Mind & Life Institute 2010 Annual Report

Mind & Life Institute
2010 Annual Report
Alleviating suffering and promoting well-being by
developing an integrated understanding of the human mind

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the public conference in Zürich
Cover Photos Left to Right: Tania Singer and His Holiness, Daniel Batson (background) (photo by Manuel Bauer); Sanjit Bunker Roy and Matthieu Ricard
(photo by Manuel Bauer); Richard Davison and His Holiness

About the Mind & Life Institute
“Love and compassion are necessities,
not luxuries. Without them humanity
cannot survive.”
~His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Twenty-Four Years of Investigating the Mind
The Mind & Life Institute was co-founded in 1987 by His
Holiness the Dalai Lama, neuroscientist Francisco Varela and
entrepreneur Adam Engle for the purpose of creating
rigorous dialogue and research collaboration between
modern sciences, the world’s living contemplative traditions,
philosophy, humanities and social sciences. We believe this
integrated, multi-disciplinary research collaboration is the
most effective approach to investigating the human mind,
developing a more complete understanding of the nature of
reality, alleviating suffering and promoting well-being on the
planet.
Over the past 24 years, the Mind & Life Institute has become
a world leader in cultivating this integrated investigation and
developing research fields that explore the effects of contemplative
based practices on the brain, human biology and
behavior.
At the Mind & Life Institute, we understand that the world’s
most serious problems—wars, environmental degradation,
poverty, inequality and social injustice— come from the
minds of men and women. In addition, research is showing
that mental factors and attitudes contribute to personal
illness. We envision a world that fully comprehends the
critical importance of training the mind and developing inner
resources in ways that alleviate suffering rather than cause
suffering; a world in which everyone has access to ageappropriate
and culturally appropriate means for accomplishing
this inner development.
The Mission of the Mind & Life Institute is to:
• Develop the strategy and conceptual framework for a
rigorous, integrated, multi-disciplinary investigation of the
mind that combines first- and second-person direct human
experience with a modern scientific third-person inquiry
• Develop a global community of scientists and scholars to
conduct this investigation, and global communities of
financial partners to provide the material resources to
support this research
• Delineate specific research projects which are strategically
designed to advance these emerging fields of research
• Communicate research findings to provide a scientific
basis for developing and refining practices and programs
designed to improve lives and societies; practices that
cultivate the human qualities of attention, emotional
balance, kindness, compassion, confidence and happiness
Marjorie Layden Schimberg, Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath,Barry Hershey
(photo by Manuel Bauer)
To execute our Mission we have developed a comprehensive
strategy of integrated initiatives:
• Mind and Life Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai
Lama
• Mind and Life Publications, which report on these
Dialogues
• Mind and Life Summer Research Institute, which helps
train scientists and scholars in the emerging fields of
Contemplative Science and Contemplative Studies
• Mind and Life Francisco J. Varela Research Awards,
which provide pilot research grants to pioneering investigators
in Contemplative Science and Contemplative
Studies
• Mind & Life Institute Collaborative Coordinator
Initiative, which promotes cooperation among the
emerging research centers and laboratories in Contemplative
Science and Contemplative Studies
• International Symposia on Contemplative Studies, an
annual networking and information-sharing conference for
the emerging fields within Contemplative Science and
Contemplative Studies
• Mind and Life Humanities and Social Sciences
Initiative, which ensures that the emerging fields of
Contemplative Science and Contemplative Studies are
multi-disciplinary and integrate first, second, and thirdperson
modes of investigation
• Mind and Life Developmental Science Research
Network, which investigates how contemplative based
interventions affect human development with special focus
on attention deficit disorders
To find out more about the Mind & Life Institute, please visit
our website at www.mindandlife.org
The Mind & Life Institute is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
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Mind & Life Institute 2010 Annual Report
Table of Contents
Letter from the Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mind & Life Institute’s Family of Collaborative Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2010: The Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Mind and Life International. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mind and Life XX: Altruism and Compassion in Economic Systems, Zürich, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mind and Life XXI: Mental Training, Impact on Neuronal, Cognitive and Emotional Plasticity . . . . 10
Mind and Life 2010 Summer Research Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mind & Life Institute Francisco J. Varela Research Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Center Directors’ Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mind and Life XXII: A Landmark Conference in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mind and Life Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2010 Financial Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Mind and Life Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mind and Life Financial Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
A Twenty-Four Year History of Accomplishment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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Letter from the Chairman
Warmest greetings,
With your kindness and support, 2010 has been a remarkable year of progress for
the work of the Mind & Life Institute. Hosting three major meetings on three
different continents, together with our partners, scientists, contemplatives and
supporters, we have advanced the emerging fields of Contemplative Science and
Contemplative Studies in the world, particularly in Europe and India. At home,
we continued our foundational field-building work with our 7th annual Mind and
Life Summer Research Institute at the Garrison Institute, and accompanying
Francisco J. Varela Research Awards. 2010 was also a year of increased collaboration
among research centers and laboratories in the field highlighted by a Center Directors’
Meeting in July.
We continue to be grateful for the impact our work is having at many levels of society. We
frequently receive positive feedback from young scientists and scholars who tell us how
important this work has been for them, personally and professionally. In the academic and
scientific arena, we see an increase in published studies and funding for scientists researching
contemplative practices. As this scientific data trickles into the mainstream, more people are
beginning to adopt practices that increase attention and emotional balance while reducing stress.
Most of all, we are grateful to all of you who support this ongoing work, especially our cofounder
and honorary chair, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose decades of wise guidance and
participation in our dialogues have propelled this mission. We deeply appreciate the scientists,
scholars and contemplatives who give their time selflessly to plan and participate in our
dialogues, training programs and research initiatives. We could not accomplish our mission
without our growing family of philanthropists who generously provide the financial support for
this critical work. Notwithstanding, we owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated Board of
Directors, Program and Research Council and management and operation team who work hard
to ensure that our strategies and initiatives are executed efficiently and with kindness and grace.
Even with formidable progress, there is still much to learn before we have a comprehensive,
workable understanding of the human mind; an understanding which will support the
development of age-appropriate and culturally appropriate mental and emotional training
programs to reduce suffering and increase well-being. With your continued support, we will
continue our vision of advancing this critically important work.
With deep appreciation,
R. Adam Engle
Chairman and CEO
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Mind & Life Institute’s Family of Collaborative Organizations
Mind and Life Collaborating Research Institutes and Groups
CASEL Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning
Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education Stanford School of Medicine
Center for Investigating Healthy Minds University of Wisconsin-Madison
Center for Mind and Brain University of California, Davis
Center for Mindfulness University of Massachusetts Medical School
Emory’s Collaborative for Contemplative Studies Department of Religion at Emory
Laboratory for Social and Neural System Research University of Zürich
Mindfulness Awareness Research Center UCLA
National Institute of Advanced Studies Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India
Prevention Research Center Penn State
Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies Santa Barbara
Mind and Life Event Co-Sponsors
American Psychological Association
Central University of Higher Tibetan Studies
Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning
George Washingtom University - Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Emory University
Georgetown Medical Center
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Johns Hopkins Medical University
McGovern Institute at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
National Institute of Advanced Studies
Offices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharmasala and New Delhi, India
Pennsylvania State University College of Education
Stanford University School of Education
The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The Mayo Clinic
The University of Zürich
University of Michigan School of Education
University of Virginia-Curry School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education
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John Dunne and Matthieu Ricard (photo by Manuel Bauer)
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2010: The Year in Review
Matthieu Ricard and Sharon Salzberg at Mind and Life XXI
The Mind & Life Institute (MLI) had an
exceptional year in 2010, hosting events in
Europe, the US and India. As we look back at one
of the busiest and most productive years in our
history, we can see how our efforts and successes
over the past decades have resulted in a nascent
global community of scientists and contemplatives
dedicated to exploring the mind.
Quite simply, we are humbled and amazed that
our efforts to build a field of scientific inquiry
into contemplative practices have been met with
such support and enthusiasm. We owe deep
gratitude to our extended community of scientists,
scholars, academics, contemplatives, students,
supporters and friends who are building this
community with us. We are all on a very
important and cutting-edge journey to learn how
and why the mind works in order to ultimately
alleviate suffering and increase well-being in the
world.
In April, we held Mind and Life XX: Altruism
and Compassion in Economic Systems in Zürich,
Switzerland, co-sponsored by the University of
Zürich. This was our first public international
conference and the first conference to address the
relationship between mindfulness, compassion
and economics. This conference stimulated
greater inter-disciplinary investigation of contemplative
practices in Europe.
In May, 2010, Mind and Life XXI: Mental
Training, Impact on Neuronal, Cognitive and
Emotional Plasticity was held at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison’s Waisman Center as part of
the grand-opening of MLI board member Richard
Davidson’s new Center for Investigating Healthy
Minds. We were very excited to be with Richie
for this ground-breaking event, a significant
accomplishment not only within the academic
institution, but also in the field of contemplative
research. Congratulations Richie!
In June, 2010, we held our 7th annual Mind and
Life Summer Research Institute (MLSRI) at the
Garrison Center in Garrison, NY. The theme:
Developmental Neuroscience and Contemplative
Practices: Questions, Challenges, and Opportunities,
focused on linking the work of Contemplative
Science and practice with the work in the
developmental sciences, including developmental
neuroscience. This connection provides a
scientific foundation from which we can
investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and
potential challenges of attempting to introduce
secularized versions of contemplative practices
into public educational settings.
MLSRI’s accompanying pilot research grant
program, the Francisco J. Varela Research
Awards, also held its 7th grant cycle. In 2010, we
granted 12 awards totaling $175,000 for research
in the area of Contemplative Science and
Contemplative Studies, bringing our totals since
2004 to 90 Awards and more than $1,175,000 in
grants. Since inception, downstream outcomes of
the Varela Awards include scores of published
articles and more than $12 million in follow-on
funding to the awardees.
Betty Jones, Angela Teng, and Dave Womack at Mind and
Life XX in Zürich (photo by Manuel Bauer)
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2010: The Year in Review, cont’d
Participants at MLSRI 2010
In July, 2010, Mind and Life held the first ever
Center Directors’ Meeting in Boulder, Colorado,
inviting 15 directors from leading laboratories
and research centers in the field of Contemplative
Studies. The focus was to deepen collaboration
and advance the emerging fields of Contemplative
Science and Contemplative Studies. The
directors enthusiastically endorsed our efforts to
coordinate collaboration among them. We collectively
initiated two collaborative programs: the
International Symposia on Contemplative Studies
will launch in 2012 as the premier international
science and academic conference for the
emerging fields of contemplative research, and a
strategy to publish literature delineating best
practices for contemplative research.
In November, 2010, we held our first conference
in India, Mind and Life XXII: Contemplative
Science: The Scientific Study of Contemplative
Practice on Human Biology and Behaviour, at the
India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, India, cosponsored
by the National Institute of Advanced
Studies. While past Mind and Life conferences
have focused on Buddhist-based contemplative
practices, the Delhi conference explored some of
the rich Indian philosophical and cultural
heritage, including the Vedanta, Jain and Yoga
traditions.
Financially, we continue to be very fortunate and
are deeply grateful and indebted to the continuing
support and kindness of our Sustaining Patrons
and other sponsors who have enabled us to pursue
our mission and vision at a level of impeccability
and focus. Without you, the conferences,
meetings, research and contribution to growth in
the field could not continue. Thank you!
We continue to manage our finances prudently
and soundly, carefully allocating resources to the
points of greatest leverage, in both our internal
resources and the external opportunities for
collaboration and field growth. Our modest
capital base allowed us to weather the financial
crisis and permits us to invest prudently in new
initiatives while we seek program grants, rather
than having to delay new programs until a grant is
secured. This has been key in our ability to
consistently provide leadership in the emerging
fields of contemplative research.
As we look forward to 2011 and beyond, we
anticipate continued growth in the fields of
Contemplative Science and Contemplative
Studies, especially in Europe and India, where we
will initiate programs to follow our successful
launches in Zürich and New Delhi. Some of our
greatest opportunities lay in building new collaborations
and introducing new research paradigms.
Specifically, we see a critical need to include
greater first- and second-person perspectives of
contemplative practices in the current research.
These elements can be found in the humanities
and social sciences, including philosophy, anthropology,
religion and history. Mind and Life is
implementing strategies to launch and cultivate a
Humanities and Social Sciences Initiative in order
to bring these perspectives into the research.
As we move forward into this exciting time of
growth, collaboration, scholarship and practice,
we are honored to consider you part of our family
and look forward to seeing many of you on the
road ahead.
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Mind and Life International
Mind and Life XX Attendees (photo by Manuel Bauer)
Mind and Life International (MLI International)
is part of our global strategy to build and support
Contemplative Science and Contemplative
Studies at an international and interdisciplinary
level. Currently, our work in Europe and in India
has engaged some of the most prominent
scientists, scholars and contemplatives from
various traditions in the work of investigating the
mind.
In 2010, Mind and Life International (MLI International)
played a greater role in the strategies
and accomplishments of Mind and Life and our
partners, sponsoring Mind and Life XX in Zürich
and playing a key role in Mind and Life XXII in
India.
MLI International was established in 2008 in
response to increased interest from individuals
and institutions outside the U.S. to support the
growing fields of Contemplative Science and
Contemplative Studies. MLI International
addresses the need to advance the emerging areas
of consciousness studies and contemplative
science abroad. Based in Zürich, Switzerland,
MLI International carries the mission and vision
of Mind and Life to Europe and beyond.
We are very pleased with the response to our
global efforts so far, and look forward to future
collaborations and developments in this arena.
Diego Hangartner, COO, International and
His Holiness the Dalai Lama (photo by Manuel Bauer)
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Mind and Life XX: Altruism and Compassion in Economic Systems
Zürich, April 2010
Zürich Participants Daniel Batson, Roshi Joan Halifax, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
Thupten Jinpa (photo by Manuel Bauer)
Mind & Life XX: Altruism and Compassion in
Economic Systems, was the first public Mind and
Life dialogue to be held in Europe as part of a
more internationally inclusive Mind and Life
outreach effort. Led by Diego Hangartner, COO,
International, the ground-breaking conference
was held at the Kongresshaus in Zürich,
Switzerland, and co-sponsored by the University
of Zürich.
The conference facilitated dialogue between
Buddhist contemplatives, economists and
scientists who have been exploring a new understanding
of the role of psychology, emotion and
human values in economic systems under the
rubric of neuro-economics.
Classic economic theory is based on the
assumption that humans are self-interested and
rational actors, and casts doubt on the very
existence of altruism. New research in both
economics and neuroscience reveals a much
richer and more complex picture of humanity
where altruism and compassion are not only part
of the equation, but can be encouraged and
learned. Further, research is revealing that prosocial
behavior is critical for the survival of
humanity, while egoistic and non-altruistic
behavior are antithetical to human well-being.
These findings have profound implications for
public policy and the shaping of future institutions,
even as the recent global financial crisis shows
how vulnerable economic systems are to negative
human behaviors such as corruption and greed.
During five provocative sessions, the conference
explored topics ranging from exploration of the
Buddhist and neuroscientific views on empathy,
compassion and pro-social behavior to the
emotional roots of compassion and even the
biological basis for empathy. Further discussion
illuminated the difference between compassionate
motivation in Buddhism and its complementary
self-sacrificing behavior in the West. Participants
noted that wealth does not necessarily correlate to
happiness, and how in some regards, financial
wealth is increasing at the expense of mental
well-being.
Pro-social presenters inspired the audience with
powerful stories of projects that are making a real
impact on suffering in the world, and where
leadership has set transformative examples.
Sustainable and socially-responsible investing,
microfinance and educating illiterate women in
sustainable technology at the Barefoot College in
India were among the topics presented. The
conference concluded with a rich discussion on
the role of compassion, spiritual values, and
emotional awareness in authentic leadership.
We are very pleased with the feedback from this
conference. In just the last few decades, the
concepts of altruism and greater equality in
economic and social systems have been more
readily accepted and explored, and we are certain
that mindfulness, contemplative practices, prosocial
economic programs and philosophies will
increasingly play a major, transformative role in
promoting personal responsibility, fairness and
compassion in this arena.
As a result of Mind and Life XX, we have
identified potential European collaborators and
intend to continue seeding interdisciplinary investigation
of Contemplative Science and Contemplative
Studies in Europe.
For more information on the web visit:
www.compassionineconomics.org
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Mind and Life XXI: Mental Training, Impact on Neuronal, Cognitive and
Emotional Plasticity
Madison, Wisconsin, May 2010
Clifford Saron and Barbara Fredrickson
(photo by Krakora Studios)
As part of the Center for Investigating Healthy
Minds’ (CIHM) grand-opening in May, 2010, we
sponsored Mind and Life XXI: Mental Training,
Impact on Neuronal, Cognitive and Emotional
Plasticity. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along
with contemplatives and contemplative scholars
John Dunne, Ph.D., Sharon Salzberg and
Matthieu Ricard, Ph.D. engaged in active
discussion with scientists in a session to update
His Holiness on the latest scientific discoveries.
Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., principal investigator
at PEPLab discussed positive emotions and their
potential implications on health and behavior
change. Referring to her Broaden-and-Build
theory, she suggested that positive emotions
broaden awareness and build enduring resources.
Clifford Saron, Ph.D., Associate Research
Scientist at the Center for Mind and Brain, UC
Davis, gave an update on the Shamatha Project.
The group’s recent findings are exploring the
relationship between meditation practice and
emotional expression and further exploring how
changes in expressivity of emotions relate to
positive psychological change and pro-social
behavior.
Richard Davidson, Ph.D. and Antoine Lutz,
Ph.D., presented updates from CIHM, discussing
how mental training, specifically meditation, can
have an impact on pain regulation. They also
presented findings that show how compassion
training positively impacts the brain’s ability to
respond when presented with certain stimulus or
events.
In addition to the dialogue, Mind and Life was
very proud to support CIHM’s grand-opening.
Mind and Life has a long-standing relationship
with CIHM Director and Mind and Life Board
member Richard Davidson. Richie joined the
Mind and Life family in 1990 and joined us in
Dharamsala in 1992. Richie has participated in
and coordinated many dialogues and graciously
took on the role as Mind and Life’s scientific
visionary in 2001 when Francisco Varela passed.
Mind and Life was honored to return to the
University of Wisconsin, Madison, with Mind and
Life XXI as part of the grand-opening celebration
of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds,
and to congratulate Richie on this giant leap
forward.
For more information on CIHM, please visit:
www.investigatinghealthyminds.org
Mind and Life XXI Participants (photo by Krakora Studios)
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Mind and Life 2010 Summer Research Institute
Sat Bir Khalsa and MLSRI attendees
MLSRI Meeting Hall
The 7th Annual Mind and Life Summer Research
Institute (MLSRI): Education, Developmental
Neuroscience and Contemplative Practices:
Questions, Challenges, and Opportunities, was held
from June 14 – 20, 2010 at the beautiful Garrison
Institute. Nestled in the Hudson Highlands across
the river from West Point, the Garrison Institute is a
former Capuchin monastery and offers the perfect
setting for the scientific exploration of contemplative
practices.
Participants arrived from as far away as Israel,
France, Australia and Canada to attend MLSRI
2010. The purpose of this year’s MLSRI was to
advance collaborative research among developmental
scientists, neuroscientists, and educational
researchers and practitioners based on a process of
inquiry, dialogue and collaboration with contemplative
practitioners and scholars in Buddhist and
other contemplative traditions. A diverse interdisciplinary
mix of scientists presented alongside
renowned contemplatives and contemplative
scholars to Research Fellows and Senior Investigators.
All together, 163 participants, faculty and
staff collaborated at this year’s event.
The week followed a daily thematic focus covered
by two to four plenary lectures followed by short
commentaries, panel discussions and breakout
sessions. Day 3 was a day of silent meditation and
contemplative practice led by contemplative practitioners
Sharon Salzberg and Will Kabat-Zinn.
Two Data Blitz sessions featured the latest research
by Varela Awardees, and were followed by poster
sessions where participants and faculty could further
explore the work of and collaborate with Varela
Awardees. The Data Blitz sessions entailed short,
5-minute slide presentations highlighting the major
aims, hypotheses, and conclusions of relevant data
from poster presenters. A total of 22 Awardees
presented during the two Data Blitz sessions. This
presentation format has been successful in
encouraging young investigators to follow through
with their research, to produce viable data, and
become capable speakers in the field.
The long-term objective of MLSRI is to advance
the training of a new generation of developmental
scientists, cognitive/affective neuroscientists,
applied/clinical researchers and contemplative
scholar/practitioners interested in exploring the
potential influences of contemplative practices in
educational contexts of mind, behavior and brain
function.
MLSRI continues to be one of our most effective
tools in forwarding our goal to cultivate a new
generation of cognitive/affective neuroscientists,
developmental scientists, educators, and
clinicians. The participating scientists’
commitment and interest in exploring the
influence of contemplative practice on behavior,
mental health and brain function is reaffirmed by
the quality and quantity of Research Fellows and
Senior Investigators dedicated to fostering these
new fields of Contemplative Neuroscience,
Contemplative Clinical Science and Contemplative
Studies.
To find out more about MLSRI on the web,
please visit:
www.mindandlife.org/research-initiatives/sri
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Mind & Life Institute Francisco J. Varela Research Awards
Tim Gard, Varela Awardee, and Diego Hangartner
Dev Ashish and Ming-Wen Wang, Varela Awardee
The Mind & Life Institute Francisco J. Varela
Research Awards (Varela Awards) for graduate
students and post docs were established in 2004
as a companion program to the Mind and Life
Summer Research Institute (MLSRI) and have
been a critical element in supporting the
development of Contemplative Science and
Contemplative Studies. The Varela Awards
support new research proposals, most developed
through collaboration at MLSRI, which often do
not qualify for traditional streams of funding.
Since 2004, we have distributed more than
$1,175,000 in funding to support young scientists
in these emerging fields. As a result of the Varela
Awards, significant cognitive, behavioral, neurobiological,
and clinical findings are being
published in top-tier, peer-reviewed, scientific
journals. To date, 46 scholarly articles have been
published in peer-reviewed journals with another
18 articles under review and 44 articles in
preparation for submission. Further, these
relatively small awards have been leveraged into
more than $12 million in follow-on funding to the
awardees including four follow-on awards at the
$1 million level and 10 follow-on awards of more
than $200,000.
Research that is now being conducted with the
support of Varela Awards will be the future basis
of the emerging fields of Contemplative Science
and Contemplative Studies, and today’s
researchers will be tomorrow’s leaders in the
exploration of the mind.
Congratulations to the 2010-2011
recipients of the Francisco J. Varela
Research Awards!
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2010-2011 Mind & Life Institute Francisco J. Varela Research Awardees
1. Micah Allen, M.A., Aarhus University, Århus Denmark
The Neurophenomenology of Mindfulness: Meta-Cognitive Awareness as a Mechanism for Adaptive Change
Funding $15,000
2. Grace Bullock, Ph.D., University of Oregon
Yoga for Parenting Success: YPS
Funding $15,000
3. Gaelle Desbordes, Ph.D., Boston University
Neural and Physiological Correlates of Tibetan Energy-Channel Meditation in Highly-Trained Practitioners
Funding $15,000
4. Jessica Flynn, M.S., Kent State University
Effects of Training in Loving-Kindness Meditation on Underlying Approach and Avoidance Motivations
Funding $15,000
5. Tim Gard, MSc., Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Giessen, Germany
The Effects of Kripalu Yoga on the Brain: A Longitudinal Cortical Thickness and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Study
Funding $15,000
6. Andrea Hayes, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Differential Effects of Mindfulness and Yogic Breathing on Cognitive and Emotional Processes
Funding $15,000
7. Britta Holzel, Ph.D., Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Giessen, Germany
Do White Matter Changes Contribute to Improved Fear Extinction Following Mindfulness Training
Funding $15,000
8. Daniel Levinson, B.S., University Wisconsin-Madison
Breath Counting: Developing a Behavioral Measure of Mindfulness
Funding $15,000
9. Kristen Lyons, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training in Early Childhood
Funding $15,000
10. Jose Raul Naranjo, Dipl. Phys., Center for Meditation, Mindfulness and Neuroscience Research, Evaluation
Research in Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical
Center Freiburg
EEG Spectral Signatures of the Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Perceptual-Motor Awareness and Self-
Agency
Funding $15,000
11. Eva Oberle, Ph.D. candidate, University of British Columbia
Mindfulness-Based Education in the Elementary School Classroom: Individual and Joint Effects of a Teacher
and Student Program on Children’s Classroom Behaviors, Peer Relations, Classroom Hierarchy, and Stress
Reactivity
Funding $15,000
12. Autumn Wiley, B.A., University of Arizona
Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Self-Control Failure
Funding $10,000
13

Center Directors’ Meeting
Left to Right Back Row: Marvin Belzer, Adam Engle, Sona Dimidjian,
Richard Davidson, Clifford Saron, Al Kaszniak, Barbara Frederickson.
Front Row: Mark Greenberg, Diego Hangartner, Susan Bauer-Wu, Hal Roth
On July 13-15, 2010 the Mind & Life Institute hosted a
meeting among directors of laboratories and research centers
to formalize and deepen collaboration and to advance the
emerging fields of Contemplative Science and Studies. Our
work over the past 10 years has been very effective at
building research and community, as evidenced by the
MLSRI and Varela Awards and the increase in research
studies and funding. In fact, the progress has been so
effective that a number of first-rate scientists have brought
the work of Contemplative Science into their labs and several
centers have been created to study the field.
In response to this growth, MLI invited 15 research directors,
including international participants, to meet and discuss how
we could all facilitate greater collaboration, capitalize on
opportunities among labs, discuss common challenges and
uncover solutions. The meeting was extremely successful.
The center directors were all very enthusiastic about working
together and the group decided to launch two joint projects:
1. International Symposia for Contemplative Studies
On April 26-29, 2012, we will launch the first International
Symposia for Contemplative Studies in Denver, organized by
a steering committee selected by the research directors and
led by MLI Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Al Kaszniak. The
symposia will be co-sponsored by all attending research labs.
The purpose of the International Symposia for Contemplative
Studies is to bring together academics and other interested
attendees for presentation, discussion, and collaborative
networking in the fields of contemplative basic science,
contemplative clinical science, contemplative philosophy and
humanities, contemplative education, and those domains of
contemplative practice that relate to and interact with these
fields of research and scholarship. These distinct, though
overlapping fields of contemplative study each focus on
advancing our understanding of the human mind and how
training the mind through the use of contemplative practices
can lead to a reduction in suffering, enhanced health and
cognitive/emotional functioning, greater happiness, and
increased social harmony.
The symposia will include daily keynote addresses, daily
concurrent master lectures, panel discussions, workshops and
poster sessions, as well as social and networking events.
2. Best Practices in Contemplative Research
Jointly, the Center Directors agreed to address the need for
publications within the scientific literature that would discuss
best practices and related issues in the area of contemplative
research. Richie Davidson and Sona Dimidjian will oversee
and coordinate a series of articles discussing best practices to
be authored by various members of the Center Directors
group. A proposal for the following series has been accepted
and invited by American Psychologist, the flagship journal of
the American Psychological Association:
1. Historical and Philosophical Context
2. Integrative Synthesis of Basic Research
3. Integrative Synthesis of Clinical Research
4. Conceptual and Methodological Issues
5. Special Contribution by Aaron Beck on Buddhism and
Cognitive Therapy
Invitees to this year’s meeting were:
Susan Bauer-Wu, Ph.D., Emory University
Marvin Belzer, Ph.D., Mindful Awareness Research Center
(MARC) at UCLA
Richard Davidson, Ph.D., Center for Investigating Healthy
Minds, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Sona Dimidjian, Ph.D., University of Colorado
James Doty, Ph.D., Center for Compassion, and Altruism
Research and Education (CCARES) at Stanford University
Barbara Frederickson, Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Mark Greenberg, Ph.D., Prevention Research Center
Penn State University
Amishi Jha, Ph.D., University of Miami
Al Kaszniak, Ph.D., University of Arizona
Hal Roth, Ph.D., Brown University
Saki Santorelli, Ph.D., Center for Mindfulness, UMass
Clifford Saron, Ph.D., UC Davis
Center for Mind and Brain – M.I.N.D. Institute
Zindel Segal, Ph.D., University of Toronto, Canada
Tania Singer, Max Planck Institute, Leipzig, Germany
14

Mind and Life XXII: A Landmark Conference in India
Delhi Meeting Participants
On November 21 - 23, 2010, the Mind & Life Institute hosted
Mind and Life XXII: The Scientific Study of Contemplative
Practice on Biology and Behaviour at the India Habitat Centre
in New Delhi, India. Mind and Life XXII was a landmark
conference. For the first time, in addition to Buddhist
practices, participants explored some of the practices that have
emerged from the rich, Indian philosophical and cultural
heritage including the Vedanta, Jain and Yoga traditions. The
conference was co-sponsored by the National Institute of
Advanced Studies and The Foundation for Universal Responsibility
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The conference was met with great enthusiasm from all the
participants and attendees. His Holiness the Dalai Lama
expressed his support during inspired opening remarks about
the importance of this dialogue as an expansion of the
contemplative traditions that modern scientists are studying,
which will allow for a more holistic approach to the study of
Contemplative Science.
Participants from different
traditions openly discussed
their different approaches to
the nature of reality as well as
the different processes for
engaging in particular contemplative
practices. Of note was
an ongoing discussion on the
definition of “mind.” While
the West uses one word to
describe many aspects of
mind, Buddhist and Indian
Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan
traditions have several words used to describe different
nuances of mind.
The interdisciplinary exchange between Western scientists,
contemplatives from around the world and representatives
from the Indian traditions inspired a sense of agreement that
scientific exploration of contemplative practices and the mind
should be holistic and culturally sensitive, incorporating the
various traditions and their experiential and cultural
importance in addition
to clinical research. To
pursue this integration,
Mind and Life is
inviting several Indian
scientists and scholars to
participant in the 2011
Mind and Life Summer
Research Institute.
His Holiness concluded
the meeting by thanking
the organizers and the
host country of India.
He said he believed there is great potential for growth, that
Jain Muni Mahendra Kumar, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, Swami Atmapriyananda
the cultural atmosphere is ripe for collaborative work in the
realm of Contemplative Science and Contemplative Studies.
He expressed his support of the great work being done by all
the scientists, and his ongoing appreciation for the efforts and
involvement of the Mind and Life family.
To view videos of the entire conference online, please visit:
www.mindandlife.org/dialogues/past-conferences/ml22
15

Mind and Life Vision
Sanjit Bunker Roy and His Holiness, Gert Scobel
(background)
The Mind & Life Institute is at a key crossroads.
Our hard work and the work of our many
partners, supporters and collaborators over the
years have fueled unprecedented growth in the
fields of Contemplative Science and Contemplative
Studies. The research is on the map, but
we still have more work to do.
At this juncture in the development of these
investigative fields, it is important to bring in the
first- and second-person perspectives and the
contributions of the humanities and social
sciences. These aspects of contemplative
practices, its origins and social and cultural
context are critical to developing a holistic understanding
of benefits that goes beyond biology and
neuro-correlates. With the addition of first- and
second-person findings to the research, the field
will be better able to develop culturally and ageappropriate
contemplative tools for mental and
emotional health.
Following this notion, we also see the near future
as a time to expand our community and our
outreach. We have already begun connecting with
key players around the globe in our European and
Indian initiatives last year. Yet many of our
community remain in the scientific, academic and
contemplative circles. We see this as a time to
reach out to more of the general population.
The past decade has produced a significant
volume of valid research and findings on the
benefits of contemplative practices. It is time for
us to share this knowledge in a widening circle in
order to continue to move towards our common
vision of alleviating suffering and increasing
well-being.
Our approach must be multi-faceted. In addition
to expanding our reach and communications, we
must continue to cultivate the fields of Contemplative
Science and Contemplative Studies at
their roots by supporting, educating and collaborating
with scientists, young and established,
while also incorporating the humanities and
social sciences into this effort.
MLI is committed to encouraging and deepening
excellence in Contemplative Science and
Contemplative Studies. We expect the next
decade to be one of significant growth in
academics and in research for these fields. We
also expect an increase in adoption of contemplative
practices by the mainstream. Already, the
number of yoga and meditation centers has
mushroomed in recent years. More importantly,
many secular contemplative based programs have
been developed and are growing in the fields of
health, education and in the workplace. As this
trend continues, we intend to be the impeccable
stewards of the research and findings, and share
the true benefits of contemplative-based practices
in the service of education and well-being.
We are very excited about the next leg of this
journey, and grateful to be traveling this road with
you. We acknowledge you with deep appreciation
for all of your efforts and support, and look
forward to seeing many of you in the days ahead.
16

2010 Financial Position
2010 was a solid year for the Mind & Life Institute. Thanks to our Sustaining Patrons and
Program Sponsors, we continue to rest on sound financial footing. We are deeply grateful for all
of our supporters who have continued their generosity and made all of our fruitful progress
possible.
During calendar year 2010, we received, from all sources, $2.3 million to be used during 2010 as
well as in future years. Total expenses in 2010 were $1.8 million, including costs associated with
our conference in India and Mind and Life International operations.
For additional information or to request a copy of our audited financials, please visit our website
or contact Chris O’Brien, Development and Communications Officer at chris@mindandlife.org.
2010 Mind and Life Revenue
11%
15%
Investment Interest Income
74%
Earned Income
Contributions
2010 Mind and Life Expenses
7%
9%
Program Services
Fundraising
84%
Administration
17

The Mind and Life Team
2010 was a busy and very productive year for the Mind and Life team. We enjoyed
seeing many of you at our events and gatherings, and look forward to reconnecting
with you in 2011!
Adam Engle,
Chairman and CEO
Al Kaszniak
Chief Academic Officer
Diego Hangartner
COO, International
Judy Martin,
Executive Assistant to the
CEO
Chris O’Brien,
Development and
Communications Officer
Angela Teng,
Program Manager
Heather Locke,
Program Manager
Dave Womack,
Program and Facilities
Coordinator
18

Board of Directors
The Mind & Life Institute’s Board of Directors
and the Program and Research Council are
comprised of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, worldrenounced
scientists, humanistic scholars and
contemplatives from multiple disciplines. The
Board of Directors and Program and Research
Council provide guidance and direction for Mind
& Life Institute operations, conferences, events,
research programs, initiatives and publications.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama,
Honorary Chairman
Francisco J. Varela, Ph.D.,
Co-Founder (1946-2001)
Mind & Life Institute Board:
R. Adam Engle, J.D., M.B.A.,
Chairman and Co-Founder
Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D.,
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Raymond J. Gellein, Jr., M.B.A.,
RBG Capital Advisors, LLC
Daniel Goleman, Ph.D.,
Psychologist, Author
Joan Halifax, Ph.D.,
Upaya Zen Center
Anne Harrington, Ph.D.,
Harvard University
Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.,
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Thupten Jinpa Langri, Ph.D.,
Institute for Tibetan Classics
Bennett M. Shapiro, M.D.,
Merck Research Laboratories (Retired)
Program and Research Council:
Sona Dimidjian, Ph.D.,
University of Colorado
John D. Dunne, Ph.D.,
Emory University
Diego Hangartner, Pharm.D.,
COO, International,
Mind & Life Institute
Anne Harrington, Ph.D.,
Harvard University
Alfred Kaszniak, Ph.D.,
Chief Academic Officer,
Mind & Life Institute, University of Arizona
Matthieu Ricard, Ph.D.,
Shechen Monastery
Clifford Saron, Ph.D.,
University of California, Davis
Evan Thompson, Ph.D.,
University of Toronto
Lifetime Emeritus Board Members:
Tenzin Choegyal,
Dharamsala, India
B. Alan Wallace, Ph.D.,
The Santa Barbara Institute for
Consciousness Studies
19

Mind and Life Financial Partners
The Mind & Life Institute is deeply humbled and grateful by the continuing, generous philanthropy of
our friends and partners in supporting our work. Without your selfless giving, we could not have made
such forward strides in our cultivation of the fields of contemplative research, and in our mission to
understand how to create and maintain a healthy mind.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, our staff and all of our friends,
scientists, contemplatives and stakeholders, we express our heartfelt thanks, and look forward to
continuing this journey together in the days ahead.
Thank you!
Sustaining Patrons
Sustaining Patrons make significant multi-year
donation to the Mind & Life Institute and Mind
and Life International
Adam J. Weissman Foundation
Anonymous
Ann M. Down
Baumann Foundation
Cleveland Foundation
Delphine and Jean Paul Oltramare-Resseguier
The Eagle and The Hawk Foundation
George Family Foundation
Hanna and Dieter Paulmann
Henry A. Schimberg Charitable Foundation
Klaus Hebben
Lily Bafandi
Lostand Foundation
Louise Pearson and Grant Couch
MCJ Amelior Foundation
Monica Voegele
Morrison Family Foundation
Regula and Beat Curti
Renaud Samyn
Sager Family Foundation
Tan Teo Charitable Foundation
Ursula and Daniel Vollenweider
William James Foundation
Program Sponsors
Program Sponsors make major gifts on an annual
basis to support Mind & Life Institute and Mind
and Life International programs
Annie Umbricht
Anonymous
Hershey Family Foundation
John Templeton Foundation
Joni Winston
Pende Foundation (Mary O'Beirne)
Sibylle Pacher-Oltramare
Theodora Psychoyos
Valentine and Charles-Antoine Janssen
Victor and Roberta Bradford
Volkart Stiftung (Andreas Reinhart)
Friends of Mind and Life
Friends of Mind and Lfe support the Mind & Life
Institute through individual donations.
Adam Engle
Adeline Van Waning
Adrian Copiz
Alexandra Kleeberg
Barbara Bonner
Bev Klug
Bryony Whipp
Carmen Garcia Armero
Caroline Oakes
Charlie Ross
Christian Hartmann
The David Kimmel Foundation
Dorothy M Souza
Eva Lee
Feng-Yang Kuo
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Hanna Podolska
20

Mind and Life Financial Partners, cont’d
Hanneke Graatsma
Helen Hancke
Itamar Lennan
James Austin
Janice Hartz
Jeanne O'Craighan
Jean-Philippe Souquiere
Jose Policarpo Junior
Karen Collman
Kathleen Cannon
Keiichi Yumen
Lars M. Rimol
Lenley Lewis
Lisa Fiore
Margaret Hoffelder Rodgers Charitable Fund
Mathias Jourdain
Maury W. Cooke
Meng Ong
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Miho Okishiro
Mildred Katz
Nicholas Clarke
Odile Delelee
One Foundation
Pedro Resende
Raluca Moucha
Richard Kinder
Robert and Margaret Rodgers
Ruth Siegenthaler
Sandra Finzi
Shari Herrick
Shoba Krishnamurthy
Stefano Carboni
Tenzing Dakpa
Thomas Schneider
United Way of the National Capital Area
Wendy Hasenkamp
A special thank you to all of the Gold and Silver
Sponsors who attended Mind and Life XX in
Zürich
Adele Diamond and Geshe Dorji Damdul
Don Morrison and Richard Davidson, Zara
Houshmand (background)
21

A Twenty-Four Year History of Accomplishment
Mind and Life Dialogues
The titles of these dialogues between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and leading scientists show the range of topics that the Mind
& Life Institute has explored. For more details on these conferences, please go to www.mindandlife.org.
■ 2010: The Scientific Study of Contemplative Practice on Biology and
Behaviour, co-sponsored by the ational Institiute of Advanced Studies
and the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama
■ 2010: Mental Training, Impact on Neuronal, Cognitive and Emotion
Plasticity, co-sponsored by the Center for Investigating Healthy
Minds, University of Wisconsin, Madison
■ 2010: Altruism and Compassion in Economic Systems, co-sponsored
by the University of Zürich
■ 2009: Educating World Citizens for the 21 st Century: Educators,
Scientists and Contemplatives Dialogue on Cultivating a Healthy
Mind, Brain and Heart, co-sponsored by Harvard University Graduate
School of Education, Stanford University School of Education,
Pennsylvania State University College of Education, University of
Virginia Curry School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison
School of Education, the American Psychological Association and the
Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning
■ 2009: Attention, Memory, and the Mind
■ 2008: Investigating the Mind-Body Connection: The Science and
Clinical Applications of Meditation, hosted by Mayo Clinic
■ 2007: Mindfulness, Compassion and the Treatment of Depression,
co-sponsored by Emory University
■ 2007: The Universe in a Single Atom
■ 2005: Investigating the Mind: The Science and Clinical Applications
of Meditation, co-sponsored by Johns Hopkins Medical University
and Georgetown Medical Center
■ 2004: Neuroplasticity: The Neuronal Substrates of Learning and
Transformation
■ 2003: Investigating the Mind: Exchanges between Buddhism and
Biobehavioral Science on How the Mind Works, co-sponsored by the
McGovern Institute at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
■ 2002: The Nature of Matter, The Nature of Life
■ 2001: Transformations of Mind, Brain and Emotion at the University
of Wisconsin
■ 2000: Destructive Emotions
■ 1998: Epistemological Questions in Quantum Physics and Eastern
Contemplative Sciences at Innsbruck University
■ 1997: The New Physics and Cosmology
■ 1995: Altruism, Ethics, and Compassion
■ 1992: Sleeping, Dreaming, and Dying
■ 1990: Emotions and Health
■ 1989: Dialogues between Buddhism and the Neurosciences
■ 1987: Dialogues between Buddhism and the Cognitive Sciences
Mind and Life Books and DVD Sets
The following books and DVD sets describe discussions between the Dalai Lama and Western scientists. Books in print can be
obtained from major booksellers; DVD sets are available directly from the Mind & Life Institute. For more information about
each title, please go to www.mindandlife.org.
■ The Mind’s Own Physician, from Mind and Life XIII in Washington,
D.C. (release October 2011)
■ The Science of a Compassionate Life, DVD from the Dalai Lama’s
Denver Public Talk in 2006
■ The Science and Clinical Applications of Meditation, DVD from Mind
and Life XIII in 2005
■ Train your Mind; Change your Brain, from Mind and Life XII in 2004
■ Investigating the Mind, DVD from Mind and Life XI in 2003
■ The Dalai Lama at MIT, from Mind and Life XI in 2003
■ Mind & Life: Discussions with the Dalai Lama on the Nature of
Reality, from Mind and Life X in 2002
■ Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama,
from Mind and Life VIII in 2002
■ The New Physics and Cosmology: Dialogues with the Dalai Lama,
from Mind and Life VI in 1997
■ Visions of Compassion: Western Scientists and Tibetan Buddhists,
from Mind and Life V in 1995
■ Sleeping, Dreaming, and Dying: An Exploration of Consciousness
with the Dalai Lama, from Mind and Life IV in 1992
■ Healing Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on
Mindfulness, Emotions, and Health, from Mind and Life III in 1990
■ Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations with the Dalai Lama
on Brain Science and Buddhism, from Mind and Life II in 1989
■ Gentle Bridges: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on the Sciences
of Mind, from Mind and Life I in 1987
Mind and Life Research Initiatives
■
Mind and Life Summer Research Institute — A week-long residential
science retreat for 185 scientists, clinicians, contemplative
scholar/practitioners and philosophers from around the world,
working together to develop new fields of science and studies that
examine the effects of contemplative practice and mental training on
brain, behavior, philosophy, religious studies and the humanities.
This is an annual program of the Mind & Life Institute and was begun
in June, 2004, and has continued yearly since then.
■ Mind & Life Institute Francisco J. Varela Research Grant Program —
providing small research grants to investigate hypotheses developed
at the Mind and Life Summer Research Institute. 10 to 15 Varela
Awards are given yearly.
■ Mind and Life Education Research Network — exploring how to bring
the benefits of mental training in clarity, calmness and kindness to
children.
Mind & Life Institute • 7007 Winchester Circle, Suite 100 • Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303.530.1940 • Email: info@mindandlife.org • Website: www.mindandlife.org
© Copyright 2011 The Mind & Life Institute. All Rights Reserved