ART OF MEDITATION GLOBAL SUMMIT
SCHEDULE
DAY 1
Vipassana Meditation
Sharon Salzberg • Joseph Goldstein • Ruth King • Sylvia Boorstein PhD • Ven. Pannavati • Diana Winston • Gil Fronsdal PhD
Day 1 opens with Sharon Salzberg's exploration of the alchemy of compassion, where she delves into the transformative power of loving-kindness meditation and the synthesis of Vipassana and Tibetan practices. Joseph Goldstein then guides us through the heart of mindfulness practice by exploring the Buddha's foundational teachings and their practical applications in mindfulness. Ruth King offers insights on liberation focusing on the role of Vipassana in understanding the mind and its application in deconstructing racial conditioning. Sylvia Boorstein PhD enriches the day with her session on navigating life’s complexities through mindful awareness, highlighting the role of humor and kindness in mindfulness. Venerable Pannavati explores the convergence of mindfulness and active engagement across Buddhist traditions. Diana Winston explores meditation pathways to inner peace and the effects of Vipassana practices. The day culminates with Gil Fronsdal PhD's insightful session on the interplay of love and liberation in mindfulness practice, exploring the evolution of meditation and the nuanced relationship between thoughts and emotions.
DAY 2
Zen Meditation - Shikantaza
Zoketsu Norman Fischer • Pat Enkyo O'Hara Roshi PhD • Dennis Merzel Genpo Roshi • Jan Chozen Bays • Diana Musho Hamilton • Melissa Blacker Roshi • Kaira Jewel Lingo • Grover Genro Gauntt Roshi
Day Two delves into the heart of Zen practice with Zoketsu Norman Fischer discussing Soto Zen's unique approach to meditation and the vital role of teacher-student relationships. Pat Enkyo O'Hara Roshi PhD emphasizes the diversity of Zen practices and the importance of the Sangha in spiritual growth. Dennis Merzel Genpo Roshi brings a novel perspective by blending traditional Zen with modern psychotherapeutic methods, highlighting the 'Big Mind' process. Jan Chozen Bays addresses the challenges of the 'wild' mind and the foundational elements of Zen practice. Diane Musho Hamilton explores the integration of voice dialogue with Zen, focusing on identity and enlightenment. Melissa Blacker Roshi discusses the significance of intention and body awareness in Zen and mindfulness practices. Kaira Jewel Lingo guides us through understanding emotions in mindfulness, emphasizing the physical and mental aspects. Finally, Grover Genro Gauntt Roshi explores the Zen concept of discipline as a path to freedom, and the importance of interconnectedness in daily life.
DAY 3
Tibetan Buddhist Meditation - Shamatha/Vipashayana
Dzigar Kongrul Rinpoche • Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche • Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche • Tsoknyi RInpoche • Lama Shenpen Hookham • Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel • Elizabeth Callahan • Tenzin Robert Thurman, PhD
On Day 3, Dzigar Kongrul Rinpoche delves into the 'Four Immeasurables' and their role in fostering a compassionate mindset, along with the importance of traditional teachings in personal transformation. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche explores the 'monkey mind' concept, emphasizing the benefits of Shamata and Vipassana meditation for achieving inner peace. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche merges Eastern wisdom with Western perspectives, focusing on compassion in the journey towards enlightenment. Tsoknyi Rinpoche discusses the integration of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and body consciousness for spiritual growth. Lama Shenpen Hookham examines the role of faith and the concept of 'transmission' in the teacher-student dynamic. Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel explores the practice of analytical meditation and its role in understanding the nature of reality. Elizabeth Callahan brings insights into Mahamudra meditation, emphasizing its integration into daily life. Finally, Tenzin Robert Thurman PhD discusses the interplay of breath and consciousness, empathy's role in personal development, and the synergy between spirituality and science.
DAY 4
Indian - Vedic Meditation Traditions
Deepak Chopra, MD • Tony Nader MD, PhD • Swami Sadyojathah ji (Swamiji) • Mandar Apte • Krishna Das • Debra Poneman • Elena Brower
Day Four of the summit highlights Vedic meditation traditions with a lineup of influential speakers. Deepak Chopra MD, emphasizes the importance of recognizing self-awareness in meditation, illustrating its ever-present nature. Tony Nader MD, PhD, delves into a neuroscientific view of meditation, integrating scientific and Vedic perspectives, particularly focusing on Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its effects on mind and body. Swami Sadyojathah ji (Swamiji) discusses Sudarshan Kriya, a transformative breathing technique, debunking common misconceptions about meditation. Mandar Apte explores the influence of meditation and breathwork on leadership and community building. Krishna Das shares his journey from rock and roll to spiritual music, focusing on the power of Kirtan and chanting in spiritual awakening. Debra Poneman explores the concept of Poncha Kosha, offering techniques for achieving calm and harmony in meditation. Finally, Elena Brower examines the influence of Zen Buddhism on mindfulness, highlighting the importance of a 'beginner's mind' and integrating meditation into daily life.
DAY 5
Abrahamic Meditation Traditions: Christian, Jewish, & Sufi
Cynthia Bourgeault • Tim Kelly • Shaykha Fariha Fatima al-Jerrahi • Rabbi Dorothy RIchman • Rev. Michael Christie, PhD • Rabbi Jeff Roth
Day Five of the summit navigates the rich tapestry of Abrahamic meditation traditions. Cynthia Bourgeault explores the resurgence of Christian meditation, emphasizing centering prayer and its role in spiritual deepening. Shaykha Fariha Fatima al-Jerrahi delves into the transformative Sufi practice of Zikr, highlighting the balance of masculine and feminine energies. Rabbi Jeff Roth discusses the heart-mind connection in spirituality, examining the influence of language and conceptual thinking. Tim Kelly shares insights on the healing power of Christian contemplative practices in trauma and resilience. Saki Santorelli EdD, focuses on mindfulness and heart-centered practices for understanding self and reality, embracing life as a 'guesthouse' of experiences. Rabbi Dorothy Richman redefines the concept of God in spirituality, emphasizing the importance of language and heart-mind integration. Lastly, Rev. Michael Christie PhD discusses the Christian reevaluation of meditation, delving into practices like 'Lectio Divina' and the distinction between prayer, contemplation, and meditation.
DAY 6
Non-Dual Meditation
A.H. Almaas • Peter Russel, PhD • Amoda Maa • Caverly Morgan • Craig Hamilton • Loch Kelly • Thomas Hübl, PhD
Day Six of the summit ventures into the realms of Non-Dual Meditation with a line-up of insightful speakers. A.H. Almaas discusses his journey beyond the self, focusing on pure awareness and the role of inquiry in spiritual awakening. Peter Russel shifts the focus to the evolution and practice of effortless meditation, emphasizing the importance of letting go and embracing stillness. Amoda Maa shares insights into embracing the void for non-dual realization, using solitude and surrender as transformative tools. Caverly Morgan merges Zen and non-duality, highlighting the importance of transcending dualistic thinking. Thomas Hübl PhD discusses the healing power of meditation in addressing societal and cultural traumas, underlining interconnectedness. Craig Hamilton explores 'direct awakening' meditation, shifting from seeking ecstatic states to a deeper, non-dual consciousness. Loch Kelly MDiv, LCSW delves into effortless mindfulness and its transformative effects, emphasizing its accessibility and naturalness. Finally, Dawson Church PhD presents on sculpting the brain through compassionate focus and eco-meditation, introducing the concept of the 'short path' to enlightenment.
DAY 7
Secular/Mainstream Mindfulness & Self-Compassion
Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD • Kristin Neff, PhD • Ronald Siegel, PsyD • DaeEss 1Drea Pennington Wasio, MD • Christopher Germer PhD • Dawson Church PhD • Rhonda Magee JD • John Vervaeke PhD
Day Seven brings an exploration of mindfulness and self-compassion. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD discusses his transition from molecular biology to mindfulness, emphasizing ethical foundations and embodied awareness. Kristin Neff PhD delves into the healing power of self-compassion in meditation, exploring the concept of 'backdraft' and the relationship between self-compassion and motivation. Ronald Siegel PsyD examines the role of attention and insight in mindfulness for emotional resilience and the deconstruction of self. Rhonda Magee JD explores mindfulness as a tool for justice and peace, addressing its impact on societal challenges and legal ethics. Christopher Germer PhD emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in therapy, focusing on emotions like shame and anxiety. DaeEss 1Drea Pennington Wasio MD reveals how mindfulness aids in transforming life's challenges, highlighting the power of loving-kindness meditation. John Vervaeke PhD bridges cognitive psychology with mindfulness, discussing 'relevance realization' and cognitive flexibility. Finally, Toby Sola speaks on making meditation both accessible and transformative, guiding participants towards a deeper practice.
DAY 8
Neuroscience-Informed Meditation & the Science of Meditation
Rick Hanson, PhD • Richard J. Davidson, PhD • Larry Ward, PhD • Judson Brewer, PhD • Fleet Maull, PhD • David Vago, PhD • Sara Lazar PhD
Day 8 of the summit unveils ground-breaking insights into the neuroscience of meditation. Rick Hanson PhD delves into neuroscience-informed meditation, revealing the intersection of contemplative practices and scientific understanding, and the role of neuroplasticity in meditation. Richard J. Davidson PhD explores the effects of meditation and yoga on the brain, highlighting the brain's dynamic response to different meditation techniques. Larry Ward PhD discusses the alchemy of mindfulness in transforming personal suffering and its integration with social action. Judson Brewer PhD shares his journey into mindfulness and neuroscience, examining the role of mindfulness in addiction treatment and behavioral change. Fleet Maull PhD talks about his evolution from personal meditation practice to meaningful social contributions, emphasizing meditation's role in societal change. David Vago PhD focuses on how meditation affects various brain regions, particularly the amygdala, and its implications for anxiety reduction. Sara Lazar PhD bridges science and meditation, discussing how consistent meditation practice can lead to lasting changes in brain function.