New Brain, New World

Subtitled 'how the evolution of a new human brain can transform consciousness and create a new world', this book is based on 40 years of consciousness research in meditation, kundalini, feeling release therapy, ayahuasca and brainwave training. Just as Fritjof Capra referred to a crisis of perception, so the author diagnoses our situation as a crisis of human consciousness dominated by the influence of the ego, writ large in our economic and political systems. Chapters are devoted to the evolution of human brain, various means of expanding human consciousness, awareness as the driving force in consciousness development and the awakening of a new brain to produce a new more unitive consciousness as a vital factor in evolution. If the ego represents separation and selfishness mainly focused in the left hemisphere, the higher self is more aligned with the culturally repressed right hemisphere represented by sex, nature, feelings and the feminine. Given that the book came out in 2012, the discussion of this area would have greatly benefited from the work of Iain McGilchrist.

The author's research work on ayahuasca shows a large increase in alpha and theta waves and a shutting down of the left hemisphere to allow right hemisphere activity to prevail. He sees kundalini as the evolutionary energy bringing greater coherence to the frontal cortex increasing sensitivity to subtle bodies. He interfaces his analysis with consistent spiritual teachings and illustrative experiences. There is an interesting discussion about the distinction between concentration and awareness, where the latter is defined as a mind that is conscious but not focused – an attentional state trained in meditation. He then explains his own work on alpha and gamma brainwave training, where one can see considerable potential educational applications as a contribution to mental health, not to mention the development of creativity, flow and intuition. The author's overall model suggests that, as the new brain develops, the ego dissolves as activity shifts from the left to right hemisphere. Of course there is a developmental process that needs to be respected, but the social implications are profound at a time when we urgently need to develop a greater sense of interconnectedness. In his conclusion, the author sets this all out and shows how his research leads to a more spiritual science. This is an important contribution and the interface between consciousness, neuroscience and culture.