Lecture: Meditation’s Journey from Spiritual Practice to Secular Health

Dr. Jessica Frazier, Lecturer, Theology and Religion, University of Oxford will deliver talk on “Meditation's Journey from Spiritual Practice to Secular Health.”

The ancient roots of meditation describe it as a practise of 'wise men' and seers, earnest students and curious gods. From the Upanisads to the Yoga Sutras, the use of intense absorption guided by profound understanding of the self and world was seen as a hidden 'treasure' or secret teaching that each person can use to change their minds, and change their fate. Many people still incorporate those older practices into everyday life, but today meditation is being rebranded as a medicine meant to calm anxiety, and help people 'live in the moment'. This talk looks at the old and the new, and asks 'what was meditation really meant to be?'