Varela Symposium

Transforming Conflict – From Science to Real World Applications

"Conflict is going to change things. The question is: Will we have the capacity to think about change in ways that creates a beloved community, that brings rehumanization back into the relationships, that moves in the direction that we can be very different and diverse and we can still be together."

We live in a world where conflict is pervasive. It exists globally, locally, relationally, and in the mind. In this symposium, a group of renowned scientists, contemplatives, peace builders, and environmentalists examine together the neuroscience and social psychology of conflict, violence, pro-sociality, as well as the roles of self, identity, interdependence, and intersubjectivity in conflict and its transformation.

Faculty also look at the personal, relational, structural and cultural aspects of conflict transformation, in- and out-group issues, and how differing views of reality impact the environmental and social well-being of our world. This includes the worldview of science which has much to offer at this time of global and local vulnerability; it is also important to explore how science has advanced our understanding of justice and suffering, and has contributed to social and environmental fragility.

Listen to the full series, “Transforming Conflict: From Science to Real World Applications,” recorded in May 2018.

Recorded at and shared with the permission of the Upaya Zen Center.

podcast

Varela Symposium Dharma Talk

John Paul reflections on the idea of reconciliation through the exploration of stories and metaphors that center patient persistence.

podcast

Varela Symposium Q&A

Questions from and discussion with the audience following John Paul's dharma talk.

digital story

Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding

A short interview in which John Paul reflects on his contributions to the 2018 Varela Symposium.

asia and central asia

africa nepal north america tajikistan accompaniment conflict transformation reconciliation guest appearances

asia and central asia

blog post

The Challenge of Terror: A Traveling Essay

Written while stranded in Guatemala after September 11, an essay suggesting a number of lessons learned from peace initiatives where terrorism was employed as a tool of struggle and calling for new approaches to combating the challenge.

2001