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tommyhousworth's review
3.0
I'm a big fan of Rick Hanson and his exploration of the intersections of neuroscience and Buddhist spirituality. This book offers a systemic pathway to deepening one's practice through what Hanson calls the "Seven Ways of Being" (Steadying the Mind, Warming the Heart, Resting in Fullness, Being Wholeness, Receiving Nowness, Opening into Allness, and Finding Timelessness).
For me, I found more practical profundity in Hanson's "Buddha's Brain" and "Just One Thing". "Neurodharma" feels like it requires two mediums: the physical book for understanding/absorbing the scientific and metaphysic aspects and the audiobook to listen to Hanson lead the guided meditations. A large portion of the book is, in fact, meditations. And while I'm a believer in what he teaches, I can get a bit lost in too much "beingness" and "nowness" language (my shortcoming, not his).
I have, both, the ebook and the audiobook, and frustratingly would have to toggle back and forth between them to get the greatest benefit (for myself, at least) from the experience. There's a lot of great wisdom here, just a challenge to navigate how to best absorb it. Perhaps some can use the physical book as a meditation guide. Hanson has the meditations laid out, in italics, so one can sit with it. I just find meditations like these are often more effective when you can be a passive vessel to a spoken guidance, rather than actively reading the meditation while sitting.
I'll continue to enjoy and learn from Rick Hanson, as I did from Neurodharma. I just found it to be a bit more work than his other books because of the bouncing back and forth between his message and his meditations.
If one is looking for a Rick Hanson book, I would recommend "Neurodharma", but perhaps not as the one to start with.
For me, I found more practical profundity in Hanson's "Buddha's Brain" and "Just One Thing". "Neurodharma" feels like it requires two mediums: the physical book for understanding/absorbing the scientific and metaphysic aspects and the audiobook to listen to Hanson lead the guided meditations. A large portion of the book is, in fact, meditations. And while I'm a believer in what he teaches, I can get a bit lost in too much "beingness" and "nowness" language (my shortcoming, not his).
I have, both, the ebook and the audiobook, and frustratingly would have to toggle back and forth between them to get the greatest benefit (for myself, at least) from the experience. There's a lot of great wisdom here, just a challenge to navigate how to best absorb it. Perhaps some can use the physical book as a meditation guide. Hanson has the meditations laid out, in italics, so one can sit with it. I just find meditations like these are often more effective when you can be a passive vessel to a spoken guidance, rather than actively reading the meditation while sitting.
I'll continue to enjoy and learn from Rick Hanson, as I did from Neurodharma. I just found it to be a bit more work than his other books because of the bouncing back and forth between his message and his meditations.
If one is looking for a Rick Hanson book, I would recommend "Neurodharma", but perhaps not as the one to start with.
schwarmgiven's review
3.0
Not sure about this one...there are a lot of meditation practices--like guided meditaion strategies. There is not that much New Science--I was hoping for a kind of Meditation in the Digital Age type weird read, but it was more of a standard third wave western buddhism book.
Not sure I would recommend this to anyone since there are so many other MASSIVE books that fill the same space.
In some places, this reads like that guy in your college dorm who listened to Alan Watts every week on KPFK (I went to UCLA and there were a LOT of these guys), but occasionally there are some golden moments.
I don't know--nothing wrong with this, but just not very innovative or new to live up to the hype of that amazing title--NEURODHARMA just seems so damn potentially cool!
Not sure I would recommend this to anyone since there are so many other MASSIVE books that fill the same space.
In some places, this reads like that guy in your college dorm who listened to Alan Watts every week on KPFK (I went to UCLA and there were a LOT of these guys), but occasionally there are some golden moments.
I don't know--nothing wrong with this, but just not very innovative or new to live up to the hype of that amazing title--NEURODHARMA just seems so damn potentially cool!
marshaskrypuch's review
4.0
Neurodharma is an innovative synthesis of current neuroscience with ancient Buddhist practices to create an achievable path towards personal peace and happiness. A contemplative book and a great choice for now, in these times of great anxiety.
melbac's review
5.0
I attended a 3 hour webinar by Rick Hanson a few months ago. I was so impressed that I went online to buy all his books and this is the first I have read. This book went beyond my expectations, exploring the neuropsychological underpinnings of awakening, developing a targeted meditation practice and reducing the suffering in our lives. The information was fascinating and there were sections focused on how to apply the principles in everyday life. It was readable and engaging, whilst also providing a depth of research, wisdom and insight that was absolutely fantastic. This book also provides numerous guided meditations to be able to explore each section experientially (having the audiobook was helpful for this).
This is one that I will be re-reading many times into the future.
This is one that I will be re-reading many times into the future.
jenlouden's review against another edition
5.0
Rick Hanson has done it again. Written another incredibly helpful loving book that I've highlighted the heck out of -- so many gems and insights that I will be referring to and practicing for the rest of my life. I forever owe a debt of gratitude to Rick for his huge heart and incredible scholarship. Add this book to your mindfulness science library today!
laffingkat's review against another edition
5.0
In Neurodharma, psychologist Rick Hanson combines neuroscience and secular spirituality to help readers achieve self-actualization, and he does so with warmth and humor. I loved the author’s encouraging tone, and appreciated his explanation of how to develop an effective practice. He has a knack for explaining concepts clearly. He then discusses the seven ways of being that he considers the essence of awakening: steadiness, lovingness, fullness, wholeness, newness, allness, and timelessness.
Each section of the book includes meditations and suggested readings, as well as inspiring quotes from various spiritual teachers. Roughly 40 percent of the book consists of notes and the bibliography.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in developing a meditation practice or learning how to get more benefit from practice. Practical and encouraging, this book should have wide appeal.
Thanks to the publisher, Harmony Books, for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
Each section of the book includes meditations and suggested readings, as well as inspiring quotes from various spiritual teachers. Roughly 40 percent of the book consists of notes and the bibliography.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in developing a meditation practice or learning how to get more benefit from practice. Practical and encouraging, this book should have wide appeal.
Thanks to the publisher, Harmony Books, for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
pvn's review against another edition
4.0
This is timeless stuff that should help most everyone. It's not a quick read in that readers need to take time to work with the content to get the most value. But it is worth the small amount of effort. A good mix of science and ancient wisdom. Recommended.
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
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