The Habits of Attention: Meditation, Concentration and the Frontiers of Neuroscience

Featuring Amishi Jha, Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi in conversation with Todd Breyfogle and all attendees

Contemporary neuroscience is shedding new light on the ancient discipline of meditation. How do the frontiers of neuroscience help us understand meditative practices? To what extent does meditation challenge and expand our understanding of neuroscience? What might be the implications of meditative practice for thinking about the mind-body relationship, our capacities for leadership, our powers of concentration, and our conception of happiness? This discussion will explore these questions and more, drawing upon the latest research in neuroscience, philosophy, and theology. Whether you already have a meditative practice, or are simply concerned to navigate the stresses of modern living, this program will push the frontiers of your thinking.

Dr. Amishi Jha, Associate Professor, Psychology, University of Miami, studies the neural bases of attention and the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training (MBSR). With grants from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and several private foundations, she has been systematically investigating the potential applications of MBSR in education, attention deficits, healthy aging and the military.

Dr. Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, professor of religion at Emory University, has studied for many years with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. An expert in both contemplative studies and neuroscience, he directs the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative.

Dr. Todd Breyfogle, Director of Seminars for the Aspen Institute, holds a masters in Christian Theology from Oxford University and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought. He has written extensively on the Christian contemplative tradition.