The topic of this Dialogue is the role of emotional states in physical health. Over the past 2,500 years, Buddhists have explored this topic through contemplative practices and logical analysis. Their research has been conducted within the context of spiritual disciplines aimed at the release from physical and mental suffering. The principal means for pursuing this end are the identification and dispelling of mental afflictions such as delusion, hatred, and greed, which are regarded as instrumental in producing suffering. Contemplative practices are the traditional vehicle for countering afflictive mind states.

LOCATION: Dharamsala, India


Participants

Thupten Jinpa, PhD

Compassion Institute

Board Chair

Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD

University of Massachusetts

Fellow, Founding Steward

Sharon Salzberg

Insight Meditation Society

Clifford Saron, PhD

University of California, Davis

Convening Faculty, Fellow, Planning Committee Member

Francisco J. Varela, PhD

Mind & Life Institute