Scientists 'Read Thoughts' Using Brain Scans

Bruce_of_the_Cosmos writes "Researchers at University College London and University College Los Angeles say that the can 'read' thoughts using fMRI brain scans. While a subject's attention switched between two images, scientists could monitor activity in the visual cortex and accurately determine, among other things, which image the patient was looking at."

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Zen and the Art of Nothingness

[Quirk]

For a westerner, I consider myself widely read in the works of Zen. The intent of my studies was to permit the emptiness of mind that is central to Zen practices.

My reading and practices have lead me to try many meditation methods and, after some years, I've managed to achieve the silencing of my mind. Silencing one's stream of consciousness must be only the beginning of what the advanced practioners of Zen and other eastern belief systems hint at, because, even though I can silence my mind, I most certainly have not achieved any great mystical insights. Unless what I started out with ( mmm chick on chick action... boobies!!!) is the ticket to satori.

Regardless of the scant returns I've experienced from quelling my inner monologue, I think it is a very strong attribute to have on hand to play in social situations, and, now, in situations wherein there's a possibility of being mind probed. With the quieting of the stream of consciousness comes a placidity, or, maybe the placidity allows the quietude.

For what it's worth, what I discovered is that the secret of Zen is that there is no secret. It's a state one may simply fall into, and it's more achievable by release than by concentrated effort.