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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:
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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
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