What can I say. I'm on a roll! ...Bill!
--- In [email protected], "Bill Smart" <Bill@...> wrote:
>
> --- In [email protected], JWMeritt@A... wrote:
> > In some of his writings, Win Wenger has observed an inverse
> correlation between "intelligence" (whatever THAT is!) and breath
> rate. In a FICTIONAL account, I read of a non-breathing entity who
> possessed, largely because of the lack of distractions, what might
> be termed an enhanced intellect. Obviously, there is more involved.
> That a FICTIONAL account mentions what I have seen in one author's
> factual account leads me to believe that there are other references
> to this about. Anyone seen them and/or care to comment?
>
> Jim,
>
> I haven't seen them but do care to comment.
>
> All of this does certainly depend on what you think 'intelligence'
> is. You've indicated you do not really know; neither do I. Nor do
> I know what the relationship between the brain and intelligence is.
>
> If you think the brain is an EMENATOR of intelligence, then I would
> tend to dismiss Win Wenger's fictional correlation. I would think
> that a highly oxgenated blood supply (which is accomplished by
> breathing)is a positive contributor to optimum brain activity. So
> would a glucose-rich blood supply, higher-blood pressure; stimulants
> and brain receptor enhancers like caffeine and cocaine; and a
> variety of other external conditions that would allow the brain to
> focus efficiently on the tasks at hand.
>
> On the other hand if you think (like Aldous Huxley did) the function
> of the brain is to FILTER the plethera of input we receive and only
> present to our consciousness that which is necessary for our
> physical survival, then Win Wenger's fictional correlation makes
> some sense. Anything that would inhibit the brain's filtering
> function would also help. Besides slowing of breath these can
> include fasting (lowering of blood sugar), chanting (lowering of
> oxygen levels in blood), self-flagellation (releases endorphins and
> other hormones) and of course drugs (LSD, THC, etc...).
>
> But as you know I don't place much importance on intellect and
> intelligence in zen practice. I'll stick with zazen.
>
> ...Bill!
>
------------------------------------
Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
