Mind & Life XXX – Session 3

Filmed during Mind & Life Institute’s “Mind & Life XXX: Perception, Concepts, and Self” on December 15, 2015. Examining the Perception of Body Sensations: Correlating Aspects of Perceptual Processes with Mind, Self, and Basic PhysiologySPEAKER: Catherine Kerr Recent scientific findings suggest that perception of body sensations, such as a lump in the throat or a …

Francisco J. Varela Research Awards

Neuroscientist, philosopher, and Mind and Life co-founder Francisco Varela (1946-2001) believed that contemplative training offers modern science novel methods for investigating the depth of human experience. In his vision, contemplative training such as meditation not only provides a new domain for scientific study, but it also offers resources for advancing scientific models of consciousness, emotion, …

The Contemplative Development Mapping Project: A new model for interdisciplinary investigation

This past winter, it was my honor and pleasure to participate in a Mind & Life Research Workshop convened by the Contemplative Development Mapping Project (CDMP). The CDMP is a group of scholars, scientists, and practitioners who are personally and professionally committed to enriching our understanding of contemplative practices and experiences. This interdisciplinary “think tank” …

Professional Development Issues in Contemplative Science

This breakout group will focus on professional development for those who wish to pursue a career in contemplative neuroscience. Some initial comments will be offered and then opportunities for questions and answers will be available.

Mind & Life Summer Research Institute 2017

Intersubjectivity and Social Connectivity Garrison, New York Application period: January 9 – February 20, 2017 Summer Research Institute: June 5 – 11, 2017 The application period had been extended through February 20, 2017 and is now closed. For questions contact programs@mindandlife.org Limited Scholarships Now Available A limited number of scholarships are now available to outstanding …

Closing Keynote

Insights from Social Neurosciences: From Training the Brain in Compassion to a Caring Society In the last decades, our society has faced many global and economic problems that call for new solutions and change. Emerging fields such as affective-social and contemplative neurosciences have produced promising findings that may help inform such necessary changes. For example, …

Concurrent Session 5 – Emory-Tibet Science Initiative: Sustained Engagement Between Contemplatives and Scientists Offer Insights for Contemplative Science

Over the past six years, the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative has created a science education program designed to bridge Western science and Tibetan Buddhism, and scaffold mutual engagement. The program will grow exponentially as it rolls out across Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India and Nepal, cultivating the grounds for deep, sustained conversations between science and Buddhism. …