Richard Davidson & John Dunne & John Paul Lederach & Dekila Chungyalpa & Adam Frank & Al Kaszniak & Joan Halifax: VARELA SYMPOSIUM: Transforming Conflict – From Science to Real World Applications (Part 1 of 9)

Summary: Series Description: We live in a world where conflict is pervasive. It exists globally, locally, relationally, and in the mind. In this symposium, a group of renowned scientists, contemplatives, peace builders, and environmentalists examine together the neuroscience and social psychology of conflict, violence, pro-sociality, as well as the roles of self, identity, interdependence, and intersubjectivity in conflict and its transformation.<br> Faculty also look at the personal, relational, structural and cultural aspects of conflict transformation, in- and out-group issues, and how differing views of reality impact the environmental and social well-being of our world. This includes the worldview of science which has much to offer at this time of global and local vulnerability; it is also important to explore how science has advanced our understanding of justice and suffering and as well has contributed to social and environmental fragility.<br> The annual Varela Symposium (formerly “Zen Brain”) is inspired by the work of the late neuroscientist and philosopher Francisco Varela, who emphasized the profound value of interdisciplinary approaches to scientific, social, and personal transformation. Dr. Varela was a close associate of Upaya’s abbot, Roshi Joan Halifax, and a frequent visitor to Upaya in its early years. He was an important influence on the ethos of Upaya, and we have chosen to rename this series of significant gatherings in honor of his influence on the lives of our presenters and Upaya.<br> Episode Description: In the opening of the Varela Symposium, our speakers set the stage for a week of exploration into the nature of conflict. We are introduced to Francisco Varela and his remarkable work that managed to touch each one of our instructors in a different way. In meeting our panel, the sheer depth and breadth of their collective expertise in the fields of neuroscience, philosophy, peacebuilding, physics, and environmentalism make for a week of discovery and insight.<br> To help keep these podcasts freely available, we hope you will consider making a suggested donation of $25 to our <a title="Give to Upaya's Dharma Podcast Fund" href="https://www.upaya.org/give/fund.php?id=10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dharma Podcast Fund</a>.<br> <br> To access the entire series, please click on the link below:<br><br> <a title="VARELA SYMPOSIUM: Transforming Conflict – From Science to Real World Applications" href="https://www.upaya.org/2018/06/varela-transforming-conflict-series-9-parts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VARELA SYMPOSIUM: Transforming Conflict – From Science to Real World Applications</a><br>