Richard Mendius

Richard Mendius, MD, is a neurologist and cofounder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom. He trained at UCLA as an epileptologist and neurobehaviorist, and has served on the teaching faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles, Oregon Health Sciences University, and Stanford University. He maintains a neurology practice in Marin County and has been a long‑time practitioner and teacher of meditation, including weekly meditation classes at San Quentin State Prison.

Mendius is the coauthor of Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom, written with neuropsychologist Rick Hanson, and he is also a coauthor of the audio learning program Meditations to Change Your Brain. His work integrates clinical neurology, contemplative practice, and Buddhist teachings, exploring how mental training and mindfulness can shape the brain to foster well‑being.