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The Buddha, the Brain, and Bach

Lecturer
Clifford Saron
Barbara Bogatin
Focus
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The Buddha, the Brain, and Bach

This workshop will explore the connections between three intertwined perspectives; meditation, science, and music practice.  UC Davis neuroscientist Clifford Saron will share findings from “The Shamatha Project,” research he directs that investigates the effects of meditation on attention, emotion, and human flourishing. He will share contemplative practices, drawn from the Buddhist tradition, of samatha (concentration), vipassana (insight) and metta (loving kindness), as well as the integration of these practices into daily life. San Francisco Symphony cellist Barbara Bogatin will play musical interludes and give behind-the-scenes commentary illustrating how musicians turn their daily instrument practice into contemplative practice. She will provide a rare glimpse from within the discipline of maintaining a high level of craft, performing music by Bach and exploring the composer’s creative process to better understand the depths of human expression in his music. Together, they will talk about how neuroplasticity shapes the brains of musicians. They will describe how interpersonal brain dynamics create a shared world between audience and performers that is deeply aligned with the goals of contemplative practice. The workshop will include meditation, didactic learning, and discussions interwoven with guided listening and exulting in the joy of music.