In this interview I am once again joined by Ron Serrano long time meditation practitioner, contemplative neuroscience subject, and co-founder of the online meditation group Dharmachanics.

Ron gives a summary of the major studies in contemplative neuroscience in the last several years, in many of which he was a key subject. Ron explains several historical and ongoing studies including Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark Yale University study into the default mode network, hypotheses about the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the sense of self, and the promise of brain scan technology and real-time neurofeedback devices to fast-track enlightenment.

Ron also draws from his experience leading the online meditation group Dharmachanics to offer insight into the typical trajectory towards transformative spiritual experiences, patterns of development in meditators, and how he responds when somebody claims they are enlightened.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep291-neuroscience-of-enlightenment-ron-serrano-2

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

01:04 - Reflections on life and practice 2020

02:37 - Growth of the Dharmachanics online sangha

03:19 - Dharmachanics discussion group about Guru Viking Podcast

03:50 - Sangha is the toughest of the three jewels

04:51 - Patterns of development for meditators

05:59 - The typical trajectory towards awakening

08:48 - How to relate to special meditation experiences

12:34 - Testing enlightenment

13:37 - Ron’s history of participation in contemplative neuroscience

14:09 - Primary subject for Dr Jud Brewer’s landmark study at Yale University

16:26 - The PCC and the no-self

18:24 - Developing the brain scan technology and equipment

19:31 - The accelerating power of real-time meditation feedback

22:18 - How 2020 derailed contemplative neuroscience

23:38 - Ron on commercially available brainwave-feedback products

26:59 - How neuroscience studies really work

28:01 - Debate with Daniel Ingram

28:44 - Daniel’s contributions to contemplative neuroscience

29:41 - A gold standard phenomenology and technological Harvard study

32:43 - A comprehensive blueprint of the enlightened mind

34:54 - 2 major brain networks

26:56 - Secrecy and hidden players

39:15 - A treasure trove of data

40:32 - The holy grail of contemplative neuroscience

41:38 - Why Ron is pessimistic about finding neuro-correlates of awakening

43:14 - The blessing and curse of the Dalai Lama brand

46:08 - Politics and why neuroscientists need the Dalai Lama’s

47:47 - Will neuroscience render religious teachers obsolete?

49:38 - Will AI replace meditation teachers?

50:35 - What will happen to religion if neuroscience cracks the enlightenment code?

52:32 - A history of disruption

54:05 - Does astronomy offer a historical parallel to contemplative neuroscience?

55:46 - The costly problem of data analysis

58:14 - Can this technology be weaponised?

01:00:48 - Technology dependency

01:01:25 - Addictive meditation technology

01:04:39 - Ron reflects on Steve and the podcast

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Previous episode with Ron Serrano:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal

To find out more about Ron Serrano, visit:

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dharmachanics/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James