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At the beginning of the 21st century humanity is poised for a revolution in our understanding of consciousness, as the first-person modes of inquiry of the contemplative traditions of the world are integrated with the third-person methods of modern science. The Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies is dedicated to furthering such interdisciplinary and cross-cultural investigation of the nature and potentials of consciousness and extending its benefits to the general public.

The Institute’s research emphasizes the integration of scientific approaches with contemplative methods adhering to equally high standards, radically expanding the study of the mind to explore its potentials more fully than ever before. Its practice and education focus is on the cultivation of human flourishing and genuine happiness through exceptional mental health and balance, bringing the physical and psychological benefits of training awareness to ever-broader segments of the population and all areas of life.

The Santa Barbara Institute is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and education to advance understanding of the nature and potentials of consciousness. Its comprehensive approach integrates the insights and techniques of contemporary science with those of the world’s classic contemplative and philosophical traditions.

Consciousness studies are at a critical juncture. It is now possible for the first time to synthesize rigorous scientific research in such disciplines as neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry with the techniques of consciousness study and development found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism.

The Santa Barbara Institute was established as a nexus for advancing interdisciplinary and cross-cultural understanding that joins scientific knowledge and spiritual practice. It is a non-sectarian organization that reaches out to the scientific and academic communities, a variety of contemplative traditions, and the general public.

The Santa Barbara Institute’s activities focus on three inter-related fields of endeavor:

  

The Santa Barbara Institute embodies ‘balance.’ [It] balances pure and applied research, inquiry and education, science and spirit, first- and third-person approaches, East and West. I heartily welcome the project, with its goal of well-being through balanced living.

Rev. Anthony Freeman, Managing Editor, Journal of Consciousness Studies

 

The Santa Barbara Institute returns psychology to its foundation—the careful consideration of subjective experience by individuals highly trained in self-awareness and focused attention - wedded to the great strides of recent years in cognitive and affective neuroscience. This work is of the highest priority in pushing forward the current limits of knowledge about our most intimate, personal, and core experiences of life.

Paul Ekman, Professor of Psychology & Director, Human Interaction Laboratory
University of California, San Francisco

 
   

 

© 2005 Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies