The Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH (CBS) has announced that the Kingdom of Bhutan will host the Bhutan Meditation Conference: Science, Mindfulness, and Meditation from June 3–6, 2025, in the capital city of Thimphu. The event promises to bring together experts and practitioners from diverse fields to explore the intersections of contemplative practices and scientific research.
According to CBS, this will be the fifth such conference, which traditionally focuses on Vajrayana Buddhism. However, the organizers are expanding the scope to include presentations from secular, religious, and indigenous traditions worldwide, such as those of Africa, Latin America, Australia, and Euro-Asia. The conference aims to foster a global dialogue on meditation, mindfulness, and mind transformation techniques.
Call for Presenters
CBS has invited individuals and organizations interested in presenting at the conference to submit abstracts by February 28, 2025, and full presentation drafts by April 30, 2025. Suggested topics span a wide range of subjects, from neuroscientific research to cultural, psychological, and environmental aspects of meditation. Key themes include:
- Neuroscience: Exploring neuroplasticity, the effects of meditation on the brain, and the relationship between meditation and the nervous system.
- Technology: Innovations in AI and virtual reality for meditation research and biometric monitoring.
- Cultural and Historical Contexts: The influence of Buddhist practices on other traditions, comparative studies, and mindfulness in reducing societal issues.
- Psychological and Cognitive Impacts: Links between meditation and health, creativity, happiness, and addiction.
- Education and Health: Therapeutic applications, meditation in schools, and stress management for neurodivergent learners.
- Environment: The role of nature in meditation, mindfulness spaces, and sustainable urban design.
- Ethics and Consciousness Studies: Ethical concerns in meditation research, lucid dreaming, and the commercialization of meditation practices.
“The conference will be a rigorous and pathbreaking gathering of philosophers, meditation masters, spiritual practitioners, yogins, abbots, scientists, and mindfulness professionals to exchange profound knowledge on this important subject,” CBS noted in its announcement.
Bhutan’s Commitment to Well-being
The event aligns with Bhutan’s broader commitment to holistic development through the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Introduced in the 1970s by Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, GNH provides an alternative to traditional economic indicators like GDP. It emphasizes four key pillars: good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.
Despite its modest population of under 800,000, Bhutan has garnered global recognition for its emphasis on sustainable living and well-being. The country’s Buddhist philosophy and conservation efforts have played a pivotal role in maintaining this balance, making it an ideal setting for a conference on mindfulness and meditation.
A Global Gathering
The Bhutan Meditation Conference will welcome meditation masters, researchers, and professionals from across the globe, offering a platform to share insights and practices. By bridging ancient wisdom and modern science, the conference aims to inspire transformative approaches to personal and societal well-being.
For those interested in contributing to this unique gathering, submissions are now open. Bhutan, a nation celebrated for its commitment to happiness and environmental harmony, is set to host a conversation that could shape the future of mindfulness practices worldwide.
