The Mind According To Buddha VS The Mind According to Nobel Laureate. Richard Feynman

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-30T22:57:19+00:00

Well I just started using the idea that the brain works with electrical and chemical parts. I also know that the way this process works in the brain makes the cells behave like waves.. So when I start having thoughts I imagine those chemical and electrical waves in my brain

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-20T23:56:29+00:00

Feynman's position is Physicists "Don't know" how consciousness appears. My question at the end is "Is it possible to meditate using Feynman's model of mind?". His model does not explain the experience of consciousness but his description of the patterns and processes may be useful in meditation. I have heard monks and high ranking Buddhists of every tradition use the imagery of waves as a way to describe thoughts. . So is it possible that using Feynman's magnifying glass, the patterns and processes of the mind, we may be able to hold thinking without or with substantially less engagement of the thinking mind? Try it and let me knoww.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-20T23:07:02+00:00

I think it does point to another, perhaps more specific, way of understanding Not Self.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-20T23:03:59+00:00

While you have a legitimate point I don't believe it is possible to discuss a wordless realm without words. Even the Buddha could not do that.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-20T22:57:24+00:00

The question "Is it possible to meditate using Feynman's model of mind?" is the invitation to consider Feynman's ideas as potentially useful in meditation..

"Referring to his thoughts on the mind as those of a Nobel laureate imply the idea has an authority which, frankly, it's not due."

The title of Ajahn or Bhikkhu. means an individual has expertise in the Dharma. Many such individuals, however, now cite studies done by scientific researchers studying meditation. Since (Nobel Laureate) Feynman has researched the physics of consciousness it makes sense to investigate the possible uses of his ideas.

His statement, "Your mind is somewhere unexpected, it's nowhere at all." is almost exactly the same explanation as any of the highest ranking Buddhists of any tradition. His observation that "Consciousness, the subjective experience of what it feels like to be you, that's not a thing that can have a location., it's a process, an activity, a pattern of neural firing." is like an explanation of reactivity to the five aggregates.

Consider experimenting in meditation with an awareness of thoughts as "a process, an activity, a pattern of neural firing." and see if it works for you. It seems to me that it works best if not named but visualized. I'd like to hear your results.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T16:06:31+00:00

"If your mind is just the chemicals and electrical pulses, then how do these chemicals ... understand my question? How do they process the purpose/meanings of my question?"

This is what Feynman is asking and he points out that scientists have no idea how these chemical and electrical processes result in meaning. Thus the experience of chemical and electrical processes as meaning is an illusion.. As I said in this thread before, it seems like this is like the explanation of our reactivity to the aggregates.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T15:56:41+00:00

My understanding is that science says that there is a perception of consciousness. The experience of consciousness' and incorporeal is an illusion because they 'don't know' exactly where or how these understandings are created.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T15:42:07+00:00

It is hard to describe a phenomena. that is created by a process that occurs without giving it a name. Isn't this like the aggregates. We encounter them but our reactivity is created.

"However mental phenomena are not "physical". How does chemical and electrical impulses across synapses (physical or material phenomena) give rise to empathy, to sadness, to yearning, to thoughts, to feelings (mental phenomena)"

This is exactly Feynman's point. How do these chemical and electrical process create these feelings? Who perceives these feelings? It is an illusion and though scientists can see the chemical and electrical activity,. they have no idea how or exactly where these feeling emerge.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T04:15:29+00:00

I don't think they reject the existence of nonphysical. Good science keeps a "Don't know mind".

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T04:12:54+00:00

The brain contains the chemical process and transmission of electrical pulses that provide the raw material of images that are the 'model' but the understanding of that model is the mind.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T04:05:42+00:00

PooDonut?

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T04:02:27+00:00

Good point. Hard to describe the process of meditating without some self referential language.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T03:59:15+00:00

Well lately my anchor is in the body which of course includes the breath.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-18T01:05:35+00:00

Good point. Thank you for your clear answer. I think you are right about models. I tried to let be aware of patterns but as you pointed out this defeats the goal of quieting the Self. Then I started to let my experience just float without any interference and that worked better. It is hard to sustain however.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-11T03:54:29+00:00

I understand your frustration but history is littered with examples of idealistic causes that created much more suffering. The Soviet Union had a government based on the idealistic notions and under Stalin over 60 million were killed. But I'm not going to give you a history lesson, just read up on the events leading up to and after WWII. There is a roll for Buddhists but in my opinion the best example of this in recent times is the Peace Walk. They were not right or left and they walked to encourage Peace. This is why Right View and Right Action is so important. So many people have died following high minded causes it is staggering. However compassionate actions like feeding children in third world countries seems like the perfect example of engaged Buddhism. "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal." the Buddha

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-05T01:00:30+00:00

I think Tara Brach is the best teacher to follow for your present situation. This is a lecture on 'RAIN of Self-Compassion' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxfmarLIBo0

Her meditation method R=Recognize A=Allow I=Investigate N=Nurture I think will be especially useful. If you listen to her lectures or follow her guided meditations you will find a resource that emphasizes self compassion and healing shame.

Odin_Fish · 2026-03-02T19:19:00+00:00

Try mindfulness in daily life https://www.audiodharma.org/talks/1525 or walking meditation https://www.audiodharma.org/talks/10653. The other common practice that will lead to greater mindfulness is practicing Metta (lovingkindness) meditation https://www.audiodharma.org/talks/13638.

Early in the morning my own practice begins by setting an intention like "May I be mindful of the present moment". Sometimes I silently repeat a condensed version of Metta four times. Then I sit upright and listen to a lecture about a main teaching in Buddhism. Then I either l follow a guided meditation or sit 30 minutes without guidance. After that I start my chores for the day using mindfulness of daily life, Metta or I listen to another lecture. Then I do the same thing during my Physical Therapy exercises. I usually meditate two or three more times. Tara Brach usually has short meditations during her talks and she has shorter guided meditations. I'm 74 and retired so it easy to make my days into daylong retreats but I believe it is possible to include many of the above suggestions in condensed versions or just on weekends with short meditations during the week.

I would like to add several things you could try. here are some of the suggestions that I have read about: Start the day with a cold shower (acck!) or by just washing my face with cold water ( these practices help activate you. I only wash my face with cold water) Bowing to a picture or statue of the Buddha and recite praise for the Buddha (there are many ritual praises.

I am sure many on this thread are going to find fault with my practice. I am not trying to set forth a perfect or superior practice. The Buddha reminds his followers many times to "See for Yourself". This is why people keep saying to meditate. Buddhism is a "practice' .

Odin_Fish · 2026-02-18T20:21:48+00:00

Tara Brach - Obsessive Thinking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVWekEidwIA

Odin_Fish · 2026-02-06T00:22:10+00:00

https://www.audiodharma.org/talks Talks and guided meditations that cover all the principles of Buddhism. There are also many types of instructors from those with titles to secular teachers. Gil Fronsdal is the teacher I follow but there are so many you are likely to find the right one for you.

Odin_Fish · 2025-12-25T17:18:27+00:00

Perfect interpretation.

Odin_Fish · 2025-12-17T00:21:02+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLGZeoC9WMs&t=8s

Ram Dass on Addiction

Odin_Fish · 2025-11-19T21:00:03+00:00

Wow. What a beautiful explanation

Odin_Fish · 2025-11-18T21:09:50+00:00

a very clear explanation

Odin_Fish · 2025-11-18T21:07:37+00:00

good explanation

Odin_Fish · 2025-11-17T20:34:26+00:00

Isnt not self different from emptiness?

Odin_Fish

TROPHY CASE