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Bhutan to Host International Conference on Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation, Invites Abstracts from Presenters

Press Release
Bhutan to host International Conference on Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation
The Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS) and the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan are pleased to announce the upcoming Bhutan Meditation Conference, set to convene from June 3 to 6, 2025, at Zhichenkhar in Thimphu. This international gathering will explore the intersections of contemplative practices and scientific research under the theme “Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation.”
The conference will foster dialogue among philosophers, spiritual practitioners, neuroscientists, meditation masters, and mindfulness professionals from diverse traditions and disciplines.
About 400 people, including around 150 international participants from about 33 countries, are expected to participate. This time, expanding beyond its traditional focus on Vajrayana Buddhism, the conference will see presentations from secular, religious, and indigenous traditions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, Australia, and Euro-Asia.
The four-day conference will offer attendees a wide range of talks and presentations that showcase both traditional knowledge and research. Key topics include scientific views on chakra and mantra practices, along with research on neuroplasticity and meditation’s effects on brain synchronisation.
The role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies such as virtual reality and biometric tools in meditation research will be featured. Historical and cultural perspectives will look at how Buddhist traditions have impacted other customs and society. The advantage of cognitive and psychological meditation will also be explored in areas such as emotional intelligence, creativity, addiction recovery, health, and therapeutic value for neurodivergent people.
Environmental sessions will include topics such as how nature and sustainable urban planning can contribute to mindfulness. The event will also discuss ethics and consciousness studies, such as lucid dreaming, the ethical limitations of meditation research, and the increasing commercialisation of mindfulness.
To provide participants with valuable learning and experiential opportunities, the conference will also incorporate practical meditation sessions.
As in the past, the conference will remain open to the public and pre-registration is encouraged, considering the overwhelming number of participants expected. You can write to bhumedcon@gmail.com for more information.
Meanwhile, with the conference date drawing closer, we will keep you posted on the presenters and their biographies regularly on our website as well as our social media accounts.
We are on Instagram @ Centre for Bhutan Studies (@centreforbhutanstudies) • Instagram photos and videos and Facebook @ Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies | Facebook. You can also follow the conference updates through our website
https://bhutanstudies.org.bt/events/bhutan-meditation-conference/

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