PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a corner of Brown University, a distinctive academic program is quietly gaining traction, offering students a path that blends rigorous intellectual inquiry with ancient contemplative practices. The contemplative studies program, formally established in 2014, isn’t about escaping the world, but rather engaging with it more fully – and its small size is proving to be a key asset in fostering a close-knit community and individualized support for its students. The program, which centers around the idea of learning through direct experience, is gaining recognition for its unique approach to education, even as it navigates institutional challenges.
For students enrolled in COST 0100: “Introduction to Contemplative Studies,” the week begins and ends with a shared practice of meditation every Wednesday afternoon. This isn’t an isolated exercise; it’s emblematic of a broader philosophy that permeates the concentration, which blends the humanities and sciences with practices like meditation, tai chi, and yoga. The program’s core tenet is that understanding contemplative traditions requires more than just reading about them – it demands firsthand exploration.
Harold Roth, a professor of religious studies and East Asian studies and the founding director of the contemplative studies initiative, describes the concentration as an intentional effort to move beyond traditional academic approaches. “We’re trying to have students study contemplative traditions hands-on,” Roth said. This often leads students to double-concentrate with other fields, such as neuroscience, allowing them to explore the intersection of inner experience and scientific inquiry.
Josh Gerber, a junior at Brown concentrating in contemplative studies with a science track, exemplifies this interdisciplinary approach. “As a sciences concentrator, I’m required to take a larger number of science courses that could be in neuroscience, psychology, biology, and public health,” alongside humanities classes, Gerber explained. He’s been able to connect his meditation practice with research on emotional states through work in the lab of Judson Brewer, a professor of behavioral and social sciences and psychiatry and human behavior and director of research and innovation at the Mindfulness Center. “I’d be a particularly different person without the program,” Gerber said. “It’s certainly influenced the trajectory of my life” and his career goals of pursuing a path in research.
The program’s emphasis on firsthand experience sets it apart. Justina Michaels, a sophomore double-concentrating in health and human biology and contemplative studies, noted that the concentration “embrace[s] the power of introspection and subjective experience as a form of knowledge.” She explained that academic essays often integrate personal reflection alongside traditional analysis. “You can’t study a certain contemplative tradition without trying it out for yourself,” Michaels said, highlighting the program’s commitment to experiential learning.
A Community Built on Shared Practice
Students consistently describe the program’s small size as a major strength, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom. Isaac McDonald, a sophomore concentrator, said the “experience of understanding your own mind” in classes helps build meaningful relationships. “It makes students perceive so much more grounded, so much happier, so much kinder,” he added. “The small community that we have right now is just one of the most beautiful things.”
This close environment also allows for individualized advising. Larson DiFiori, a visiting assistant professor of religious studies and associate director of undergraduate studies for contemplative studies, meets personally with each concentrator multiple times per semester to discuss their academic plans. “We’re small enough of a concentration… we meditate together,” Roth added, underscoring the program’s emphasis on shared practice and connection.
Navigating Institutional Hurdles
Despite its success, the contemplative studies program faces ongoing institutional challenges. Because it isn’t housed within a traditional academic department, the program relies heavily on visiting professors and donor support. “We can’t directly hire professors, so we have to go through other departments to hire them,” DiFiori explained. Every faculty member associated with the program also maintains an affiliation with another department at Brown.
These limitations can impact course offerings and staffing stability, according to students and faculty. As Roth approaches retirement, securing professorships for visiting faculty is a key priority. “We’ve made a real impact,” Roth said, noting the program’s influence on both student life and intellectual discourse. He also highlighted its reach beyond the university walls: “50% of the people who attend our events are from the community.”
Anne Heyrman-Hart, the concentration’s program and financial coordinator, acknowledged that the program’s financial challenges reflect broader trends affecting humanities fields nationwide. “We soldier on because we believe in what we’re doing,” she said.
Looking Ahead: A Shift in Educational Priorities?
DiFiori believes contemplative studies represents a broader shift in education, moving beyond simply imparting skills to fostering personal growth. “It goes back to the roots of education – just improving who we are as human beings,” he said. Michael Kennedy, a professor of sociology and international and public affairs, plans to introduce a new course on cultural and contemplative sociology after completing his sabbatical, where he focused on pilgrimage, martial arts, and global contemplative practices. He noted that interest in contemplative approaches has grown in response to social crises and rapid technological change.
Despite its relatively small number of concentrators, the program’s influence extends beyond its formal enrollment. Kennedy pointed to the consistent oversubscription of his martial arts and yoga sociology class as evidence of broader student interest. Heyrman-Hart described contemplative studies as a “small concentration but with a tremendously ambitious and interesting agenda.”
As the program continues to evolve, its commitment to experiential learning, community building, and interdisciplinary exploration positions it as a unique and valuable resource for students seeking a more holistic and meaningful educational experience. The program’s future will depend on continued support and a growing recognition of the importance of contemplative practices in a rapidly changing world.
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