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Shinzen Young – The Science of Enlightenment: How Meditation Works Quote:“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 more 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.Open for everyoneNumber of pages: 265Year of publication: 2016Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Enlightenment-How-Meditation-…Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (81 reviews)Amazon 5 star review wrote:Shinzen Young’s magnum opus. It describes awakening clearly, correctly, concisely, and precisely.Shinzen describes what it actually feels like when you meditate. Whether you’re meditating for the very first time, or whether you’ve done it for 50 years, he’ll speak directly to you about what’s going on in your practice. What’s more, he makes it so simple and practical, a first grader could understand it.If you want meditation to be more than just “relaxation practice”–in other words, if you want to change your life–get this book and follow the instructions. It’s nothing complicated or fancy. It’s just a set of skills. You practice happiness and clarity, and you get better at them. Just like cooking or running or painting or anything else. Shinzen shows you how to practice awakening.Amazon 5 star review wrote:Comprehensive in its approach to integrating spiritual, bio-chemical, psychological, mathematical and scientific aspects of meditation. I will need to re-read this book many times and practice its principles to fully appreciate its depth and power.Amazon 5 star review wrote:Before I encountered Shinzen Young’s teachings, I was leery and skeptical of spiritual and contemplative traditions. But Shinzen Young’s way of explaining and teaching meditation appeal to my western cultural background and scientific sensibilities. He’s able to explain with clarity and humor how the systematic methodology of meditation works—which has the effect of “taking the mist out of mysticism” as he puts it. The book is peppered with interesting anecdotes of his own meditation practice and bona fide, rigorous monastic training that makes him an authority on the subject of meditation. Shinzen’s methodology of mindfulness meditation practice has had a more profound effect on my happiness and peace of mind than anything I ever learned (though for actual instruction, his website is best). The book ends with an inspiring and uplifting message of optimism that the marriage of science and meditation bodes well for the future of humanity and life on earth. I highly recommend this book!May you find the LIFE, LOVE, peace and prosperity,Aeon