Mind & Life Neil Theise – Everything is Connected
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Feb 20, 2025 
Neil Theise, a pathologist, scientist, author, and Zen Buddhist, explores the profound interconnectedness of our bodies and the universe. He shares how his insights from medicine and Buddhism reveal the significance of the interstitium—a groundbreaking organ system—and its ties to traditional healing practices. Theise discusses the mystery behind his research, the relationship between complexity theory and interconnectedness, and the personal journey that led him to embrace both pathology and Zen. His meditation on the interstitium invites listeners to appreciate the intricate web of life.
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Unconventional Path to Medicine
- Neil Theise's initial motivation for studying medicine stemmed from a desire for meaningful connection, triggered by his mother's account of a doctor's well-attended funeral.
- Facing financial pressures and personal struggles during medical school, he considered psychiatry and pediatrics before discovering his passion for pathology.
Path to Zen Buddhism
- Theise's interest in Zen Buddhism originated from his childhood as the son of Holocaust survivors, seeking to understand suffering through a mystical lens.
- Introduced to Zen through a book, he later began formal practice at Zen Mountain Monastery, integrating his spiritual and scientific pursuits.
Bridging Traditions
- Theise's interstitium work sparked dialogue with fascia researchers, who had long recognized this system through touch and experience, leading to mutual recognition and collaboration.
- Similar connections emerged with practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, who saw the interstitium as a potential explanation for meridians, acupuncture, and energy healing.
