What is it? It's a book by Rick Hanson exploring the neuroscience behind the contemplative teachings of Buddhism and how you can harness it to rewire your own brain for greater well-being. Its subtitle is "the practical neuroscience of happiness, love and wisdom". It's not specifically aimed at people with chronic pain, but when I read it I found that a lot of the ideas in it applied well to pain. It may also help you better understand meditation and mindfulness (two things I found much harder to do before reading the book, although I have to confess I'm still no master now).
Does it work? It's another one that won't get rid of your pain, but it contains ideas you may be able to use to help you deal with and/or reduce its emotional and mental impact, such as the concept of the first and second dart.
Who does it work for? It can work for any kind of pain because it doesn't tackle pain itself, only the way you experience things (including pain). I reckon whether it will work for you depends on whether the way it's written speaks to you and explains it in a way that's meaningful to you. I like a scientific, evidence-based approach, so I like that about it. Because it's examining a religious tradition, it may also work for people who like a spiritual approach. My experience has been that some books work for me, some really don't, and this one did.
Who doesn't it work for? If your religion (or lack of religion) mean that you are uncomfortable learning the teachings of Buddhism (even though no belief in Buddhism is required or promoted), then this book probably isn't for you. Also, if you already apply all these teachings, then it might not have anything to add. Other than that, you're just running the risk that the way it's written won't be meaningful to you or explain things in a way that enables you to apply them.
How much does it cost? As at the time of writing, the prices on Amazon range from £4.99 from an audio download to £8.65 for a used paperback to £10.44 for a Kindle copy to £13.48 for a new paperback.
Is there a cheap or free version? You might be able to borrow a copy from a library. There's also an app available from iTunes for iPhone and iPad for £3.99. I haven't tried the app, but the principle sounds good.
Is there any evidence for it? I'm not aware of any trials looking at the impact of reading Buddha's Brain on chronic pain. Buddha's Brain itself presents evidence for pretty much everything it says and goes through how neuroscience says Buddhism's contemplative teachings have an effect.
Are there any downsides? You have to read the book and some of the suggestions aren't easy to apply and some take up quite a bit of time. But there are quite a wide range of suggestions and some of them are easier to apply than others, so hopefully you can find at least one that works for you.
Are there any other upsides? It's drug-free and has no side effects.
Was it worth the money and effort? I'm glad I bought it and I'm glad I have the information. It's improved my understanding of what's going on in my brain and also my understanding of things like mediation and mindfulness. Even though I still haven't cracked meditation and do slip back into bad habits, I have useful, practical information that I didn't have before I read it.
Have you read Buddha's Brain? Did it work for you? Have you tried the app? What do you think? Do you have any books that you can recommend?
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