Exploring Religious Questions SeriesNovember 3, 2014 at 7–9 p.m.

Meditation, Mindfulness, and Contemplative Practices:
Perspectives from Christianity, Buddhism, and the Medical Sciences.

Contemplative practices have been important in Christianity and Buddhism for centuries, and mindfulness and meditation are also emerging hot topics in the field of medicine and even in public schools and on college campuses. In this series, religious scholars will introduce various forms of meditation and contemplation in the history of Christianity and Buddhism and within these faith communities today. They will also address Christian and Buddhist understandings of the spiritual significance and power of silence and meditation. A representative from the medical community will talk about new research on the potential benefits of meditation and mindfulness for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. A panel of practitioners will reflect on their own experience with meditation use and how mindfulness is being used in workplaces, classrooms, and congregations around the country. All of the speakers are experts in their field and have practiced forms of meditation for years.