[Buddha-l] neuroscience: neural plasticity

[Joy Vriens]

>> I am not sure emotions are afflictive in themselves and even if   
>> they are I am not sure that not having them would be better. 
 
>There have already been a number of discussions (in the Buddhist/  
>Science dialogues with HHDL for example) on this very topic. For   
>example, see: 

>http://snipurl.com/1mpb7 

"From Publishers Weekly 
In May 2001, in a laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, a Tibetan Buddhist monk donned a cap studded with hundreds of sensors that were connected to a state-of-the-art EEG, a brain-scanning device capable of recording changes in his brain with speed and precision. When the monk began meditating in a way that was designed to generate compassion, the sensors registered a dramatic shift to a state of great joy. "The very act of concern for others' well-being, it seems, creates a greater state of well-being within oneself," writes bestselling author Goleman."

Well, I find this amazing. How can one develop a great state of joy from the generation of compassion? Let's take a concrete example, the terrible situation in Dafur. How can the monk move from compassion to a great state of joy, "a greater state of well-being within oneself". Emotions are meant to motivate one, to push one to act in situations that require action. In this case, not only does the generation of compassion not lead to action, but it even creates a greater state of well-being within oneself? If the monk had really generated compassion, he would have pulled off the hudreds of sensors from his skull, jumped of his seat and caught the first plane to Darfur. Just for clarity (in case it weren't obvious already) I am just one who talks the talk without walking the walk. :-)

Joy