Overview
Cosmology and Consciousness II – “Knowing and Action”
November 15-17, 2013
Songsten Library, Dehradun
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cosmology and Consciousness II – “Knowing and Action” is the second conference in a four part series made possible by the generous funding of the Templeton Foundation. The conference series convenes Buddhist scholars, and western and Indian scientists in a 3-day dialogue to promote the integration of spiritual values and scientific investigations. The first conference: “Cosmology and Consciousness – a Dialogue a Dialogue between Buddhist Scholars and Scientists on Mind and Matter” was held in Dharamsala, India in December, 2011, and was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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Complete Press Release in pdf
Complete Brochure (Tibetan on page 1, English on page 36)
Conference Themes
How Do We Know?
How does science and Buddhist contemplative traditions know and understand the natural world, what are the strengths and limitations of each for knowing. What is the epistemological status of knowledge between traditions? How do we distinguish between the real and unreal?
Engaging the World- Abstract
Geshe Tenpa Phakchok
How We Know What We Know- Abstract
Dr. Christopher Impey
Knowing in Tibetan Medicine- Abstract
Dr. Sonam Dolma
How Do We Extend Our Knowing?
How do concepts from the cognitive sciences and neurobiology interface with concepts from Buddhism and other contemplative traditions? In what ways can we extend our senses – how does our mind extend into new technologies that interface with our brains? What are the limits for extending our senses through these technologies?
Dharmanauts: Contemplation and Science in the 21st Century- Abstract
Dr. Rajesh Kasturirangan
Recent Findings from Neuroscience on how Contemplative Practices Affect the Brain- Abstract
Dr. Gaëlle Desbordes
Cultural Subjectivity – Building Bridges Between Science and Buddhism- Abstract
Karma Thupten
The Hum of the Universe Within- Abstract
Nishant Seth
Extending and Restraining Our Senses- Abstract
Geshe Lhakdor
How Do We Act?
How do we navigate complex moral and ethical issues? How do we decide what is moral and what is not moral? What is the connection between knowledge and action – does increased knowledge increase ethical behavior? How can contemplative traditions and science work together to best serve humanity – providing both knowledge and happiness? What interventions are needed?
Neurotechnology: Promises and Perils – Abstract
Dr. Eric Chudler
The Road Less Traveled – Abstract
Geet Oberoi
Hands-on, Eyeball-to-Eyeball, The New Philanthropy – Abstract
Bobby Sager