The Buddha, the Brain, and Bach

Join us for an exploration of the benefits of practice from three distinct, intertwined perspectives. Mornings will begin with intensive mindfulness and loving kindness meditation led by dharma teacher, lay contemplative and scientist Nikki Mirghafori. She will facilitate sitting and walking meditations and help participants refine and integrate their practice and insights. UC Davis neuroscientist Clifford Saron will lead a voyage of scientific discovery into brain function. He will share findings from “The Shamatha Project,” which investigates the effects of meditation on attention, emotion and human flourishing. San Francisco Symphony cellist Barbara Bogatin will play musical interludes and give behind-the-scenes narratives illustrating how musicians turn their daily instrument practice into contemplative practice. She will provide a rare glimpse from within the discipline of maintaining a high level of craft, performing music by Bach and exploring the composer’s creative process to better understand the depths of human expression in his music. Days will consist of meditation, didactic presentations, informal talks and extensive discussion interwoven with guided listening and exulting in the joy of music.

This workshop, well suited to practicing clinicians, is open to all. No previous experience in meditation, music or brain research necessary! For a glimpse into music and meditation, watch this three-minute video by Barbara Bogatin: http://www.sfsymphony.org/barbarabogatin.

For continuing education syllabus, see https://www.esalen.org/buddha-brain-bach-0818.

CE credit for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs.

CE credit for nurses.