Kingsland James Books

This groundbreaking exploration of the “science of enlightenment” follows the journey of Siddhartha, known as Buddha, as narrated by Guardian science editor James Kingsland. Set in a lush grove by the Neranjara River in northern India, 400 years before Christ, Siddhartha Gautama, a prince turned ascetic, sat beneath a fig tree, uncovering the remarkable capabilities of the human brain and the secrets of mental wellness and spiritual enlightenment, which form the foundation of Buddhism. The narrative illustrates how meditative and Buddhist practices anticipated modern neuroscience findings. Kingsland examines the brain's evolutionary history and the disorders linked to our technology-driven lives, emphasizing the enduring importance of mindfulness. Far from being a New Age trend, meditation principles are backed by scientific evidence, demonstrating their effectiveness in addressing contemporary psychiatric disorders. Siddhartha asserted, “Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.” In an age of constant distraction, the ability to concentrate and control our thoughts is crucial. This work provides a comprehensive assessment of meditation and mindfulness, detailing their effects on the brain and underscoring their significance in today’s world.

A scientific travel guide to altered states of consciousness - and what we can learn from them

Looks at the science behind the ancient practices of Buddhism through the story of the spiritual life and teachings of Siddhartha, the man who would become the Buddha, and how his discoveries anticipated the findings of modern neuroscience. --Publisher

Was passiert im Gehirn, wenn die Gedanken aufhören zu kreisen? Neurologen können heute nachweisen, in welchen Hirnregionen Entspannung stattfindet und wie Meditation und Gesundheit zusammenhängen. Medizinische Studien belegen: Wem es gelingt, vom Zerstreuungsmodus in den Achtsamkeitsmodus zu wechseln, lebt stress- und angstfreier und kann sich besser konzentrieren. Depressionen, Schlafstörungen und chronische Schmerzen können gelindert werden. Der renommierte Wissenschaftsjournalist James Kingsland zeigt anschaulich, dass die medizinischen Befunde und Empfehlungen mit jahrtausendealten buddhistischen Lehren übereinstimmen. Neben neusten Erkenntnissen und wegweisenden Experimenten bietet dieses Buch auch Entspannungs- und Bewusstseinsübungen, die sofort umsetzbar sind.