246. Shinzen Young

Shinzen Young became fascinated with Asian culture while a teenager in Los Angeles. Later he enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. Eventually, he went to Asia and did extensive training in each of the three major Buddhist traditions: Vajrayana, Zen and Vipassana. Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the burgeoning dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science. Shinzen is known for his innovative “interactive, algorithmic approach” to mindfulness, a system specifically designed for use in pain management, recovery support, and as an adjunct to psychotherapy. He leads meditation retreats throughout North America and has helped establish numerous mindfulness centers and programs. He also consults widely on meditation-related research, in both the clinical and the basic science domains. He often says: “My life’s passion lies in exploring what may arise from the cross-fertilization of the best of the East with the best of the West.” Websites: basicmindfulness.com (Phone-based retreats and classes) shinzen.org (Articles, CDs, onsite retreats) YouTube.com/user/expandcontract (Video talks) YouTube.com/user/ShinzenInterviews (Interviews with Shinzen) Blog Facebook Twitter Books: The Science of Enlightenment Science of Enlightenment CD series Natural Pain Relief The Five Ways to Know Yourself (Basic Mindfulness Practice Manual – Free PDF) What Is Mindfulness? – A Comprehensive Overview (Free PDF) Introduction to ULTRA (Free PDF) See, Hear, Feel (A basic introduction for beginners - Free PDF) And many more Second BatGap interview with Shinzen. Interview recorded 8/16/2014 Transcript of this interview. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Shinzen Young: A Systematic Approach to Mindfulness 00:04:32 - The Alternative to Suicide 00:08:25 - Perspectives on Euthanasia 00:12:21 - A Journey into Japanese Culture 00:16:38 - Altered Experiences and the First Noble Truth 00:21:10 - Meeting a Catholic Priest at a Zen Retreat 00:26:02 - Brain Waves of Zen Meditators in Japan 00:30:13 - East-West Cross-Fertilization 00:34:56 - Accessing Equanimity with Physical Pain 00:39:36 - The Power of Physical Pain 00:43:00 - The Inherent Ambiguity of Enlightenment and Siddhis 00:47:53 - Paradigm Shift and the Sensory Experience of Self 00:53:06 - The Nature of Identity and Enlightenment 00:58:02 - The Dimensions of Enlightenment 01:02:56 - The Consequences of Ultimate Liberation 01:06:46 - Subjective perspective in the face of destruction 01:11:12 - The Dimensions of Growth 01:16:35 - Behavioral Guidelines for Enlightenment 01:21:57 - Behaviorally Oriented Accountability and Support Structure 01:26:15 - The Human Nervous System as the Ultimate Scientific Instrument 01:30:32 - The Lack of Uniform Experiences in Enlightenment 01:35:33 - Books and the neuroscience of enlightenment 01:40:31 - Accelerating Enlightenment and the Future of Humanity 01:45:34 - The Importance of Spirituality and Science Integration 01:50:36 - The Unpleasantness of Meditation 01:55:38 - Finding Opportunity in Challenges 02:00:55 - The 'divide and conquer' 02:05:29 - The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Personal Growth 02:09:50 - The Goals of Mindfulness Practice 02:15:04 - The Potential of Saving the World Save Save