The nature of the human mind remains one of the most profound unresolved questions we face as a species. While the mind’s ultimate nature may forever elude us, we can nonetheless carefully study the mind’s characteristics, capabilities, and associated phenomena. We have mapped the human genome, the night sky and the fundamental particles of the physical universe, yet that which is closest to us – our mind – has still to be adequately mapped. An important missing element in the study of the mind is the failure of contemporary science to critically engage with the inherited wisdom of the contemplative traditions, for example, the many insights to be found in Buddhist philosophy concerning the mind. In this Mind & Life/Kokoro dialogue, we brought together experts from the Buddhist contemplative tradition, including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, with experts from modern psychology, philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and other relevant disciplines from Japan and North America in order to comprehensively consider the nature, characteristics and operations of the mind.

LOCATION: Kyoto, Japan
Organized in collaboration with the Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University


Session Videos

Mind & Life Videos

Mind & Life XXIX – Session 1

Mind and Life Institute • April 11, 2014

Topics: Brain & Cognitive Science | Contemplative Wisdom

Mind & Life Videos

Mind & Life XXIX – Session 2

Mind and Life Institute • April 11, 2014

Topics: Brain & Cognitive Science | Contemplative Wisdom

Mind & Life Videos

Mind & Life XXIX – Session 3

Mind and Life Institute • April 12, 2014

Topics: Brain & Cognitive Science | Contemplative Wisdom

Mind & Life Videos

Mind & Life XXIX – Session 4

Mind and Life Institute • April 12, 2014

Topics: Brain & Cognitive Science | Contemplative Wisdom


Participants

Richard J. Davidson, PhD

William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Founder and Chief Visionary for Healthy Minds Innovations, Inc.

Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD

Upaya Institute and Zen Center

Convening Faculty, Fellow, Founding Steward

Thupten Jinpa, PhD

Compassion Institute

Board Chair

Barry Kerzin, MD

Altruism in Medicine Institute

Arthur Zajonc, PhD

Mind & Life Institute