One of the strongest advocates of neuroscience research relating to Buddhism is the Dalai Lama. For decades, his Mind and Life Institute, which he helped found, has produced many resources. One of his more recent books is a dialogue with Archbishop Desmond Tutu titled The Book of Joy. It has many examples of neuroscience throughout the book. For other publications of the Mind and Life Institute, please follow this link: www.MindandLife.org.
In researching how educators of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) engage Buddhism in regard to neuroscience, several resources and references were found. Andrew Dreitcer of Claremont School of Theology endorsed Rick Hanson’s Neurodharma.[1] Another example is Harvey Cox, a Baptist and formerly a professor at Harvard Divinity School, who endorsed Evan Harris Walker’s The Physics of Consciousness, which seeks to explain consciousness through the lens of Zen Buddhism and quantum physics. Several ATS educators reference Richard Davidson or David Goleman, who practice Buddhist traditions. These references are more in relation to neuroscience research/references than their Buddhist practices.[2]
Several other resources and references to Buddhism and neuroscience found throughout ATS are included below:
– Duke professor of philosophy Owen Flanagan wrote the book The Bodhisattva’s Brain: Buddhism Naturalize.
– University of Chicago Divinity School’s Dan Arnold wrote the book Brains, Buddhas, and Believing.
– Boston College’s Won-Jae Hur wrote his dissertation focusing on Tibetan Buddhism titled, Corporality in Contemplation.
– An article from Graduate Theological Union’s Richard Payne: Payne, Richard K (Richard Karl). 2002. “Cognitive Theories of Ritual and Buddhist Practice: An Examination of Ilkka Pyysiainen’s Theory.” Pacific World 4: 75-90. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001931567&site=ehost-live.
– An article by Vanderbilt’s Dave Vago: Yaden, David Bryce, Mostafa Meleis, Andrew B Newberg, Dave R Vago, and Justin Thomas McDaniel. “Cross-Cultural Contributions to Psychology and Neuroscience: Self, Mind, and Mindfulness in Buddhism.” Pacific World 19 (2017): 53–68. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLAiAZI180521002275&site=ehost-live.
[1] Hanson is the author of several books, including Hardwiring Happiness and Buddha’s Brain.
[2] Such as the concluding chapter of Fuller’s Sherrill, Being with God, 2021; Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence is also used in the course “CHMN543-001 Christian Leadership in a Changing World” at Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary.