Brendan Ozawa-de Silva
Course of Study:
West and South Asian Religions
Year of Entry:
2007.0
Areas of Focus:
Buddhism
Contemplative Theory and Practice
Cognitive Neuroscience
Biography
My studies focus on Buddhist contemplative theory and practice and the emerging field around the dialogue between Buddhism and cognitive science, including the scientific study of meditation. My aim is to help develop a greater understanding of mind/body interaction through the interdisciplinary and comparative study of contemplative practices, to discover new clinical interventions, particularly for the treatment of mental illness, and to establish pedagogical curricula that facilitate the cultivation of emotional and social intelligence. I am also interested in Christian contemplative practice, the philosophy of language, and poetry and music as religious practice.