Neuroscience and Meditation: Ancient tools to address a modern global anxiety crisis
June 11, 2023 (9am -4pm)
Jai Jinendra!
We live at a time of rapid advances in our understanding the neurocognitive foundations of consciousness, perception, thought, and action, and how these mental processes allow the individual to make sense of the world around them. This understanding of the human mind benefits from progress in two broad areas: 1) a rapidly expanding understanding of critical gene-brain-environmental relationships on socioemotional and cognitive development from neuroscience, and, 2) a revisit of older mental, ethical, and spiritual contemplative practices (such as those taught by Jain masters like HH Acharya Sushil Kumarji at Siddhachalam) that can promote increased cognitive and attention abilities, and better mental and spiritual health.
This day-long retreat (designed primarily for adult participants interested in meditation) will include research sharing and meditation sessions followed by Q&A and discussions:
- An introduction on the broad and deep links between Jain philosophy and current neuroscience.
- Research on neurobiology of anxiety and other mood disorders – meditation as a key component of treatment.
- To link these lectures with direct experience 3 meditation sessions are included – two in the morning and one in the afternoon. The meditation sessions will be focused on providing participants with direct experience of pranayama and meditation techniques geared towards cognitive emotional and spiritual development.
We request that you register on the website in advance as the seats are limited. Please arrive by 8am and wear comfortable clothes. Siddhachalam – suffused with Guruji’s vibrations and thousands of hours of prayers and meditations – is resplendent in its summer glory. Welcome to this wonderful camp!
Entrance to Siddhachalam is on 111 Hope Road. Overnight stay is optional (charges apply). Fresh, homemade food, as always, is a gift of Guruji to all yatris. Temples are open to all.
For questions, please email at crm@imjm.org or call at (908) 362-9793
Keshi said to Gautam: “Whom do you call foes?” Hearing these words of Keshi, Gautam replied: “O sage! The first foe is one’s unconquered soul. Add to this the four passions of anger, conceit, deceit and greed, and the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. Vanquishing all these ten, I move about righteously.” Kumar-shraman Keshi said: “Gautam, you are endowed with excellent wisdom. You have removed my doubt…” Uttaradhyayana Sutra, 23:3- 39. The conversation between Sharman Keshi, follower of Bhagwaan Parsvanath, and Gautam Swami, the ganadhara of Bhagwaan Mahavira.