Sam speaks with Shinzen Young for the second time. They discuss the utility of nondual insight, and the extent to which it can alleviate suffering; the mechanics of attachment; the Four Foundations of Mindfulness; inner vs. outer levels of experience; the relationship between equanimity and behavior; a scientific framing of mysticism; Leonard Cohen’s Montreal Zen center; interfaith dialogue around Buddhist teachings; pathologies that resemble enlightenment; the normative goal of practice; the grieving process; post-traumatic recovery and growth; the “focus factors” of a mindful state; Shizen’s See Hear Feel meditation, a 10-minute version of which he guides; and other topics.

Shinzen Young is a mindfulness teacher, neuroscience research consultant, and co-director of the Science-Enhanced Mindful Awareness (SEMA) Lab at the University of Arizona.

His systematic approach to categorizing, adapting, and teaching meditation, known as Unified Mindfulness, has resulted in collaborations with Harvard Medical School, Carnegie-Mellon University, and the University of Vermont in the burgeoning field of contemplative neuroscience.

He is the author of The Science of Enlightenment, Natural Pain Relief, and numerous audio offerings. To learn more about Shinzen's system, visit www.unifiedmindfulness.com or the Brightmind App.