Generative Contemplation Symposium
University of Virginia, April 20 and 21, 2023
The symposium promises to catalyze transdisciplinary research collaborations to advance a collective understanding of the underlying dynamics of contemplative practices. We are bringing together leading specialists for an exploration of these practices in light of contemporary philosophical inquiry and psychological research on effort and effortless, self-emergent experiences. Themes of effortlessness and self-emergence in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist contemplative practices will be addressed in four overlapping domains:
(I.) Cognitive Effort and Control Practices
(II.) Nondual Awareness Practices
(III.) Dream and Illusion Practices
(IV.) Self-Emergent Visionary Practices.
Each domain will involve a creative mix of Buddhist Studies scholars, scientists, philosophers, and teacher-practitioners with distinct bodies of expertise – textual, experiential, and empirical.
