#1103 - Steven Laureys with Sadhguru :Mind, Brain, and Consciousness | In Conversation
Jan 6, 2024
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Renowned neurologist Steven Laureys and Sadhguru discuss the mind-brain relationship and the importance of finding a balance between scientific knowledge and spirituality. They delve into the different levels of wakefulness and consciousness, explore the connection between karma, memory, and life, and highlight the significance of learning to respond rather than react. The chapter also touches on the concept of meditation and its various forms.
The mind is composed of buddhi, aankara, manas, and chitta, with the intellect functioning based on limited sensory perceptions and influenced by identity.
Consciousness is a subjective experience that cannot be fully understood through objective scientific methods, necessitating the incorporation of subjective experiences and spiritual practices.
The human mechanism is a sophisticated technology capable of accessing dimensions beyond physical boundaries, with consciousness being indivisible and beyond the limitations of scientific instruments.
Deep dives
Understanding the Mind-Brain Connection
The podcast episode explores the connection between the mind and the brain. The speaker, Sadhguru, explains that in yogic sciences, the brain is seen as just another aspect of the body, while the mind is a broader concept. He identifies four parts to the mind: buddhi (intellect), aankara (identity), manas (memory), and chitta (pure intelligence). He emphasizes that intellect is limited to conscious data and functions based on limited sensory perceptions. Additionally, he highlights the importance of identity in shaping and influencing the intellect's functioning. He also discusses how consciousness is beyond memory and intellect, and that through yoga, one can establish a cosmic identity that enhances access to vast amounts of memory and intelligence.
The Complexity of Consciousness
The podcast delves into the complexities of consciousness, as discussed by Stephen Lores, a neurologist. Lores explains that consciousness remains an enigma in science, with ongoing challenges to understand subjective experiences. He highlights the limitations of objective scientific methods and instruments in grasping the subjective nature of consciousness. Lores acknowledges the importance of subjective experiences and the need to listen to those who have experienced different states of consciousness. He also discusses the difficulties in defining consciousness and the nuanced states of wakefulness. Lores expresses the importance of bridging scientific knowledge with the experiences of individuals who have dedicated years to meditation and spiritual practices in order to gain a better understanding of consciousness.
The Instrument of Human Consciousness
The podcast explores the unique instrument of human consciousness. Sadhguru asserts that the human mechanism is the most sophisticated piece of technology on the planet. He emphasizes that intellect, memory, and experiences are unique to individuals, but consciousness is not something that can be divided. Sadhguru provides the analogy of soap bubbles to illustrate the indivisibility of consciousness, regardless of individual identity. He emphasizes that the human mechanism provides the capability to access dimensions beyond physical boundaries. Sadhguru also discusses the limitations of using scientific instruments to understand consciousness and suggests that allowing the human instrument to be open and loose can enhance the potential for experiencing consciousness.
Animals and Consciousness
The podcast briefly touches upon the perception of consciousness in animals. Sadhguru explains that although animals are programmed for survival and lack the neurological capability of humans, certain creatures display a greater sensitivity to consciousness. He mentions the example of cobras in Indian mysticism, suggesting that their unique abilities, such as sensing vibrations or earthquake prediction, may be related to heightened sensitivity to consciousness. Sadhguru points out the need for further research and observation to better understand the connection between animals and consciousness.
Importance of cultivating life and capturing karma
Meditation is not an act to be performed, but a quality to be cultivated. By cultivating the body, mind, emotion, and energy, one can become meditative. Meditation is a consequence of this cultivation and involves creating a space between oneself and the body and mind. This distance eliminates suffering and allows access to consciousness. To blow a big bubble, or capture more life, one must not avoid experiences and should learn to respond, not react. Accumulating karma and minimizing imprints helps in this process.
Meditation as a potential solution for suffering
Meditation can benefit patients suffering from conditions like migraines, anxiety, and depression. However, inducing meditation in a clinical setting may be challenging. Each individual may require a different approach based on their readiness and level of development. Live gurus can guide individuals by providing appropriate instructions and techniques based on their unique needs. Cultivating meditative qualities like mindfulness and different levels of wakefulness can help alleviate suffering and bring about positive changes.
Steven Laureys is on of the world’s leading scientist and researcher who studies consciousness from a neurology perspective. In this Full Talk, he asks Sadhguru some penetrating questions as they push the boundaries of known science and peek into the mystical.
Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times.
