Engaging with Deepak Chopra and Susan Blackmore illuminated the perplexing nature of consciousness. Susan’s latest book, “Consciousness: An Introduction,” offers a comprehensive exploration into this enigmatic field. The work embodies years of rigorous research, resulting in a 700-page compendium that encompasses neuroscience, philosophy, personal experiences, and more. Blackmore scrutinizes the “hard problem” of consciousness, a term coined by David Chalmers, which questions how subjective experiences arise from physical brains.
Blackmore asserts that no unified definition exists among scientists, yet references Nagel’s famous question, “What is it like to be a bat?” This question implies that consciousness is the essence of having experiences. The “hard problem” might be insoluble due to its misdirected approach of creating a dualistic dilemma between subjective experiences and physical objects. Instead, Blackmore suggests focusing on understanding the brain’s predictive models rather than defining consciousness as an emergent property of the brain itself.
Chopra interjects with insights from Eastern philosophies, such as Vedanta, Yoga, Kashmir Shaivism, and Buddhism, which propose an opposite assumption—that consciousness is the fundamental nature of the universe. These systems suggest that matter is a fluctuation of consciousness and challenge the notion that physical reality, including the brain, is an ultimate reality. Instead, every experience—and the brain itself—are expressions within the field of consciousness.
Exploring the shifts in awareness through practices like meditation and psychedelics, both Chopra and Blackmore reveal how these experiences alter perceptions of self and reality. Blackmore notes the role of neuroplasticity and the default mode network in shaping the sense of self, while Chopra emphasizes liberating oneself from the ego identity to access a deeper reality.
Chopra underscores that consciousness as the subject of all experience is beyond space and time, formless and fundamental. This aligns with the Zen Buddhist concept that form and emptiness are inherently the same, echoing quantum physics’ views on the dual nature of particles.
Chopra encourages Western and Eastern perspectives to converge, suggesting that transcendence of human constructs—scientific, philosophical, or theological—is key to understanding the true nature of reality. Emphasizing practical approaches, Chopra and Blackmore advocate transcending the conditioned mind through deep meditation, psychedelics, or reflective practices.
Dr. Chopra’s explorations provide invaluable perspectives on integrating philosophical understanding with scientific inquiry, inviting readers to delve deeper into these transformative ideas.
To delve deeper into these profound teachings, consider exploring Quantum Healing (Revised and Updated): Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine by Dr. Deepak Chopra. This transformative exploration will deepen the understanding of the mind/body connection.
Watch the embedded video to gain deeper insights from Chopra and Blackmore on the complex and fascinating study of consciousness.
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