As a psychologist with a background as a Buddhist monk, I've had my fair share of thought-provoking encounters with the scientific community, particularly when it comes to understanding the mind. I remember a moment in a health psychology class that really stood out to me. One of the students, confidently beginning their argument, stated, "We all agree that the mind is composed of the brain." I couldn't help but raise my hand and say, "Sorry, I disagree."

The room fell into a stunned silence, as if questioning, "Aren't you a scientist? Don't you agree that the mind is held within the brain?" I decided to illustrate my point with a simple demonstration. I took a cup and placed it on the edge of a table, where it teetered precariously. The tension in the room was palpable. "Right now," I said, "as I let go of that cup, you're interacting with me. You're feeling something, recognizing that it was me who put that cup there. And even if I leave the room, you're still, in some way,...