June 3-6, 2025, Zhichenkhar, Thimphu, Bhutan
About The Conference
Conference on Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation
The Centre is pleased to announce an International Conference on the theme “Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation” from 3-6 June 2025 in Thimphu, Bhutan to present intersections on contemplative practices and scientific research. The conference will be a rigorous and pathbreaking gathering of philosophers, meditation masters, spiritual practitioners, yogins, abbots, scientists of various streams, including neuroscientists, and meditation and mindfulness professionals to exchange their profound knowledge on the important subject. It will be the 5th such conference which usually focuses on Vajrayana. As meditation, mindfulness and mind transformation techniques exist equally in other traditions, the conference can benefit from their presentations, and it seeks a good number of presentations from other secular, religious, and indigenous traditions (such as those of Africa, Latin America, Australia, and Euro-Asia).
In the four engaging days of the conference, there will also be a series of demonstrations and presentations on the theme. Meditation masters will introduce practical sessions on meditation and mindful living. Shown below are suggestive topics for a presentation paper on ‘Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation’, but other topics related to the conference theme are welcome.
Neuroscientific research
Neuroplasticity and contemplative practices; technological (EEG, fMRI, biometric etc.) monitoring of meditation techniques; effects of meditation on brain hemisphere synchronization; mapping the stages of meditative absorption in the brain; scientific analysis of chakra and mantra meditation; meditation and the nervous system; and inner fire breathing and meditation.
AI
Technological innovations in meditation research and training; effectiveness of Apps-led meditation; potential of virtual reality in simulated meditation experiences; biometric monitoring and neurofeedback of practices; and scientific validation of other esoteric practices.
Cultural and historical contexts
Cultural and historical contexts are essential for understanding the meaning and significance of events, works of art, or ideas. Cultural context refers to the values, beliefs, traditions, and social norms of a specific group at a given time, shaping how people perceive and interact with the world.
Psychological and cognitive impacts
Meditation in health; relation between mindfulness and creativity and innovation; impact of meditation and mindfulness on happiness; meditation in building emotional intelligence; meditation’s role in overcoming addictive behaviors; relationship between psicoacoustics and mantric meditation; subjective experience of long-term practitioners; and mindfulness in family setting and community.
Education and health
Educational and therapeutic applications; integrative approaches to meditation and medicine; meditation programs in school curricula and in special education and supporting neurodivergent learners; and stress management and coping skills.
Environment
Space of meditation; urban architecture for meditation and mindfulness; role of nature and landscape in meditation and mindfulness; hygiene and diet and metabolic rate during meditation; and physical and sleep routine during long term meditation.
Ethical and consciousness studies
Ethical considerations in meditation research; lucid dreaming; dream yoga; thukdam and death; limitation of EEG, fMRI, and other technologies in studying consciousness; consciousness and higher mental states; power dynamics in teacher-student relationships meditation practices; meditation and altered states; commodification of mindfulness; commercialization of meditation; and commercial co-optation in the wellness industry.