Meditation, once the domain of devout practitioners, is now universally recognised for its extensive benefits to mental health. However, there is also an emerging body of research dealing with problems which might be caused by meditation (often referred to as “meditation sickness”). Bristol Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol, generously supported by the Khyentse Foundation, is pleased to host a public roundtable event that aims to explore the significant and timely intersection between Buddhism and mental health.

This gathering will unite academics and practitioners in a meaningful dialogue and will include a roundtable discussion, Q&A session, discussion groups and a food and drink reception.

Schedule
1:30 – 2:15: Roundtable panel discussion
2:15 – 2:45: Q&A session
2:45 – 3:30: Reception
3:30 – 4:30 Discussion groups and concluding remarks

Panel members (by alphabetical order):

Rupert Gethin
Completed a BA in religious studies (1980), an MA in Buddhist Studies (1982) and a PhD (1987) at the University of Manchester. Between 1987 and 2022 he taught Indian religions at the University of Bristol, where he is now Professor Emeritus of Buddhist Studies. He has been President of the Pali Text Society since 2003. He is author of The Foundations of Buddhism (1998), as well as a number of other books and articles relating to Buddhist meditation theory, Abhidharma, and Pali canonical and commentarial literature. Since the 1980s he has practised a form of Buddhist samatha meditation as taught by Boonman Poonyathiro and the Samatha Trust.

Samaśuri (Dr Jo Howes)
GP, now working mostly supporting health and social care colleagues with their mental health. Mum to 2 daughters. passionate about meditation and in particular self compassion focused meditation as a tool for supporting wellbeing and vital as part of an integrated meditation practice for personal , spiritual and world healing.

Willem Kuyken
Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the University of Oxford, and Director of the Oxford Mindfulness Research Centre. He is an author, scientist and teacher. His work is focused on preventing depression and promoting human flourishing. He has published more than 150 peer reviewed scientific articles and was named by Web of Science as in the top 1% of the most cited scientists in the world in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Chris Seiho Preist
Has been practicing Zen at the Bristol Zen Dojo since 1989. He was introduced to the practice by Nancy Nan Shin Amphoux, and ordained by Jean Sho Gen Baby in 1992. He continues to practice and teach under the guidance of his master, Guy Mokuho Mercier. He works at the University of Bristol as Professor of Sustainability and Computer Systems, and University Academic Director of Sustainability.

Pierce Salguero
A transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. Holds a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches courses in Asian religions, history, and health humanities at Penn State University’s Abington College. Editor in chief of the journal Asian Medicine: Journal of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine since 2016.

Jonny White
Jonny White has worked as a Mindfulness Based Psychotherapist for over 20 years, and has been teaching and training psychotherapists in Buddhist based modality for 15 years. He is currently Co-Director of Karuna Institute which offers UKCP accredited psychotherapy trainings in Mindfulness Based Core Process Psychotherapy. Jonny has been practicing mindfulness and the Dharma also for 30 years and has taught on various Buddhist platforms too.

Dr Gary Wong
Dr Wang Graduated at University of Glasgow with MbChB and holds a Master degree in Sociology at University of Bristol. Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Currently working as a Consultant Psychiatrist and holds the position of Staff Governor for Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation trust. Member of the Individual Patient Treatment Panel in the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board.

 

The event is free and open to all but registration is required:

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For inquiries: buddhist-studies@bristol.ac.uk