Matthew Sacchet
Class of 2010
Honors Contemplative Studies, Sc. B
The Contemplative Studies Bachelor of Science includes courses from the departments of neuroscience, psychology, religious studies, philosophy and cognitive science. This concentration has permitted me to study the mind from both first and third person perspectives. I’m currently planning an honors thesis which will focus on meditation as a psychiatric treatment modality.
Jon Mitchell
Class of 2009
Honors Contemplative Studies, A. B.
My concentration is entitled Musical Dimensions of Contemplative Study. I became involved with the Initiative as a sophomore through the Intro to Contemplative Studies course. Before long, I realized that an independent concentration in Contemplative Studies was the only way to go for me. I wanted to incorporate the critical first-person component of my art, study, and practice into my academic work, and I wanted to pursue so many interdisciplinary interests that no one concentration seemed like a good fit. To my delight, I was able to incorporate my work as a musician and my budding contemplative practice into a concentration exploring the musical state of mind, a contemplative state in which we all participate every day. My culminating work is the composition and recording of an original Yogic song cycle blending traditional Eastern and Western instrumentation with ambient recorded samples from my environment. This concentration has taught me mindful listening, which is not only a valuable skill but an enjoyable pastime.
Seth Izen
Class of 2008
Contemplative Studies, A. B.
Surveying the past 6,000 years of human history, I see persistent strife and conflict. Situations change but the fundamental roots of suffering remain, such as greed, fear, and hatred. My focus in Contemplative Studies has been to examine whether this is an inexorable part of the human condition or if we can dramatically alter our core internal states. This investigation consisted of first-person observation and third-person learning. Meditation labs, retreats, and reflective writing provided insight into my own mental and emotional patterns. The training guides and reports of mystics, the latest research on neuroscience and meditation, philosophical treatises on the human condition, and psychological practices of behavior modification offered an analytical framework for understanding the innate human characteristics that lead to suffering.
After graduation I attended a three month silent meditation retreat in order to further my first-person investigation. It is clear that the roots of suffering are embedded deep within the fabric of our being. To fully uproot them requires years of practice and the utmost dedication. There is hope, however. The first step to overcoming the roots of suffering is to become aware of them. Contemplative practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, provide this awareness.