The Potential of Collaboration between Buddhism and Science

In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist Robin Nusslock. Robin has long been interested in the mind through both scientific and Buddhist lenses, and he trained with Richie Davidson. His work focuses on the brain's role in our emotional life, how stress impacts many of our bodily systems, as well as social determinants of health. This conversation covers many topics, including:

• his long interest in mind & Buddhism;
• basic pathways of how stress gets into the body;
• how the brain learns threat and safety;
• effects of early life trauma on brain and behavior;
• our brain's reward systems and relevance to Buddhist ideas;
• craving and addiction;
• pathways toward change, neuroplasticity and pause;
• social and environmental determinants of health;
• epigenetics and intergenerational trauma;
• biology is not destiny;
• how we can intervene and promote flourishing;
• family-level interventions;
• reducing exposure to adversity;
• economic interventions (e.g., universal basic income);
• teaching science and research to Tibetan monastics;
• studying lucid dreaming with monks;
• and fruits of the exchange between Buddhism and science.

Full show notes and resources