Reviewed by Anuruddha Abeygunasekera Almost all of us wrote an essay titled “Myself” when we were in Grade 3. From childhood, our parents and teachers taught us to look after our belongings and distinguish them from those of others. We were also taught the importance of excelling in our studies and sports, upholding the reputation [...]
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Reviewed by Anuruddha Abeygunasekera
Almost all of us wrote an essay titled “Myself” when we were in Grade 3. From childhood, our parents and teachers taught us to look after our belongings and distinguish them from those of others. We were also taught the importance of excelling in our studies and sports, upholding the reputation of our school and university, and protecting the good name of our employer. My home, my family and my vehicle were among the things we sought to protect. In a society that instils these values from an early age, suggesting that there is no enduring self, and that the concepts of “I”, “me” and “myself” are merely fabrications rather than objective realities, may sound nothing short of madness.
Yet this is precisely what Professor Channa Ratnatunga (CR), the renowned surgeon and Emeritus Professor of Surgery at the University of Peradeniya, invites us to consider in his latest book, The Neurobiology of the Conditioned Self. Having turned to prolific writing after retirement, CR presents this seemingly radical proposition in his characteristic style, using simple English and drawing on biological and anthropological evidence to argue that the self is conditioned rather than an independent, permanent entity.
This is no easy task. Only an academic with a deep understanding of neuroscience and extensive expertise in medical research could embark on such an arduous undertaking. Fortunately, CR possesses both these qualities in abundance. I invite readers to explore the book for themselves and judge whether he has succeeded in making his case. It is likely that only a relatively small proportion of the general public will fully appreciate the depth of his arguments, which draw on neuroscientific research. This is not necessarily a shortcoming of CR’s work, nor does it reflect any inadequacy in the evidence he presents. Rather, it highlights the difficulty of grasping a profound truth in a society continually exposed to experiences that reinforce the conventional notion of a permanent self.
CR clearly states the purpose of his endeavour: “To make sense of the current research findings in neuroscience to make a meaningful model of reality, the Buddha propounded.” He hopes that the evidence presented in his book will encourage readers to question their assumptions and seek the truth for themselves. Importantly, CR recognises the distinction between developing a theoretical model based on scientific evidence and identifying a practical pathway towards realising its ultimate goal.
Neuroscience is a subject that many medical undergraduates find particularly challenging. CR has therefore made a commendable effort to explain the relevant neuroscientific principles in simple, accessible language, making them understandable even to readers without a medical background. Numerous illustrations and diagrams help elucidate his arguments. At just 187 pages, the book is relatively concise and easy to read. Nevertheless, readers may need to revisit certain sections several times to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the concepts discussed. The generously sized font is another welcome feature, particularly for readers with poor eyesight.
Balin Printers deserves credit for producing a book with good-quality paper at an affordable price. The numerous figures make complex theories easier to follow and understand. However, clearer labelling and higher-quality illustrations would have further enhanced the reading experience and facilitated comprehension.
The central argument of the book rests on the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganise its structure and function in response to experience, learning and environmental influences. For decades, neuroplasticity has been recognised as one of nature’s remarkable gifts to humanity, contributing to our ability to adapt and survive. Following a stroke or brain injury, for example, neuroplastic changes may enable surviving neural networks to compensate, at least partially, for functions lost through damage. Such adaptations can contribute to the recovery of abilities impaired by injury.
However, not every consequence of a natural process is necessarily beneficial. Building on this idea, CR explores how neuroplasticity may also contribute to the formation of a conditioned self. The influences of parents, teachers, society and culture, together with habitual patterns of thought and behaviour, progressively shape the brain and an individual’s sense of identity. Through these influences, the sense of “I” becomes deeply embedded in our experience, acquiring a powerful hold over our thoughts, emotions and actions. Importantly, CR stresses that the conditioned self is a process, not an entity.
Drawing on neuroscientific findings, CR presents the self as a construct generated by the brain to help individuals adapt to life’s changing circumstances and challenges, thereby promoting human survival. CR equates this incessant yearning for survival with the Pali term bhava tanha . This account invites readers to reconsider what they have long accepted as an unquestionable reality: the existence of a separate, enduring self. By examining the biological processes underlying our sense of identity, the author attempts to build a bridge between contemporary neuroscience and Buddhist teachings on the nature of the self.
Although CR devotes considerable effort and space to explaining the model through which the conditioned self develops, his discussion of how this conditioning might be undone is relatively brief. Understanding how the self is constructed is one challenge; discovering how to loosen its hold is another. Perhaps the author has deliberately reserved a more detailed exploration of this practical pathway for his next book!
The Neurobiology of the Conditioned Self is an ambitious and thought-provoking work that seeks to bring scientific understanding into dialogue with profound philosophical and contemplative insights. It challenges readers to examine assumptions deeply rooted in everyday life and encourages them to look beyond familiar ways of understanding themselves. While some of its arguments may be difficult for the general reader to grasp fully, the book deserves recognition for attempting to make complex neuroscientific concepts accessible and for inviting readers to undertake a deeper inquiry into the nature of the self.
Once readers are convinced of the theoretical basis of the conditioned self, at least some may develop the trust and confidence needed to embark on the practical, yet arduous, path of deconstructing it.
Some of the subjects discussed in this article are detailed in my 150 page book ‘Buddhist Philosophy and Neuroscience’, sold at Sarasavi Bookshop outlets and BPS outlets at Rs 800 a copy. A companion volume ‘The Neurobiology of the Conditioned Self’ is out now at Sarasavi outlets- priced at Rs 600.
The money so accrued is entirely used to fund the Migara Trust, a fund. which funds needy Medical Students of the University of Peradeniya.
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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