Last fall, TRACT explored consciousness and its relationship with science, religion, and meditation with the panel discussion, Zen and Cognitive Science. Inviting Zen Master Jue Ming from China, Bernard Faure and Chun-fang Yu from Columbia Religion, Betsy Sparrow from Columbia Psychology, and Zoran Josipovic from NYU Cognitive Neuroscience, we attempted to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries in search of the common ground between these fields.
Inspired by the discussion, Professor Josipovic contacted TRACT expressing interest in organizing a trip to China during the winter break to visit Master Jue Ming and continue the conversation. We realized that not only would the trip further our previous exploration, but it would also be an invaluable opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of Zen as well as learn about the culture of China. After much planning with Professor Josipovic, Master Jue Ming, and our local sponsors, we were delighted to embark upon a journey of intellectual exploration, personal cultivation, and cultural learning.
