From cave to clinic: embracing nuance and interdisciplinarity in the contemporary study of contemplative practices

Julieta Galante (University of Melbourne)

Abstract

One thing I have learned in my 15 years studying the effects of meditation practices on mental health, is that they do not work in the same way as pills, not even in the same way as physical exercise. These practices, even when done in remote caves, are socially constructed and historically situated. I will explain why I think that doctors such as myself need to resist the temptation to recommend mindfulness to everyone, and how entertaining nuance, doing interdisciplinary work, and involving communities in our research can deliver better results.

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