Bay Area Science and Spirit Dialogues

Bay Area Science and Spirit Dialogues

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Science and Spiritual Transformation Working Group
Institute for Noetic Sciences
Petaluma, California

The purpose of this society is to develop a new working group of IONS researchers, extended faculty, and collaborators at affiliated academic and religious institutions. The Bay Area Science and Spirit Dialogues focus on creating a forum for thoughtful, dynamic dialogue and ongoing collaboration between scientists, religious teachers, scholars, practitioners and students. Working Group members include scholars in fields of psychology, anthropology, medicine, religious studies, as well as local clergy. Topics for discussion include: conceptualization of religious or spiritual ideas; operationalization of religious or spiritual outcomes, and development of new measures, methods and study designs, and focus on subjects such as Buddhist and scientific views on compassion, the art and science of spiritual transformation, science and practice of prayer and healing, and the science of mindfulness. Free and open to the public, each gathering features an unusual pairing of a scientist and a religious scholar/spiritual teacher who will respond to a series of questions intended to catalyze dialogue about the interface and science and religion. Audiences are encouraged to engage in dialogue during a question and answer period. Video and audiotape of all proceedings are made available at cost to individuals and organizations. The Institute of Noetic Sciences provides matching funds specifically for this societal effort.