Nāma-rūpa — what 2500 years of Buddhist tradition says about the mind-body relationship and how it aligns with modern science
Description:
This workshop focuses on the concept of nāma-rūpa ("mind and form") in early Buddhist tradition and how it can be juxtaposed with the contemporary understanding of the mind-body relationship in psychology and cognitive sciences. In Buddhism, nāma-rūpa describes a human being as a process: "nāma" refers to mental aspects such as feelings, perception, intentions, and attention, while "rūpa" refers to the bodily and material dimension of experience. Within the teachings of dependent origination, this concept shows that body and mind are not separate entities, but interdependent elements of a single process of experience. During the workshop, classical Buddhist teachings (i.e., early Theravāda texts), contemporary scientific approaches (i.e., psychology and neurobiology), and the practice of direct experience will converge.
The workshop will include meditation practice and a discussion where participants can relate the discussed topics to their own experience and current research on consciousness and cognition.
Process:
The workshop is open to individuals who have a congress pass Re_Mind. Limited spots available!
Registration via the app.
The main guests of the workshop will be Ajahn Brahmali and Ajahn Mudito, Theravāda monks, who will present the topic from the perspective of monastic practice, early Buddhist texts, and direct meditative experience. Their presence will add a unique dimension to the meeting, combining classical Buddhist teachings, mindfulness practice, and reflection on the mind-body relationship.
The workshop will be led by Dr. Marcin Fabjański, a philosopher, meditation teacher, author of books on practical philosophy, and researcher of the relationship between Western and Eastern traditions. Dr. Fabjański will also serve as a translator during the meeting, which will ensure the fluidity of the conversation, substantive coherence, and a natural rhythm of dialogue with the monks and participants.
Dr. Fabjański has many years of academic, workshop, and popularization experience. He is the author of, among other works, the book "Street Stoicism," and his interests and achievements also include Buddhist philosophy, meditation practice, and working with the experience of body and mind.
This format will allow for a combination of the monks' insights, the moderator's guidance, translation, dialogue with participants, short mindfulness exercises, and a Q&A session.
Festival app.
