Mindfulness, Meditation, and the Cultivation of Empathy: Exploring the Underlying Mechanism

• In Event: 43.049 - Contemplative Pedagogies and Profound Transformation of Teaching, Learning, and Being

Abstract

In the first part of our paper, we share our personal experiences in meditation and mindfulness practices, which result in profound transformation in our connection with nature and the world, and a much deeper understanding of ourselves. Then we explore why meditation and other contemplative methods have the potential to transform our being and open us up to greater awareness. We attempt a theoretical endeavor to make sense of the deep and profound learning many people experience through contemplative practices, and turn our attention to the underlying mechanism from quantum physics to psychoanalysis to the concept of energy or vital life force qi. Specifically, as quantum physics posits reality exists in both particle and wave forms, we attempt to understand how meditation enables us to enter a quantum state of being, which is wave-like, relational, energy based, and how in a meditative state we become in touch with our subconscious mind, energy mind, unconscious mind, resulting in a sense of Oneness. We posit meditation is an effective method for us to enter the deeper realms of our being, enabling us to become active agent of change in our self and the world. Finally, we discuss our teaching experiences working with students to gain wisdom and wellbeing, and discuss implications of contemplative pedagogies in higher education.

Authors

• Jing Lin, University of Maryland - College Park

• Ayush Pokharel

• Roshan Parikh