An interactive and engaging day of talks, workshops, and discussions.
15th November 1100-1700
London Buddhist Vihara
Dharmapala Building The Avenue London W4 1UD
The UK Association for Buddhist Studies (UKABS) and the London Buddhist Vihara are hosting a one day, in person, conference for academics, practitioners, and guests to explore the subject of “consciousness” in Buddhist thought and practice.
Bringing together practitioners from diverse traditions of Buddhism, including those born to Buddhist families and those not born to Buddhist families, for a day of group discussions, short talks, experience sharing, and friendship, the conference will cover topics including: consciousness in meditation, canonical understandings of terms for consciousness, and consciousness and neuroscience.
Guest speakers include Prof. Rupert Gethin (Bristol University) and Dr Dusana Dorjee (York University).
Lunch will be provided by the London Buddhist Vihara.
Schedule
10.30: Arrival; help yourself tea/coffee
11.00: Welcome – Elizabeth Harris (President of the UK Association for Buddhist Studies)
11.10: Chanting and Lighting of Lamp
11.15: Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala (Head Monk of the London Buddhist Vihara) – History of the London Buddhist Vihara and co-operation between the Vihara and UKABS.
11.30: Session One (Chair: Dr Nick Swann, University of South Wales): Dr Dusana Dorjee (York University, clinical psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist): Consciousness, Buddhism and Neuroscience, responding to questions received from practitioners, with a period of general discussion at the end. S
12.30-1.30: Lunch provided by the Vihara.
1.30: Session Two (Chair: Dr Benedetta Lomi, University of Bristol): Emeritus Professor Rupert Gethin (University of Bristol): Consciousness in Buddhism, responding to questions received from practitioners, with a period of general discussion at the end.
2.30: Comfort break to re-arrange the rooms
2.45: Discussion groups
3.30: Tea/coffee break
3.45: Session Three (Chair: Dr Elizabeth Harris): Panel Discussion. Panel will include: Rupert Gethin, Dusana Dorjee and Dr Upali Abeysiri (London Buddhist Vihara) – will include responses to questions and considerations from the discussion groups etc.
4.45: Closing Remarks. Vote of Thanks: Dr Sujatha Meegama (Courtauld Institute)
Registration for the event is free but we ask that a suggested donation of £5 be made to the Vihara on the day, to help cover costs.
