About
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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Why Contemplative Studies?
What exactly is contemplative practice or contemplative studies, and why are they the focus for the Centre?
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Vision, Ethics and Values
Learn more about our vision and supporting mission statement, ethics and values.
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Our People
Meet the academic and professional staff, affiliates and students of the Centre.
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Governance
Meet the members of the Advisory Board and Reference Group who provide strategic advice to the Centre to help achieve its vision.
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 will facilitate and foster truly interdisciplinary, evidence-based research into contemplative practice and methodology. The Centre will facilitate evaluation of the best ways to learn, practise, and understand contemplative concepts and ideas.
Education
The Centre will develop and lead the delivery of outstanding education and lifelong learning to encourage the pursuit of knowledge for the wellbeing and flourishing of society.
Practice
The Centre will support diverse communities to try, 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 will be available for beginner, intermediate and advanced meditators.
Engagement
The Centre will deliver a world-class engagement program and forum for the transfer of knowledge, new ideas and discussion, and provide a space for interdisciplinary discussion of traditional, contemporary, and academic/scientific understanding of contemplative practice and experiences.