In the midst of the mindfulness revolution and on the cusp of the new age of loving kindness, many who encounter the colorful imagery, prayerful chanting, and ritualized breath-work of the Hindu and Buddhist Tantras find themselves challenged. Given the rich symbolism and complexity of these practices, they often strike us as too busy for meditation, or too religious for today. In this discussion, contemplative psychiatrist and Nalanda Institute Director Dr. Joe Loizzo explores some of the recent breakthroughs in neuroscience that help explain how these practices work, and why they may become the most popular forms of meditation in our age. Dr. Loizzo will also share his clinical research on these methods, and link them to recent work on the mirror neuron empathy system and the vagal nerve social engagement system. And he will explore the evidence that positive imagery, soothing vocalization, and intensive breathing may have deeper, quicker, and more powerful effects on the brain than seemingly more "meditative" techniques. Finally, Dr. Loizzo will address how such practices might protect our minds and brains from the barrage of digital messages and multi-tasking demands we face today, and speed the global spread of empathy and prosocial engagement on which our future depends.
The true nature of our mind is brilliant, clear, and joyful. But we don't experience this reality amid the swirl of stresses, thoughts, and emotions of day-to-day life. This talk will offer practical suggestions on uncovering our naturally comfortable state of mind and reconnecting with the uncon...
work, A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. This seminar will offer a sampling of Isa’s highly experiential teaching style as she helps students better understand their relationship to equanimity, patience, and effort through meditation and reflection.
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This talk focuses on “psychonauts,” explorers of the subtle realms of dream, death, and consciousness. Such people are known as shamans, medicine people, or healers in indigenous traditions and as siddhas or adepts in Buddhist and Hindu Tantric traditions.
We will explore the differences and s...
