious traditions) and uncovers similarities and how these relates to the experiences of someone uncovering meditation for themselves.
I also highly recommend the associated audio book and Shinzen Youngs Online Videos.
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3.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but the title is a bit misleading
Reviewed in Canada on 22 June 2018
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Good book, but the title is a bit misleading. I was expecting this book to be filled with scientific research on the nature of meditation and enlightenment, but I found very little of that. Instead, Shinzen merely imports ideas from math and the physical sciences and tries to use them to describe his experience of meditation and spiritual progress. I find this interesting, but I don't think that counts as an exercise in science. Nonetheless, I found many of Shinzen's ideas helpful in my own quest for awakening.
4 people found this helpful
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Zentao
1.0 out of 5 stars Not useful...find a proper teacher!
Reviewed in Canada on 17 November 2018
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This book is extremely poorly written. Over many thousands of years properly trained and ready practitioners of meditation have written books. Some are actually useful.
This book is not useful. While I could write a lengthy dissertation on why that is so, I suspect that if anyone who thought that they were going to get something from this book should just go for a beginner class with anyone who has actually meditated.
You will learn a lot more from that exercise than you will from this book.
As for "science" from this book. It's junk. End of story.
If you are interested in meditation then seek out a proper teacher. Books, much like the buffet lunch, won't help you here.
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Lilly-Emily
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening information for all who are closer to meditation.
Reviewed in Germany on 20 February 2022
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Enlightening information for all who are closer to meditation. An incredibly interesting book with many inspiring insights. The mind boggles... especially the later chapters demand a certain openness in mind. But if I can implement even a small part of this material, my life has changed in the direction I've been looking for for so long.
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Alexander J. Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars Buddhism without the bull****
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2016
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If you are a scientific, atheist, rationalist type and justifiably suspicious of religion in general, but are stuck with emotional or mental health issues as a result of incomplete understanding of your own mind, please read this book.
It showcases some of the technology of Buddhism while stripping out much of the woo, and will put you in a good position to make use of more detailed sources of information on specific techniques (e.g. Daniel Ingram's excellent 'Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha) without being thrown off so much by the occasional use of apparently vague or imprecise language.
Buddhism contains an important technology that has been shrouded in mystical language for thousands of years. It's useful, universal, reproducible and non-dogmatic. RTFM and try it for yourself.
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Shinzen is concise, engaging, and inspirational.
Reviewed in Canada on 10 September 2016Shinzen is concise, engaging, and inspirational. He paints a detailed picture of how meditation can deeply enrich and profoundly change your life in a way that leaves you certain that this is an attainable and worthwhile goal. He shows how meditation is a global phenomenon that has been a core human experience that dates way back and how the mystical enlightenment experience is the unifying principle of the great world religions. Reading this book has inspired me; I have my road map and know where I am going.
5 people found this helpful
Kelly Rosborough
A great journey
Reviewed in Canada on 2 December 2016Shinzen is a lucid communicator, very talented in explaining complex or illusive concepts for thorough understanding in the reader. This is a book worth reading for those who are interested in exploring meditation.
4 people found this helpful
Ms. Kathleen Brady
Brilliant modern take on mindfulness
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2017A must read for mindfulness practitioner, written by a master who knows the territory intimately.
5 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer
A Game Changer
Reviewed in Canada on 11 May 2017awesome. half way through and I couldn't put it down. finally a book that has managed to demystify the art and joy of non dualism. it's a treasure and I shall be referring back to this gem time and time again. or as they say 'when the student is ready the teacher appears'
2 people found this helpful
Vcotea
Great book
Reviewed in Germany on 24 October 2016This book is excellent at setting up a conceptual framework. Don't expect to find explicit meditation techniques here though. Those are freely given by the author in a different free pdf on the internet.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer
Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 21 January 2017probably my favourite book ever
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susan Graham
Excellent book Shinzen Young is always clear
Reviewed in Canada on 20 September 2016Excellent book Shinzen Young is always clear.
One person found this helpful
Charmello
A Game Changer
Reviewed in the United States on 10 April 2017Shinzen Young is a rarity among meditation teachers. He is educated as a scholar in Buddhist studies and Asian languages. He lived as a Shingon monk in Japan, a branch of the Vajrayana school (a distant relative of Tibetan Buddhism), and has trained extensively in Zen and Theravadan Vipassana. Combine this with his studies of worldwide meditative traditions and you get a teacher with an extraordinary breadth and depth of experience and training, and decades of teaching experience. Shinzen is very articulate at describing meditation and spiritual practice with exceptional clarity. I have read many books by well-known teachers and I have attended several retreats. Yet, there were a few facets that were vague to me, but I didn't even realize it until Shinzen clarified it.
For example, "clear knowing" is a fundamental aspect of vipassana meditation. However, I understood what this meant much better after Shinzen explaining it as meaning a finer grained resolution of experience (e.g. the tiny microsensations that make up any larger bodily sensation), as well as discriminating clearly between the components of experience (seeing, hearing, feeling, mental talk, mental image, etc.). Concentration serves as an awareness-extending tool in the same way a microscope allows a biologist to see what was not apparent to the naked eye. Maybe his most famous formulation is Suffering = Pain x Resistance, where "pain" can be any form of distressing experience (sensations, emotion, or thoughts). Equanimity, then is non-resistance to these experiences. So, as we reduce our resistance, the pain may remain the same, but suffering is progressively reduced. These are classic concepts in meditative traditions, but here they are seamlessly integrated and placed in the broader context.
Shinzen further describes more subtle aspects of meditation practice and how these progress toward Enlightenment. Enlightenment is not a magical, mythological fiction, but in fact a real phenomenon, a shift in consciousness that happens to regular people who do sufficient and strategic practice, which greatly enhances a person's resilience, joy, wisdom, and compassion, magnifying their quality of life. Here is where the "science" part of the title really comes in. Shinzen is fascinated by the sciences and has a proficient understanding of them. He sees "spiritual" practice and science as two parallel but complementary human developments, where each can inform the other and collaborate. Ultimately the collaboration between these two endeavors may make enlightenment more accessible to a greater number of people, possibly changing the course of humanity for the better.
Much of the content of this book was released from his audio CD series, also called The Science of Enlightenment, which radically changed my understanding and practice. This text version is not a mere transcription of that series, however. It is updated with a lot of newer material.
For example, "clear knowing" is a fundamental aspect of vipassana meditation. However, I understood what this meant much better after Shinzen explaining it as meaning a finer grained resolution of experience (e.g. the tiny microsensations that make up any larger bodily sensation), as well as discriminating clearly between the components of experience (seeing, hearing, feeling, mental talk, mental image, etc.). Concentration serves as an awareness-extending tool in the same way a microscope allows a biologist to see what was not apparent to the naked eye. Maybe his most famous formulation is Suffering = Pain x Resistance, where "pain" can be any form of distressing experience (sensations, emotion, or thoughts). Equanimity, then is non-resistance to these experiences. So, as we reduce our resistance, the pain may remain the same, but suffering is progressively reduced. These are classic concepts in meditative traditions, but here they are seamlessly integrated and placed in the broader context.
Shinzen further describes more subtle aspects of meditation practice and how these progress toward Enlightenment. Enlightenment is not a magical, mythological fiction, but in fact a real phenomenon, a shift in consciousness that happens to regular people who do sufficient and strategic practice, which greatly enhances a person's resilience, joy, wisdom, and compassion, magnifying their quality of life. Here is where the "science" part of the title really comes in. Shinzen is fascinated by the sciences and has a proficient understanding of them. He sees "spiritual" practice and science as two parallel but complementary human developments, where each can inform the other and collaborate. Ultimately the collaboration between these two endeavors may make enlightenment more accessible to a greater number of people, possibly changing the course of humanity for the better.
Much of the content of this book was released from his audio CD series, also called The Science of Enlightenment, which radically changed my understanding and practice. This text version is not a mere transcription of that series, however. It is updated with a lot of newer material.
51 people found this helpful
Laura
A Mind-Blowing Mindfulness Meditation Approach
Reviewed in the United States on 16 May 2020A brilliantly written book conveyed only as Shinzen can - in mind-blowing Unified Mindfulness fashion. He’s a combination of Buddhist monk, neuroscientist, coach, teacher, educator, nerd, genius, and master of worldwide mysticism. This book and his teachings have changed my life and his passion is my inspiration.
Linda S.
I'll be buying a number of copies as gifts as this book is a must for sharing.
Reviewed in the United States on 17 November 2016Shinzen Young is a engaging teacher with credentials of 50 years practicing and teaching meditation. His knowledge and insights have helped me to broaden and deepen my practice. This is a book you'll want to read more than once since it is rich with details. Lastly Shinzen's vision of how understanding the science of meditation can change our world is real and timely.
4 people found this helpful
Feb 11, 2018Brandon Woodward rated it really liked it
The books biggest flaw is its title. Rather than approaching enlightenment through the scientific process, the author mostly speaks of subjective experience and broad ideas concerning meditation. Having said that, I really enjoyed the book. If you are into meditation or need extra motivation to follow through with your practice, this may be the book for you. Covering a very wide number of topics, the author describes the basics of meditation, various meditation practices, the history of Buddhism, tales of meditation masters that will inspire, and a number of metaphors making meditative concepts more concrete and approachable. There are also some nice guided meditation sections throughout. You have to take the author on his word, as most of the book has an "it sounds unbelievable, but trust me on this one" attitude. Indeed many of the anecdotes sound fabricated, though the author comes across as very genuine. All in all, this book left me motivated to practice meditation more and gave me many topics to research further. 4/5 (less)
Oct 03, 2018Dean rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Shelves: mysticism, zen, buddhism, meditation, spirituality, eastern-philosophy, psychology, philosophy, mindfulness, yoga
I know that the author is an excellent meditation teacher with years of experience under his belt. It is because he has such experience and ability that I'm going to 'go hard' on this review. I'm not sure what went down with his publishing of his 'magnum opus' here, which should have delivered much, much more practical content and less fluff. I'll present the good, bad and ugly.
The good: The one redeeming factor which earned it 2-3 stars was the simple, elegant and effective technique he presents towards the end of the work, being "Just note 'gone'". It's an excellent method, simple, and delivers on actually giving readers/listeners a taste of what he has been going on at length for hours regarding anicca (impermanence), flow, contraction and expansion, etc. This little gem does make going through the whole laborious work almost worthwhile, even though this too is explained very briefly and not nearly in enough detail.
The bad: For a text/audiobook purporting to explain "How Meditation Works", there was about 5% of the whole work that actually explained how meditation works, and what to actually DO (assuming meditation or as he calls it 'concentration' is an activity, which most beginners and those alike, will interpret this word). The remainder (90-95%) of the work goes into minute detail about the author's own personal views and subjective descriptions on meditative states, processes, conceptual mappings, comparisons with different spiritual paths etc. Of course, this is all interesting brain-food, but remains on the level of interesting intellectual mind-stuff, while never getting down to the nuts and bolts of what processes are involved in actually attaining to these lofty experiences. I have no idea why the author makes up his own complicated jargon and maps for Noting practice, talks about how effective Noting and mindfulness practice is, and then never actually explains in detail HOW to do the Noting practice he refers to throughout! (Apart from the very brief Noting Gone technique). A lot more detail should have gone into Noting, how to do it, and exercises etc. I know that the author does this on retreats and in seminars. Why not include it in his greatest work? I found that there wasn't much of a need to keep comparing spiritual systems, and explaining the 'real meaning' of their practices, when essentially, most people reading this would be coming to SY from a Buddhist, Meditation, or Mindfulness perspective. If they wanted Christian Mysticism, Hebrew equivalents, or linguistic explanations of Japanese Zen terms, they probably wouldn't be reading/listening to this work. The book should have been entitled "Descriptions of Enlightenment : What to expect and how it all conceptually fits together according to SY".
The ugly: The author details his own history several times, and presents it in a way that demonstrates how excellent and massive his own spiritual journey was, and gives the impression that mere mortals in contemporary life would probably not be able to attain such levels mastery due to not having about 20 years of free time to live in temples, endure months of standing under cold waterfalls and endurance tests, or having the opportunity to study under legendary teachers. All this serves to dampen any newbie's hopes of every experiencing the lofty descriptions of meditative states and experiences herein (not helpful). There is so much complicated jargon throughout, that it detracts from the simple experience and approach to meditation and Noting proper. This over-effort on describing experiences and in giving explanations (according to how Master Shinzen sees things) goes off-track several times. His supposedly elegant and 'wow' explanations given for Zen koans, such as Joshu's Dog, might satisfy the intellectually curious mind and present a nice logical view of duality/nonduality as a concept, but that has just undercut the actual, REAL use and true result of using that Koan (which is to actually STOP intellectual explanations), and which, the proper use is never discussed in practical terms by the author. In another instance, he explains that in noting 'Gone', he has a special meaning apart from the usual usage, and that objects may keep 'coming back' once noted. From a surface view, this may seem true, but ultimately, something gone, IS in fact, really gone forever (which the author refutes). There is no identical, same experience that ever repeats again in time. He seems to demonstrate this with his 'dancing mountains' explanations earlier in the book. So why not actually use the regular, usual meaning for 'gone', instead of creating a new, special meaning that persists? (This is just one example). The use of psychological explanations and comparisons with Freud, Jung's mappings etc. is more distracting than helpful; likewise, the use of psuedo-science terms and concepts, which seems to be common in American literature in this category.
Overall, the book/audiobook may be worth it's labour for the Noting 'Gone' technique, but it takes some major effort to endure and complete. An author with his level of experience could have done much better. (less)
The good: The one redeeming factor which earned it 2-3 stars was the simple, elegant and effective technique he presents towards the end of the work, being "Just note 'gone'". It's an excellent method, simple, and delivers on actually giving readers/listeners a taste of what he has been going on at length for hours regarding anicca (impermanence), flow, contraction and expansion, etc. This little gem does make going through the whole laborious work almost worthwhile, even though this too is explained very briefly and not nearly in enough detail.
The bad: For a text/audiobook purporting to explain "How Meditation Works", there was about 5% of the whole work that actually explained how meditation works, and what to actually DO (assuming meditation or as he calls it 'concentration' is an activity, which most beginners and those alike, will interpret this word). The remainder (90-95%) of the work goes into minute detail about the author's own personal views and subjective descriptions on meditative states, processes, conceptual mappings, comparisons with different spiritual paths etc. Of course, this is all interesting brain-food, but remains on the level of interesting intellectual mind-stuff, while never getting down to the nuts and bolts of what processes are involved in actually attaining to these lofty experiences. I have no idea why the author makes up his own complicated jargon and maps for Noting practice, talks about how effective Noting and mindfulness practice is, and then never actually explains in detail HOW to do the Noting practice he refers to throughout! (Apart from the very brief Noting Gone technique). A lot more detail should have gone into Noting, how to do it, and exercises etc. I know that the author does this on retreats and in seminars. Why not include it in his greatest work? I found that there wasn't much of a need to keep comparing spiritual systems, and explaining the 'real meaning' of their practices, when essentially, most people reading this would be coming to SY from a Buddhist, Meditation, or Mindfulness perspective. If they wanted Christian Mysticism, Hebrew equivalents, or linguistic explanations of Japanese Zen terms, they probably wouldn't be reading/listening to this work. The book should have been entitled "Descriptions of Enlightenment : What to expect and how it all conceptually fits together according to SY".
The ugly: The author details his own history several times, and presents it in a way that demonstrates how excellent and massive his own spiritual journey was, and gives the impression that mere mortals in contemporary life would probably not be able to attain such levels mastery due to not having about 20 years of free time to live in temples, endure months of standing under cold waterfalls and endurance tests, or having the opportunity to study under legendary teachers. All this serves to dampen any newbie's hopes of every experiencing the lofty descriptions of meditative states and experiences herein (not helpful). There is so much complicated jargon throughout, that it detracts from the simple experience and approach to meditation and Noting proper. This over-effort on describing experiences and in giving explanations (according to how Master Shinzen sees things) goes off-track several times. His supposedly elegant and 'wow' explanations given for Zen koans, such as Joshu's Dog, might satisfy the intellectually curious mind and present a nice logical view of duality/nonduality as a concept, but that has just undercut the actual, REAL use and true result of using that Koan (which is to actually STOP intellectual explanations), and which, the proper use is never discussed in practical terms by the author. In another instance, he explains that in noting 'Gone', he has a special meaning apart from the usual usage, and that objects may keep 'coming back' once noted. From a surface view, this may seem true, but ultimately, something gone, IS in fact, really gone forever (which the author refutes). There is no identical, same experience that ever repeats again in time. He seems to demonstrate this with his 'dancing mountains' explanations earlier in the book. So why not actually use the regular, usual meaning for 'gone', instead of creating a new, special meaning that persists? (This is just one example). The use of psychological explanations and comparisons with Freud, Jung's mappings etc. is more distracting than helpful; likewise, the use of psuedo-science terms and concepts, which seems to be common in American literature in this category.
Overall, the book/audiobook may be worth it's labour for the Noting 'Gone' technique, but it takes some major effort to endure and complete. An author with his level of experience could have done much better. (less)
Couldn't stand his "scientific" language. Instead of talking about meditation using scientific evidence, he uses scientific language and metaphors that obscure rather than illuminate to talk about meditation just for the sake of it. Not much meat here either, as far as I could see (the chapter on mysticism, for example, could have been a whole lot more informative and fascinating). He might be a great meditation teacher, but this wasn't the right book for me. Not worth it. (less)
Aug 16, 2018Morgan Blackledge rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Gah!
Shinzen’s teachings and practices (at their best) are parsimonious, sober, useful and legitimately transformative.
I have been using Shinzen’s basic conceptual framework and meditation techniques for years and they have profoundly transformed my experience of the world.
I owe Shinzen an enormous debt of gratitude. His work has enhanced my life to an inestimable degree. And his work is the foundation for my work as a therapist. I’d literally be lost without it.
But there is something a little grandiose and fuzzy about parts of this book. Around two thirds in, the material becomes less clear, less germane, less crucial, and more than a little frustrating.
I’m concerned that the dirty notes will alienate a serious, critical reader. And that’s precisely the type of reader the book is (I think) intended to reach.
I love the man, and I love his work, and I love the editor of this book like a brother, in fact he’s my bestie IRL. So it pains me to give it 4 Stars.
But I feel the need to honestly raise these (albeit vague) objections. If for no other reason than as a warning to a would-be reader, not to let some of the kookier sections in this text turn you off of Shinzen.
In the final chapters, Shinzen discusses his vision for the friendly, synergistic merger of the western enlightenment project and eastern enlightenment paths i.e. the utilization of science and technology for assistance in the profound realization of ‘post-personal’ states and traits.
This is where Shinzen’s work shines again. This aspect of his work may become irrelevant soon, or it may read like H. G. Wells in 50-100 years. But I think it’s important and progressive right now. And I believe it will have a lasting impact.
Speaking as a clinician. I desperately want (no need) more precise, more effective techniques, clinically useful vocabulary, tractable conceptual frameworks, and assistive technology for helping people find the pathway out of the darkened woods of suffering better known as the human condition, AKA addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma and what we currently refer to as personality disorders (but what we may someday be refer to as simply the disorder of being a personality).
Shinzen’s work is already completely useful in this regard. In fact, it’s the most useful one of these ever devised. It’s a hugely important dharma firmware update. If you’re a western meditation practitioner, you need this patch!
But getting non Buddhist people (the vast majority of people at present) to understand, value and use these techniques is still a hard translation problem to say the least.
Try explaining and demonstrating the value of abiding in metta, anicca and anatta to a heroin addict in hard withdrawal, or a trauma victim having a panic attack, or a suicidal depressive.
They need it bad, and I do it all the time, but it ain’t easy brah, take my word for it.
If Shinzen has his way, the eastern enlightenment path will become a whole lot more direct, and that just might help in the project of steering the western enlightenment bus off of the path to total annihilation.
If that ain’t upaya, than I don’t know what is!
What’s the sound of one mic dropping? (less)
Shinzen’s teachings and practices (at their best) are parsimonious, sober, useful and legitimately transformative.
I have been using Shinzen’s basic conceptual framework and meditation techniques for years and they have profoundly transformed my experience of the world.
I owe Shinzen an enormous debt of gratitude. His work has enhanced my life to an inestimable degree. And his work is the foundation for my work as a therapist. I’d literally be lost without it.
But there is something a little grandiose and fuzzy about parts of this book. Around two thirds in, the material becomes less clear, less germane, less crucial, and more than a little frustrating.
I’m concerned that the dirty notes will alienate a serious, critical reader. And that’s precisely the type of reader the book is (I think) intended to reach.
I love the man, and I love his work, and I love the editor of this book like a brother, in fact he’s my bestie IRL. So it pains me to give it 4 Stars.
But I feel the need to honestly raise these (albeit vague) objections. If for no other reason than as a warning to a would-be reader, not to let some of the kookier sections in this text turn you off of Shinzen.
In the final chapters, Shinzen discusses his vision for the friendly, synergistic merger of the western enlightenment project and eastern enlightenment paths i.e. the utilization of science and technology for assistance in the profound realization of ‘post-personal’ states and traits.
This is where Shinzen’s work shines again. This aspect of his work may become irrelevant soon, or it may read like H. G. Wells in 50-100 years. But I think it’s important and progressive right now. And I believe it will have a lasting impact.
Speaking as a clinician. I desperately want (no need) more precise, more effective techniques, clinically useful vocabulary, tractable conceptual frameworks, and assistive technology for helping people find the pathway out of the darkened woods of suffering better known as the human condition, AKA addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma and what we currently refer to as personality disorders (but what we may someday be refer to as simply the disorder of being a personality).
Shinzen’s work is already completely useful in this regard. In fact, it’s the most useful one of these ever devised. It’s a hugely important dharma firmware update. If you’re a western meditation practitioner, you need this patch!
But getting non Buddhist people (the vast majority of people at present) to understand, value and use these techniques is still a hard translation problem to say the least.
Try explaining and demonstrating the value of abiding in metta, anicca and anatta to a heroin addict in hard withdrawal, or a trauma victim having a panic attack, or a suicidal depressive.
They need it bad, and I do it all the time, but it ain’t easy brah, take my word for it.
If Shinzen has his way, the eastern enlightenment path will become a whole lot more direct, and that just might help in the project of steering the western enlightenment bus off of the path to total annihilation.
If that ain’t upaya, than I don’t know what is!
What’s the sound of one mic dropping? (less)
Dec 31, 2016Adom rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: philosophy, to-reread, self-improvement
In a lot of ways this book failed to live up to my expectations, and I think the use of the word "science" in the title is misleading, but I still got a lot out of reading it. Shinzen Young makes a variety of claims that are not well supported (particularly about the connections between the spiritual traditions of different cultures) and general does more woo-ish speculation than I expected, but I can't judge poorly a book that inspired me to drastically increase my practice of meditation, or which introduced me to a meditation technique, which, on my first attempt, yielded what I think was my first real "insight" gained through meditation, and was at the very least one of my most interesting meditation experiences.
Also valuable is Young's clear description of how one may effectively engage in vipassana meditation. In the past I've been unsure of what exactly one is meant to be doing, but thanks to this book the path forward is clearer.
Ultimately I recommend this book, with the caveat that the "science" in the title doesn't mean what one might think. (less)
Also valuable is Young's clear description of how one may effectively engage in vipassana meditation. In the past I've been unsure of what exactly one is meant to be doing, but thanks to this book the path forward is clearer.
Ultimately I recommend this book, with the caveat that the "science" in the title doesn't mean what one might think. (less)
Sep 07, 2019Dawn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shinzen Young is amazing! He studied Buddhism for many years in Japan from a Buddhist master, but is knowledgeable in all religions and philosophies as well as being a scientist, mathematician, and meditation instructor. Shinzen is American and you can find his teachings on YouTube.
Listening to his calm voice put me in a very relaxed state. I really "caught his calm." Unfortunately, I had to rewind a few times because his voice was so soothing that I missed some of his important messages!
I came upon this audio book in a very sychronistic way. I was about to give up on my meditation practice, when I was offered 2 free audio books and free 1 month trial of Audible.
Needless to say this is the one that caught my immediate attention.
It was the exactly what I needed.
The first 3 or 4 chapters were on meditation!! I started listening and received a dose of motivation, and inspiration that got me back on track.
The audio version was just right and I could see that had I read it, the impact would not have been so potent. Listening made me feel as though I was sitting in his class receiving his teachings.
The author/teacher includes several guided meditations. The first few in the early chapters are to help one work with body awareness. Later on, around chapter 10-11, he adds a few more meditations which are geared towards the mind
In just 24 chapters, Shinzen speaks of science, philosophy, physiology, religion, ritual, thought, feeling, mysticism...everything it seems. All is done with great clarity and simplicity, breaking things down so people of all levels can understand.
Highly recommended. (less)
Listening to his calm voice put me in a very relaxed state. I really "caught his calm." Unfortunately, I had to rewind a few times because his voice was so soothing that I missed some of his important messages!
I came upon this audio book in a very sychronistic way. I was about to give up on my meditation practice, when I was offered 2 free audio books and free 1 month trial of Audible.
Needless to say this is the one that caught my immediate attention.
It was the exactly what I needed.
The first 3 or 4 chapters were on meditation!! I started listening and received a dose of motivation, and inspiration that got me back on track.
The audio version was just right and I could see that had I read it, the impact would not have been so potent. Listening made me feel as though I was sitting in his class receiving his teachings.
The author/teacher includes several guided meditations. The first few in the early chapters are to help one work with body awareness. Later on, around chapter 10-11, he adds a few more meditations which are geared towards the mind
In just 24 chapters, Shinzen speaks of science, philosophy, physiology, religion, ritual, thought, feeling, mysticism...everything it seems. All is done with great clarity and simplicity, breaking things down so people of all levels can understand.
Highly recommended. (less)
Aug 28, 2011Alex Bird rated it it was amazing
An audio series that changed my life. As thorough an introduction to the practice of meditation and the experience of the spiritual journey as one could find, but also so much more. Shinzen is such a precise and articulate orator that listening to his words it's as though you are directly experiencing for yourself the deep states of consciousness he is describing. Of course, though, that's not the point, the point is to get you on to the cushion to actually practice yourself - for anyone who has watched Shinzen's YouTube channel and read his Basic Mindfulness manual will know he is an absolute master mediation teacher with a complete system on offer. I defy anyone to listen to the first two chapters of Science of Enlightenment alone and not be curious enough to get on to the cushion and find out for themselves what it is all about. I did, and I have never looked back. (less)
Dec 09, 2018Jordan rated it it was ok · review of another edition
A healthy mix of genuine insight and pure gibberish. Doesn’t live up to its scientific claims, sadly; it mostly uses scientific concepts as metaphors for what the author perceives to happen in his personal meditation.
Dec 10, 2018Brendan Hastings rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I really enjoyed this book, however the end killed a possible 5 stars. It didn’t need it.
Wow!
As someone who meditates, at times over the years I've reflected on how scientific and logical the world of meditation is. This book explains the path from a scientific point of view intending to demystify the mysticism surrounding meditation and the teaching of the Buddha. What this book does excellently is that it gathers all the different schools of meditation under one umbrella before delving deeper into the real core and common denominator of them all. The heart of the matter is finding the derivative of the human experience. This is a book I've found late in my meditation life but this one is best to read early on. This book is for everyone, it is for those who are curious and want to understand the path from a scientific point of view and for those who want a general picture of what this Buddha and his teaching is about. (less)
As someone who meditates, at times over the years I've reflected on how scientific and logical the world of meditation is. This book explains the path from a scientific point of view intending to demystify the mysticism surrounding meditation and the teaching of the Buddha. What this book does excellently is that it gathers all the different schools of meditation under one umbrella before delving deeper into the real core and common denominator of them all. The heart of the matter is finding the derivative of the human experience. This is a book I've found late in my meditation life but this one is best to read early on. This book is for everyone, it is for those who are curious and want to understand the path from a scientific point of view and for those who want a general picture of what this Buddha and his teaching is about. (less)
Dec 12, 2008Natali rated it it was ok
Young makes the point that all religion and spiritualities have the same common goal of prayer and/or meditation. The nomenclature may be different but essentially, meditation is the common denominator of an enlightened life. He discusses the scientific proof of the power of meditation, which is interesting and powerful. This is certainly a good message and it was enjoyable to listen to but I didn't find the message to be well organized so I often felt like I was hearing the same thing over and over again. (less)
Jan 25, 2019Taylor rated it liked it · review of another edition
A very interesting book written from a particularly unique perspective. Shinzen Young explains his beliefs and perceptions from both scientific and personal perspectives. Regardless of where your beliefs fall in relation to the author's, you can benefit from knowledge he has to offer in his field. Mr. Young's work is an intriguing foray into a world few have explored - an existential conversation informed by physiological occurrences. (less)
May 01, 2016Catawsumb rated it really liked it
I imagine I will be dipping in and out of this for a long time. I've been reading around on mindfulness and Buddhism for about a year and Shinzen Young is definitely the one you communicates the ideas in the way that makes most sense to me. Very clear, very rational, technique-focused, wary of what he calls the "mystical-shmystical element." Full of useful, clarifying metaphors. (less)
