Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke B. Alan Wallace on Dzogchen teachings & the contemplative science of the mind | Living Mirrors #22
Oct 28, 2020
B. Alan Wallace, a prominent meditation teacher and director of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies, shares profound insights on Dzogchen teachings and the science of the mind. He explores the historical evolution of psychology and the interdependence found in ecological systems, linking them to Buddhist philosophy. The conversation critiques Western science’s limitations in understanding consciousness, advocating for a blend of contemplative practices and scientific inquiry. Personal anecdotes on lucid dreaming and the nature of awakening provide a captivating glimpse into the mind's true essence.
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Initial Encounter with Buddhism
- Alan Wallace encountered the Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation in 1970.
- While hitchhiking in Europe, the book resonated deeply, sparking his interest in Buddhism.
The Three Poisons
- Human actions often contradict our best interests due to ignorance, delusion, and attachment.
- These three poisons, as described in Buddhism, explain suffering and destructive behaviors.
Importance of Introspection
- Introspection is crucial for understanding the mind, yet neglected in Western science.
- Materialism limits the study of the mind by focusing solely on the physical and neglecting the subjective.