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