This thesis proposes a methodology that melds theological inquiry with cinematic analysis ultimately arguing that cinema can serve as a site of mystical encounter. In an age of increasing irrationality, spiritual expression in cinema has shifted from a meditative, passive transcendentalism toward an active, urgent, and often violent mysticism. Drawing on contemporary cinematic examples from...
Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly recognized as a promising tool for mental health support. Recent studies suggest that immersive environments can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation by promoting presence and relaxation. The biofeedback generated from VR practices has shown positive results, suggesting that calming and immersive experiences can help reduce or prevent symptoms of...
Background Mindful colouring is a low-effort intervention that improves student wellbeing and mindfulness. However, the effectiveness of different colouring formats remains unclear.Aims This study evaluated a self-guided mindful colouring intervention for university student wellbeing, comparing outcomes between paper and digital formats.Methods In this quasi-experimental study (non-random...
This chapter examines how contemporary Western culture increasingly associates ‘Asia’ with health, wellbeing, and ancient wisdom, transforming diverse traditions into marketable lifestyles. From spa culture and fusion cuisine to yoga, TCM, meditation apps and luxury wellness tourism, we explore how these practices are selectively reinvented through orientalist fantasies, invented authenticity,...
Which physical systems are agents, and why? The sciences of life and mind presuppose an answerorganisms act, neurons learn, robots decide, software systems pursue goals yet no accepted theory states, non-circularly, the physical conditions under which a system is a locus of agency rather than a process, an aggregate, or an observer-imposed carving of a causal eld. Existing candidates either...
The general objective of this article is to propose an epistemological and psychiatric-cognitive critique of the absolutization and reification of form in philosophy (in Kant, Husserl, Heidegger, and Wittgenstein), grounding a ‘third way’ that reintegrates formal analysis, psychogenesis, praxis, and clinical-neurological evidence under the central thesis that form does not ground the world but...
Abstract This chapter focuses on Śaṅkara’s ideas about the inquiry into Brahman through examining the relationship between knowledge, desire, and renunciation. It argues that Śaṅkara reinterprets Vedic injunctions as terminating in cognition rather than action, classifying knowledge of Brahman as prohibitory in kind and thereby independent of ritual performance. The discussion situates the...
Abstract This chapter introduces concepts and exercises of contemplative pedagogy and spiritually competent orientation. Drawing upon theoretical and empirical work on educational benefits of contemplative practice to enhance student learning and clinicians’ attitudes, awareness, and dispositions, we describe a model consisting of four parts which instructors may apply to their courses:...
Our minds are not always full of thoughts. Occasionally, people will report absence of any mental content, an experience termed mind-blanking (MB). So far, MB has been primarily quantified through experience-sampling paradigms. While experience-sampling has allowed researchers to study the behavioural and neurophysiological profile of MB, the practice of asking participants for thought...
Ellen Pearlman is a visionary polymath, putting her knowledge of art, Buddhism, computer technology, science, Southeast Asian Vipassana meditation, and Tibetan tantric dance in the service of inquiries into the individual and collective human psyche. In the art world, she may be better known as an arts writer than as an artist since she has been a regular contributor to art publications such as...