MODES OF EXPERIENCE
A WORKSHOP IN KYOTO, JAPAN | JUNE 27 — JULY 1, 2024
In our rapidly changing world, where traditional forms of culture and civilization are changing beyond recognition within a single human lifetime, how can we re-envision our own existence and trajectory in life? We held a workshop to address this question in Ohara, just North of Kyoto, to prepare for future activities around a new international network, centered on Kyoto. Three aspects stood out:
1. We encouraged participants to connect with their personal experienes. For this purpose we produced a safe haven for them to share what grabs them as unique human beings.
2. They quickly developed a growing familiarity with a wider range of ways of seeing and feeling the world. Kyoto, rich in history, and Ohara with its local agriculture, provided an immersive experience of cultural and ecological diversity.
3. In a heightened awareness of diverse modes of experiences, the participants developed more appreciation for the invisible yet tangible realms to which history, art and Zen training can give access.
DAY ONE
During the morning orientation we explored the retreat center, a place conducive for starting spontaneous discussions. The afternoon saw a tour of a local organic farm, guided by Mr. Taichi Araya.
“The beauty and the existential problems seen on the farming tour set a serious tone for the rest of the workshop and my time in Kyoto.”
— Nic Berry
DAY TWO
Each participant was invited to make a short presentation on a topic that really grabs them, while connecting their personal experiences from the heart with what matters to them intellectually.
DAY THREE
We visited Obaiin, a sub-temple of the Zen temple Daitokuji. Taigen Kobayashi, the abbot of Obaiin, engaged us in conversations during a traditional Zen tea ceremony.
The abbot’s response to the question of how to control your energy: “Don’t try too hard; you are already perfect as you are; if you’re angry, it’s okay, but don’t stay there, move on.”
DAY FOUR
The abbot visited us in Ohara, and told us “ask me anything,” leading to an exciting exchange that was followed by a short introductory Zen session.
DAY FIVE
We ended with a discussion of FEST, a new research program aiming to bridge the gap between matter and mind, by making connections between science and contemplative traditions.
“The workshop had an experimental and intimate feel, yet was well structured and serious. We all got comfortable with each other. This was crucial in creating an ideal space for personal dialogue and close listening.”
— Jonah Ginsburg
FUTURE ACTIVITIES
The workshop was an overwhelming success. On the final evaluation form, one of the participants wrote: “The depth and breadth of the ideas we discussed, combined with the beauty of the nature surrounding us, almost brought me to tears.”
We are now highly motivated to set up an international institute in Kyoto, dedicated to the study of matter and mind from a scientific as well as a humanistic viewpoint. In Japanese「精神と科学と文明を考える 会」, Center for Science, Mind and Civilization. We will start making plans, while looking for funding.