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Series Description: We live in a world where conflict is pervasive. It exists globally, locally, relationally, and in the mind. In this symposium, a group of renowned scientists, contemplatives, peace builders, and environmentalists examine together the neuroscience and social psychology of conflict, violence, pro-sociality, as well as the roles of self, identity, interdependence, and intersubjectivity in conflict and its transformation.
Faculty also look at the personal, relational, structural and cultural aspects of conflict transformation, in- and out-group issues, and how differing views of reality impact the environmental and social well-being of our world. This includes the worldview of science which has much to offer at this time of global and local vulnerability; it is also important to explore how science has advanced our understanding of justice and suffering and as well has contributed to social and environmental fragility.
The annual Varela Symposium (formerly “Zen Brain”) is inspired by the work of the late neuroscientist and philosopher Francisco Varela, who emphasized the profound value of interdisciplinary approaches to scientific, social, and personal transformation. Dr. Varela was a close associate of Upaya’s abbot, Roshi Joan Halifax, and a frequent visitor to Upaya in its early years. He was an important influence on the ethos of Upaya, and we have chosen to rename this series of significant gatherings in honor of his influence on the lives of our presenters and Upaya.
Episode Description: In the opening of the Varela Symposium, our speakers set the stage for a week of exploration into the nature of conflict. We are introduced to Francisco Varela and his remarkable work that managed to touch each one of our instructors in a different way. In meeting our panel, the sheer depth and breadth of their collective expertise in the fields of neuroscience, philosophy, peacebuilding, physics, and environmentalism make for a week of discovery and insight.
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Richard Davidson, PhD
William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He...
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John Dunne, PhD
John Dunne (PhD 1999, Harvard University) is now at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he holds the Distinguished Chair in Contemplative Humanities, a newly endowed position created...
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John Paul Lederach, PhD
As Senior Fellow at Humanity United, Dr. Lederach draws upon his conflict transformation experience to assist HU in the development and refinement of measurable and impactful long-term...
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Dekila Chungyalpa
Dekila Chungyalpa is an associate research scientist at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. She is currently designing a new program at Yale that provides environmental...
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Adam Frank, PhD
Professor Frank received his PhD in Physics (1992) from University of Washington. He held postdoctoral and visiting scientist positions at Leiden University and the University of Minnesota. In...
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Sensei Al Kaszniak, PhD
Al Kaszniak received his Ph.D. in clinical and developmental psychology from the University of Illinois in 1976, and completed an internship in clinical neuropsychology at Rush Medical Center...
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Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD Abbot
Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, and author. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery in Santa Fe, New...
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