Random musings on the topic expressed through assorted links and articles.

What it takes to change your brain's patterns after age 25.

The Four Noble Truths

Regarding the article linked in the OP, would be good if she gave a clear definition of what she means by "self."

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/07/28/426753409/a-sense-of-self-what-happens-when-your-brain-says-you-dont-exist

Within the neurosciences, and the assorted related diciplines around individual and social psychology, and research regarding the change process, the assumption has been, for several decades, that people can and do change throughout their lives. That may or may not have anything to do with sense of self.

A sense of self is important to survive and operate in the physical world. Sense of self is somewhat different from identification with the ego, and is also separate from personality.

I think the author in the linked article in the op is confusing sense of self with changes in the way one thinks and perceives. Or perhaps confusing the construct of ego with sense of self.

What the neurosciences have mostly studied and confirmed, with respect to Buddhism, especially Zen Buddhism (which is strictly speaking, a philosophy, not a religion) 1. the effectiveness of a practice of mindfulness, usually involving a practice of meditation, but not requiring a practice of any particular school of meditation, to change patterns of thinking, perception, and therefore, the brain. Whether or not one embraces Buddhism as an overall philosophy. 2. Increasing documentation of what happens structurally in the brain when one repeatedly focuses on activities, including but not limited to meditation, that forge, reinforce or prune neural pathways.

Most therapists worth their salt will incorporate the encouragement of some form or degree of mindfulness practice in their work with clients these days, and for the past few decades, at least.

The meditative practices of some schools of Buddhist philosophy can certainly enhance the process of brain change for those who seek it.

That is a bit different from the author's assertion that neuroscience confirms Buddhist philosophy.

Personally and professionally I find much that is useful for change and for acceptance within Buddhist philosophy 101. But neither my experience nor research done thus far in the neurosciences verifies the Buddhist notion that we are all part of what can simplistically be understood to be at the heart of Buddhist philosophy - that there is some kind of over-arching cosmic consciousness.

I ain't sayin' there isn't. I'm just sayin' the neurosciences are not currently researching philosophy.