The UBI Study Center is one of the supporters of the newly founded Contemplative Education Network (CEN), an international network created to foster research and collaboration in the field of contemplative education, as well as to promote its dissemination across various sectors of society. Through organizational support and involvement in working groups, the Study Center actively contributes to consolidating this initiative, in full alignment with its mission: to promote education inspired by the values of Buddhism and other religious traditions, as well as the transformative potential of contemplative practice.
Supporting the development of the Contemplative Education Network means working toward a radical rethinking of knowledge itself, envisioning a future in which learning is deeply intertwined with awareness, care, and responsibility.
Contemplative education
Contemplative education is an emerging branch of the educational field. It draws on the philosophies and contemplative practices developed within the growing field of Contemplative Studies as well as various religious traditions.
It encourages the integration of academic research with contemplative practices aimed at fostering personal awareness and supporting collective learning.
Contemplative education seeks to promote transformative personal growth by cultivating focused attention, deep inquiry, and a broader perspective on the various contexts individuals are embedded in, such as family, school, community, society, and the natural world.
Recent studies suggest that such approaches enhance curiosity for learning and encourage the development of ,other-oriented virtues such as compassion and kindness.
The CEN: A Network for Idea Exchange and Research
The Contemplative Education Network was founded in June 2024 in Padua, during an international conference on contemplative research. The conference — organized by the UBI Study Center, the International Society for Contemplative Research, Mind and Life Europe, and the University of Padua — brought together over 350 scholars and researchers from around the world to explore the potential of this emerging field.
The CEN was created in response to the need for an ongoing meeting space where ideas, research, and practices related to contemplative education could be shared. Previous initiatives—such as those associated with the Mind & Life Institute, Mind & Life Europe, the Garrison Institute, and Contemplative Mind in Society—once offered such spaces, but are no longer active.
The Network takes a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and collaborative approach. Its aim is to promote and support contemplative education through an international network that facilitates the exchange of practices, knowledge, and resources among scholars, educators, and professionals. It seeks to integrate scientific and humanistic approaches across all levels of education — from early childhood to university — while supporting ongoing research and the development of both theoretical and applied materials. Among the Network’s top priorities is the development of shared educational models, including standards, guidelines, and manuals for programs inspired by contemplative principles. Particular attention is given to documenting the social impact of contemplative education, with the goal of securing broader recognition within society and public institutions.
CEN Activities: Upcoming Events
In January 2025, a first workshop was held, focused on defining contemplative education and shaping the identity of the network as an inclusive, collaborative, and independent entity.
In April 2025, a follow-up workshop focused on launching four thematic working groups, which became active starting in May 2025:
1. Network Development
2. Curriculum Development in Contemplative Education & Resource Sharing
3. Mentorship & Support Systems
4. Advocacy & Awareness
Anyone interested in participating is welcome to join by writing to: contemplative.ed.network@gmail.com.
The next CEN online workshop will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025.
This meeting is open to everyone (including newcomers) and will offer a chance to reflect and discuss the work already underway within the network. All activities of the Network are conducted in English. To participate, contact: contemplative.ed.network@gmail.com.
Official website of the Contemplative Education Network: contemplative-education.com
Contact and registration: contemplative.ed.network@gmail.com
