Neurologist Pria Anand Explores Brain Narratives in New Book

Neurologist Pria Anand discusses her book The Mind Electric, which explores how stories shape our understanding of the brain and illness, emphasizing overlooked narratives of marginalized groups and the universal human experience revealed by peculiar neurological symptoms. An art exhibition curated by Dr. Arshiya Lokhandwala highlights the disruption caused by colonialism on sacred objects, using Shaurya Kumar’s paintings that depict the absence of divine figures to question historical expropriation and cultural loss. A visit to a Vietnamese Buddhist temple illustrates how Mahayana Buddhism incorporates healing rituals that empower and bless individuals, connecting spiritual practice with mental and physical health through a philosophical framework addressing suffering. Additionally, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated for its transformative spiritual power to conquer death, offering longevity, vitality, and mental clarity to practitioners beyond Hinduism. Meanwhile, agricultural groups express cautious optimism about the upcoming Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission report, critiquing its use of unverified references on pesticides and seed oils and advocating for farmers with hopes that their communications have opened dialogue ahead of the August 12 release.