Online Dharma: Jamyang Buddhist Centre London Announces Seminar on Neuroscience in Buddhism

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Online Dharma: Jamyang Buddhist Centre London Announces Seminar on Neuroscience in Buddhism

By Craig C Lewis
May 24, 2023

Working in collaborating with the Science & Wisdom LIVE initiative, Jamyang Buddhist Centre London has announced a new online learning seminar titled “How Meditation Changes the Brain: Neuroscience in Buddhism.”

To be held on 8 July, the event will be led by the esteemed scholars Geshe Tenzin Namdak, resident Dharma teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre London, and Mexico-based writer, editor, and Zen teacher Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, along with contemplative neuroscientists Dr. Juan Santoyo and Dr. Ekaterina Denkova.

“Scientific research on meditation has often focused on mindfulness-based interventions, but there are many other techniques to support the cultivation of meaning and happiness in our lives,” Jamyang Buddhist Centre London explained. “In this event, we will move beyond mindfulness and explore how applying contemplative practices in the field of neuroscience can increase our resilience, growth, harmony, well-being, and neuroplasticity.

“These teachers will guide you through the various ways that meditation influences the brain, enhances our focus, allows us to release ingrained patterns, and promotes collective well-being.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre London)

The e-learning seminar will explore various themes related to Buddhist meditation from a scientific perspective, including: the impact of stress on the brain’s ability to grow and learn; mind-training techniques to promote health, resilience, and well-being; attitudes and emotions affecting the development of our brains and minds; using contemplative practices and science to foster collective healing, equality, and justice; reconnecting with nature and exploring indigenous practices; and developments in neuroscience and its applications to Buddhist practice.

Full online program, 8 July (UK local time):

Session 1

4–4:40pm: Vanessa Zuisei Goddard – Talk & Guided Meditation
4:40–5:20pm: Dr. Juan Santoyo – Talk
5:20-6pm: Joint Q&A with Zuisei Goddard and Dr. Santoyo

6–7pm: Break

Session 2

7–7:40pm: Dr. Ekaterina Denkova – Talk
7:40–8:20pm: Geshe Tenzin Namdak – Talk
8:20–9pm: Joint Q&A with Dr. Ekaterina Denkova and Geshe tenzin Namdak

Geshe Tenzin Namdak. Image courtesy of Jamyang Buddhist Centre London

“Neuroplasticity is the adaptive process whereby the brain rewires itself in response to thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. Due to this phenomenon, destructive emotions and negative experiences—like trauma, bias and addiction—can become deeply embedded in our neural circuits, adversely affecting our well-being and daily life. The negative emotions and stress that we hold onto can stunt the growth of our brains, impacting our ability to learn and evolve,” Jamyang Buddhist Centre London noted. “This is where meditation and mind-training techniques come in. There are many practices and tools—beyond mindfulness—that we can use to break free of old patterns, create virtuous new habits, and increase neuroplasticity. By leveraging scientific research and contemplative practices, we can promote collective healing, equality and justice in our world, as well as improve our own health, resilience and wellness.”

Click here for full details and to register

Jamyang London Buddhist Centre was established in 1978 to facilitate the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism following the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The center is also affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) under the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and offers a structured curriculum of courses and classes on Buddhist philosophy and practice.

“Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions,” said Science & Wisdom LIVE. “The dialogue between science and contemplative traditions can inspire positive action and inform an ethical response to the challenges of our times, grounded in the human values of cooperation, compassion and equality.” (Science & Wisdom Live)

Craig C Lewis

Craig Lewis grew up in a transplanted Scottish family in southern England before setting off against all advice to seek light and wisdom in far-off places, rather than staying put and looking within. After repeated encounters with the Buddhadharma as a journalist in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and across Asia, he eventually found refuge as senior editor at BDG, where he reports and writes on the diversity of contemporary manifestations of the Dharma. Craig is also a keen mountain trekker and photographer, finding particular inspiration in the peoples, cultures, and Buddhist expressions of the Himalaya. In his column for BDG, “Chasing Light,” Craig seeks to document encounters, experiences, and epiphanies resulting from his own tentative and faltering path toward liberation. Contact: [email protected]

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