Overview:
On Friday, June 13th, science and Buddhist wisdom will come together in an inspiring dialogue between Prof. Dr. Heleen Slagter and Lama Jigmé Namgyal.

Prof. Slagter, known for her groundbreaking research on attention, consciousness, and the effects of meditation on the brain, will share her scientific insights into how our mind functions and how contemplative practices like meditation can transform consciousness.

Lama Jigmé Namgyal, an authentic Tibetan Buddhist teacher, meditation teacher, and death doula, has devoted his life to studying the human mind and meditation. He will reflect on the scientific findings from the perspective of ancient Tibetan wisdom. This “Meeting of the Minds” promises to be a fascinating dialogue where Western science and Eastern wisdom meet, complement, and sometimes challenge each other.

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to discover how these different perspectives on consciousness, mind, and human potential can enrich each other through a respectful exchange of ideas. The dialogue will include space for interaction with the audience, making it a truly engaging and insightful experience.

Detailed Explanation:
Prof. Heleen Slagter, a prominent figure in cognitive neuroscience, is well-known for her work on the neural basis of core cognitive functions such as attention and the plasticity of these functions. Her research explores how our brain selects, suppresses, and processes information, and how practices like meditation can enhance these mechanisms. Meditation has been shown to promote greater awareness, adaptability, and cognitive flexibility, and Prof. Slagter will delve into the science behind these changes.

Lama Jigmé Namgyal’s expertise in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation brings a spiritual perspective to this scientific conversation. For years, he has studied the mind’s transformative potential from a Tibetan Buddhist viewpoint, which holds that mindfulness, meditation, and the understanding of impermanence can bring clarity and peace. His experience in guiding people through the process of dying offers unique insights into the continuity of consciousness and the Tibetan tradition’s view of the afterlife.

The evening promises a fascinating exchange between two disciplines—neuroscience and Tibetan Buddhist wisdom—showing how both can deepen our understanding of the human mind and consciousness.

 

Additional Information:
Prof. Heleen Slagter is a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the director of the iBBA (Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam). Her research focuses on attention, consciousness, and how mental training, such as meditation, shapes cognitive functions. Lama Jigmé Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and meditation guide, has studied Buddhist philosophy and meditation for years and has worked extensively in the spiritual care of the dying. His teachings focus on integrating wisdom with practical practices that support spiritual growth and the acceptance of life and death.

Practical Information:

• Date: Friday, June 13th

• Time: Doors open: 19:00, Dialogue: 19:30–22:00 (with a break)

• Location: Phuntsok Chö Ling, Oostkousdijk 17B, 3024 CL Rotterdam

• Pricing: 25 EUR non-members, 20 EUR members

• Registration: [Registration Link]

 

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