Welcome from our Director

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the first point of entry into the world of mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practice at the University of Melbourne. Our establishment is due to the incredible generosity of Martin and Loreto Hosking. We will deliver ground-breaking research, innovative educational offerings and a world-class engagement series. We will also offer an opportunity for authentic practice, guided sessions and a place for inter-faith and wisdom discussions.

We hope you find much to inform your practice, life, work, and growth among the Contemplative Studies Centre.

Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam |  Inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre

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About

Amid the action and distraction that fill everyday life, contemplative practices help to provide insight and connection into who we are, who we want to be, and what is most meaningful to us. With foundations in introspection, connection and awareness, contemplative practices help individuals to achieve a quieting of the mind, realisation of what it is to be human, and aid in the development of a more balanced and ethical life. These profound practices have the potential to transform not just individuals but the entirety of human society, through greater connection.

We work with interdisciplinary collaborators across the University of Melbourne, in the community, and worldwide to develop, deliver, support and promote innovative and authentic contemplative study. Our model is based on a strong research program foundation, which drives our interconnected education, engagement and practice programs:

Research

The Centre  facilitates and fosters truly interdisciplinary, evidence-based research into contemplative practice and methodology. The Centre  facilitates evaluation of the best ways to learn, practise, and understand contemplative concepts and ideas.

Education

The Centre  develops and leads the delivery of outstanding education and lifelong learning to encourage the pursuit of knowledge for the wellbeing and flourishing of society.

Practice

The Centre  supports diverse communities to attempt, learn about, and sustain a meditation practice through free guided meditation sessions presented by expert teachers from varied spiritual, faith, Indigenous and secular traditions. Offerings are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced meditators.

Engagement

The Centre  delivers a world-class engagement program and forum for the transfer of knowledge, new ideas and discussion, and provides a space for interdisciplinary discussion of traditional, contemporary, and academic/scientific understanding of contemplative practice and experiences.

Meet the individuals and organisations that we collaborate with.

Our Collaborators

Our Engagement Series

Our programming encompasses a range of academic and non-academic events, discussions, workshops and practice sessions. We hope there is something for everyone through our event programming.

The Contemplation Conversations

These conversations feature an array of thinkers, meditators, researchers and people from all over the life spectrum discussing big topics related to the world of contemplative wisdom. Contemplative studies are incredibly multi-faceted, and topics are as broad as contemplative practice for climate anxiety, through to feminism and queerness in modern religion.

The format is generally a panel discussion with moderation by a host and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists at the conclusion of the event.

Wise Words

Our academic Wise Words series is delivered in academic language and targets academics and students. The series is aimed at advancing the field of contemplative science.

These events will be lecture format and there will be an opportunity for discussion and networking following the events. Come to learn about research from local and international experts, and meet like-minded colleagues for potential collaboration opportunities.

Guided Meditation Sessions

Our Guided Meditation Sessions are led by expert teachers from a range of faith, secular and wisdom traditions and are aimed at beginner, intermediate or advanced meditators.

These sessions start with an introduction to the meditation or tradition, and you will spend at least 20 minutes doing a guided meditation.  You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the teacher and discuss your experiences with fellow meditators.

Tradition Deep Dives

Our Tradition Deep Dive series provides a platform for teachers to present a ‘deep dive’ workshop on a topic that can range from an exploration of a single concept within a wisdom tradition, or a presentation on a method of meditation.

Deep Dives vary in format: for example, one might be an hour-long workshop and another might be a half-day experiential mindful walking tour and conversation.

Contemplative Salons

These Salons are an opportunity for faith, wisdom, Indigenous and secular representatives to come together to share ideas and discuss specific topics related to contemplative studies.

Salons will take many forms and the participants will be diverse and eclectic. The goal of these Salons is to help navigate any barriers to contemplative practice and study and understand the future of these practices in different traditions and faiths.