This book takes choreographer William Forsythe’s choreographic and scenographic processes as a holistic lens through which to view dance as a fundamentally visuo-sonic art form and choreography as a form of perceptual experimentation. In doing so, it reveals how the made worlds within which postdramatic dance is situated influence how choreography is perceived. Resonating with ecological perspectives but also drawing on an extensive range of cognitive research approaches, the volume’s choreo-scenographic perspective emphasizes the importance of considering the expanded scenography of lighting, sound, space, scenic elements, costume, and performer movement when analyzing the sensory and cognitive perception of dance. The volume provides a first book-length cognitive study of both an individual choreographer and the aesthetics of postdramatic theatre. It also satisfies a need for more dedicated scholarship on Forsythe, whose extensive and varied array of groundbreaking ballets and dance theater works for the Ballett Frankfurt (1984-2004), The Forsythe Company (2005-15), and as an independent choreographer have made him a key figure in 20th/21st century dance.

Neurophysiology of Silence, Volume 277 in the Progress in Brain Research series, highlights new advances in the field, including chapters on Mindfulness, mind wandering and creativity, The cloud of unknowing: Cognitive dedifferentiation in whole-body perceptual deprivation, Embodying abstract concepts: the connection between meditation, empathy and introception, Measures of music-like experience emergent in a sonic ganzfeld: an example of perceptual structuring on the edge of silence, Doing out of silence: The effects of visual art on verbal creativity, Cessation experiences during meditation, The psychophysiology of covert behavior during goal directed behavior, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in Progress in Brain Research serials - Updated release includes the latest information on the Neurophysiology of Silence

Neurophysiology of Silence: Consciousness and Self Awareness, Volume 284 in the Progress in Brain Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in Progress in Brain Research serials - Updated release includes the latest information on Neurophysiology of Silence: Consciousness and Self Awareness

This is the first theoretically informed and historically accurate comparative anthology of primary texts on meditation and contemplative prayer. Written by international experts on the respective texts and corresponding traditions, Contemplative Literature provides introductions to and primary sources on contemplative practice from various religious traditions. The contributors explore classical Daoist apophatic meditation, Quaker silent prayer, Jewish Kabbalah, Southern Buddhist meditation, Sufi contemplation, Eastern Orthodox prayer, Pure Land Buddhist visualization, Hindu classical Yoga, Dominican Catholic prayer, Daoist internal alchemy, and modern therapeutic meditation. Each introduction to a contemplative text discusses its historical context, the associated religious tradition and literature, the method of contemplative practice, and the text's legacy and influence. Volume editor Louis Komjathy opens the work with a thoughtful consideration of interpretive issues in the emerging interdisciplinary field of contemplative studies. Readers will gain not only a nuanced understanding of important works of contemplative literature, but also resources for understanding contemplative practice and contemplative experience from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective.

The first book-length introduction to an exciting new interdisciplinary field—written by an internationally recognized leader of the Contemplative Studies movement This is the first book-length introduction to a growing and influential interdisciplinary field focused on contemplative practice, contemplative experience, and contemplative pedagogy. Written by an internationally recognized leader in the area, Introducing Contemplative Studies seeks to provide readers with a deep and practical understanding of the nature and purpose of the field while encouraging them to find a place of their own in an increasingly widespread movement. At once comprehensive overview, critical reflection, and visionary proposal, the book explores the central approaches and issues in Contemplative Studies, tackles questions and problems that sometimes go unaddressed, and identifies promising new developments. The author also discusses contemplative pedagogy, an experiential approach to teaching and learning informed by and expressed as contemplative practice. This is a major introduction to a fast emerging interdisciplinary field that will be invaluable to those interested in the area. The only comprehensive introduction to the emerging, interdisciplinary field of Contemplative Studies Written by a distinguished leader in the Contemplative Studies movement who is founding Co-Chair of the Contemplative Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion Informed by ten years of research and practice, the book explores the field’s varied approaches and expressions Offers critical reviews of trends which will create discussions both within and outside the Contemplative Studies Liberally illustrated with both images and charts Introducing Contemplative Studies is a must-read for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, teachers and scholars in Contemplative Studies, as well as anyone who is curious about contemplative practice, meditation, contemplative experience, contemplative pedagogy, contemplative science, and, of course, the exciting field of Contemplative Studies generally.

In The Teaching Self: Contemplative Practices, Pedagogy, and Research in Education, a rich collection of voices from diverse settings illustrates the ways in which first-person experiences with contemplative practices lay a foundation for contemplative pedagogy and research in teacher education. Contemplative practice depends on cultivating an understanding of oneself, as well as one’s relationship and interdependence of others and the world, and it is this precept that guides the focus of these portraits of practice. The teaching self of the scholar benefits from reflective and authentic engagement and a commitment to equity and ethical action. Several authors examine the direct and indirect influence contemplative practices have on their students as future educators. All of the authors in this book share first-hand experiences with contemplative practices that honor, support, and deepen awareness of the teaching self by exploring the journey of identifying as a contemplative educator.

Cover -- THE CONTEMPLATIVE MIND IN THE SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction: Envisioning the Contemplative Commons -- 1 A Historical Review -- 2 Contemplative Practices in Higher Education -- 3 Challenges and Replies to Contemplative Methods -- 4 Contemplative Research -- 5 The Contemplative Mind: A Vision of Higher Education for the Twenty-First Century -- Coda -- References -- Index.

Educational Philosophy for a Post-secular Age reinterprets post-secular insights for educational theory by recognising that the persistence of religion in contemporary life raises new questions about the place of religion in education. Two common assumptions are critically examined: first, that the better educated a society becomes, the more secular it becomes, and second, that religion can and should be separated from public education. For too long, religion has had an uneasy relationship with education, being seen either as a foreign invader, a problem to be solved, or as a mechanism by which to reinforce particular religious, cultural or national identities. In order to move educational theory beyond the debates about indoctrination and competing rights between parents, children and nation states, the argument undercuts rationalist conceptions of religion and education that tend to frame the debates in terms of competing truth claims or worldviews. Drawing on a diverse range of theological, philosophical and educational sources, this book demonstrates the continuing significance of the Christian mystical tradition to educational theory. It proposes an exploration of democratic education that brings together two apparently irreconcilable poles: the meaning of religion in education and contemporary life, and the need for a deliberative democratic process that is fit for the post-secular age. It argues that religious literacy can be served by democratic encounters in public religious education. Educational Philosophy for a Post-secular Age will be of interest to researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the fields of the philosophy of education, philosophy of religion, education policy, politics, anthropology and cultural theory. It will particularly appeal to those, of both secular and religious persuasions, interested in the place of religion in education and public life.