In April 2023, the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia hosted its first Generative Contemplation Symposium in Charlottesville, Virginia.

This gathering convened experts in Contemplative Studies – scholars, philosophers, cognitive neuroscientists, artists, and Buddhist practitioners – to present their research, reflections, and theories on contemplative practices. In four thematic sessions on attention, non-dual experience, dreams and illusions, and self-emergent visions, these leaders in the field discussed the effects of contemplation on human experience and possibilities for novel engagement with contemplation. The ideas and connections borne from this symposium have led to new directions in research and collaboration in the year since.

Revisit the symposium or watch it for the first time with our transcribed video proceedings.