[Online] Contemplative Arts: The Magnificent Display of Awake Mind

“If you want to change society, change the culture.
If you want to change the culture, change the art.”
VCTR quoted by Gina Stick

When Eastern wisdom traditions met Western artistic and scientific disciplines in the 1970s, a magnificent cultural explosion took place. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche became the foremost champion of this movement and Naropa Institute (now University) became one of the richest grounds for exploration and creative expression.

The Series will showcase professional artists who devoted themselves to the pursuit of mastery in the contemplative arts both, as the core of their artistic expression, as well as of their spiritual path.

We will survey Japanese disciplines such as Ikebana (flowers), Kyudo (archery), Bugaku (dance), calligraphy, as well as contemporary western arts such as theatre, dance, music, poetry, film, design and photography. All these dharma arts agree on a three-part point:

1. Cultivating an attitude of nonaggression and gentleness with the intention to contribute something positive, versus polluting the world with one’s neurosis,
2. Tuning into a level of balance and wakefulness, therefore open to “first thought, best thought”,
3. Bringing together composure and decorum, which cuts through subconscious gossip.”
Naropa Institute, 1978-07-09, Chögyam Trungpa Digital Archives

The artists appearing on Main Stage venue have all agreed to be interviewed regarding their understanding of the Pith of their discipline, the contours of their own Paths, as well as suggestion on how others can find ways to engage with these disciplines. Wendell Beavers and Erika Berland will give an introduction to the contemporary western arts, and Marcia Shibata will give an introduction to the Japanese disciplines.  A detailed introduction to the artists and the program can be found at  Contemplative Arts – The Magnificent Display of Awake Mind

Main Stage: Confirmed Artists and Disciplines

All lectures take place Sundays at 4 pm Atlantic / 3 pm Eastern.

Open Space Pop-Ups

Check here for updates, artists’ bios, and additional information.