The Buddha taught that everything arises and passes away due to causes and conditions. The brain is the final common pathway of all the causes and conditions that shape human suffering – and its end. Therefore, understanding major Buddhist themes – such as the feeling (hedonic) tone of experiences, craving, suffering, virtue, mindfulness, concentration, equanimity, lovingkindness, joy, and wisdom – in terms of the brain can deepen insight and conviction, and support and enhance traditional methods for steadying and concentrating the mind, regulating desire, opening the heart, and taking life less personally.