Wednesday, May 1, 2024
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C. Pierce Salguero
Professor of Asian History and Health Humanities
The Abington College of Pennsylvania State University
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
4:00 PM
Filene Auditorium
Reception to follow
Free and open to all
Talk title: "Meditation Sickness"
Abstract: "Everyone knows that meditation is great for your health and wellbeing. But then why does a certain percentage of people experience psychotic breaks or other adverse mental and physical side-effects from practicing it? Are these the symptoms of improper practice or an unavoidable part of spiritual cultivation? While contemporary scientific literature is just beginning to document these phenomena, Buddhist communities have for centuries warned practitioners about 'meditation sickness' and 'wind illness.' Historical writings not only identify the potential dangers of meditation practice, but also explain why these issues arise and how they can be effectively prevented and treated. Taking these materials seriously will permanently transform the way we think about meditation in the West."