גלות רוחנית : spiritual exile

I met Allan Wallace couple of weeks ago in the CEP conference in Oxford. His presentation was brilliant, and he came across as very energetic contemplative dedicated to bringing Buddhist meditation and modern science together. Spirit Rock has also a scientists retreat and it seems that the interest is growing. Here is the invitation email I received from Alan Wallace.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We invite Research Neuroscientists, Research Psychologists, and Philosophers of Mind to participate in a five-day seminar retreat at the Old Mission in Santa Barbara, January 13-19, 2007. This retreat is specifically designed for neuroscientists, research psychologists, and philosophers interested in learning how Buddhist contemplative practices could inform their research into human brain function and behavior. The retreat is offered by the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies in collaboration with the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and the Mind and Life Institute.

Sessions will be led by Alan Wallace, who was a Buddhist monk for 14 years, ordained by the Dalai Lama, holds a doctorate in religious studies from Stanford University, has been teaching meditation for 35 years, and has translated for conferences between the Dalai Lama and scientists for almost 30 years. He will present guided meditations on themes of attention, metacognition, emotional regulation, altruism, and ethics. Two methods for developing attention skills and refining metacognitive awareness will be taught, in addition to meditative practices intended to inform Western scientific investigations into human brain function. These experimental sessions will be complemented by lectures and discussions on these themes and their relation to modern psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, including a final session devoted to their implications for scientific research. Although Alans lectures and meditation instruction will be drawn from Buddhism, they will be equally accessible to religious and nonreligious participants, for he will be delving into experimental elements of Buddhism, not its religious or metaphysical aspects.

The cost of the retreat, including meals and accommodations in a double room, will be $500. Registration is limited. Please contact James Elliott at info@sbinstitute.com if you are interested in participating.

With best wishes,

Pete Engel Alan Wallace

An interesting project from Routledge publishing house provides an introductory course to Buddhism.When I first received the information from the H-buddhism mailing list I thought ”why on earth do we need another introduction to Buddhism?“ There are quite many good introductions out there published in the past ten years, all contain up-to-date information and a balanced presentation of Buddhist thought, history, practice etc. Even with the growing interest in Buddhist studies, there is no real shortage in introductory books.But this book seems to be something different. (I haven‘t read it. I just comment on the information sent by the publishers). It is a complete package for teachers that contains, for the first time as far as I know, audio and electronic resources plus a model syllabus, and exam questions(!). And it is availble as an e-book.

This model is quite popular in the sciences and is found also in more traditional disciplines like philosophy. It will definitely save time for lecturers who need to put together a first year course on Buddhism. One of the reasons for this post is that I will probably be in this position in a couple of years, and would like to have a quick reference…

Anyway, Charles Prebish and Damien Keown are distinct scholars and their introduction ought to be good. What is important and innovative about it are the extra bits: maps, illustrations and an accompanied website that includes the model syllabus, examination questions, self-test questions, essay questions, and recordings of sounds and chants. Price: £16

The book is also availalbe as e-book from the Journal of Buddhis Ethics

This is my second recommendation for a theme podcast.

You don‘t to have to be in Australia to listen to this broadcast by ACB Radion National. It is also online, or if you prefer, like me, to listen to it while having your lunch in the park subscribe to the podcast. Note: His interview with Graham Priestabout Buddhist philosophy was disappointing. Well, you cann‘t have it all.podcast url:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/feeds/pze.xml

a full list of broadcasts is also here:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/philosopherszone/

At the first glance I thought it was very funny.
Having looked at it again, I felt uncomfortable.
It is a strong and sad image.