Varela International Symposium

The Varela International Symposium 2021 titled 'An Exploration of Uncertainty and Emergence in Self and Society' brings together a remarkable faculty to explore cutting edge areas of science, philosophy, and contemplative practices. Our world is rapidly shifting, with little that seems certain or predictable. The forces that both reflect and have influenced this tipping point, range from a viral pandemic to world-wide protests, from the climate catastrophe to economic instability. These global shifts have made it increasingly apparent that unique personal and social transformations emerge from the changing, dynamic interactions within the complex systems of our own brains and bodies, and within our equally complex societies and our environment.

In this year's program - co-organised with Upaya Institute and Zen Center, Nirakara and L'ADM - we have the opportunity to explore with leading scientists and scholars insights regarding the nature and consequences of uncertain emergent phenomena in complex systems, and what possibilities emergence creates for bringing forth a more equitable, just, and caring world.

>> Click here to watch all recordings of the symposium on our MLE YouTube channel.

Instructor(s): Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Richard Davidson, PhD; Evan Thompson, PhD; Amy Cohen Varela; Adam Frank, PhD; Sensei Al Kaszniak, PhD; John Dunne, PhD; Dr. Elena Antonova; Hanne De Jaegher, PhD. More information about the speakers can be found on the website of Upaya Institute and Zen Center.