Secular Spirituality, The Science of Consciousness and the Illusion of Self

This event will be available live in 🇬🇧 English, with translation into 🇪🇸 Spanish and 🇮🇹 Italian, for Spanish and Italian speakers please register through our partner pages (links further down on the page).

Join Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Thomas Metzinger and Scott Snibbe for a profound dialogue on Secular Spirituality, The Science of Consciousness, and the Illusion of Self. This online event, in partnership with Jamyang Buddhist Centre and several other partners (below), will explore the intersections between Buddhist philosophy and secular spirituality, focusing on key themes like consciousness, selfhood, and the potential for spiritual growth without religious belief.

Drawing on Metzinger’s philosophical work on the science of consciousness and Geshe Namdak’s deep understanding of Buddhist mind science, they will engage with the challenging concept of "no-self" and discuss how modern science and ancient wisdom can together reshape our understanding of spirituality in the 21st century.

This event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on whether spiritual practices can thrive outside traditional religious contexts and how both secular and contemplative traditions provide insights into consciousness and personal transformation. Perfect for those interested in philosophy, Buddhism, and the evolving nature of spirituality in today’s world.

Secular spirituality offers a path to personal transformation without relying on religious belief, encouraging inner growth through practices like mindfulness and contemplation. The science of consciousness explores how subjective experience arises from the brain, bridging the gap between philosophy and neuroscience. Meanwhile, the illusion of self, a central theme in both Buddhist philosophy and modern cognitive science, challenges our deeply held notion of a fixed identity. Together, these ideas invite us to re-examine who we are and how we relate to the world, offering profound insights into both spiritual and scientific inquiries.

Resident teacher of Jamyang Buddhist London Centre, and part-time tutor at the University of Oxford's Department for Continuing Education, where he teaches Buddhist Mind Science. He first worked as an environmental researcher, having graduated with a bachelor of science degree in hydrology. He took ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama before engaging in his formal studies in Buddhist philosophy and psychology at Sera Jey Monastic University. He completed the entire twenty-year geshe program at Sera Jey and the traditional one-year Vajrayāna study program at Gyüme Tantric College. As a translator, he contributed to (2022). He teaches worldwide and regularly engages in science and Buddhist philosophy dialogues.

A distinguished philosopher specialising in the philosophy of mind, ethics, and cognitive science. Formerly a Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the University of Mainz. He is best known for his work on the nature of consciousness, self-consciousness, and artificial intelligence. Metzinger's influential books include Being No One (2003) and The Ego Tunnel (2009), both of which explore the concept of self-model theory and the relationship between consciousness and subjective experience. His latest work, (2024), which we recommend reading in preparation for the talk, addresses consciousness from an interdisciplinary perspective, blending philosophical insights with scientific data. He continues to engage with ethical and global issues, particularly around AI and environmental challenges​. You can learn more about Thomas and access lots of his work for free on his website: thomasmetzinger.com.

Interactive media artist, author, entrepreneur, and meditation instructor who hosts the Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment meditation podcast. His new media artist whose installations have been incorporated into museums, public spaces, and performances. He has collaborated with musicians and filmmakers including Björk, Philip Glass, Beck, and James Cameron, and his work can be found in the collections of New York MoMA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and other institutions. He leads meditation classes and retreats worldwide infused with science, humour, and the realities of the modern world. His latest work, (2024) presents an 8-step program to build positive mental habits.

This event is organised in partnership with Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW), Nagarjuna Madrid, Instituto Lama Tsongkhapa (ILTK) and Mind Science Academy (MSA).

This event is open to all on donation, and registration is required. Please sign up on this page to secure your spot and join the English livestream.

We are offering the event in English, with live translation into Spanish and Italian through our partners, Nagarjuna Madrid (Spanish) and Instituto Lama Tsongkhapa (Italian).

🇪🇸 Register in Spanish with Nagarjuna Madrid: https://www.nagarjunamadrid.org/espiritualidad-laica/

🇮🇹 Register in Italian with ILTK: https://www.iltk.org/attivita/spiritualita-secolare-scienza-della-coscienza-e-illusione-del-se/

We will record the session in English, Spanish, and Italian, and share the recordings with attendees after the event. To receive the translated recordings, please ensure you register with our translation partners.

We invite you to actively participate in this event by submitting your questions in advance. Your inquiries will help shape the dialogue, as our speakers will address selected questions during the event. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of science and spirituality or the philosophical insights of “no-self,” we encourage you to share your thoughts.

Event Venue

Online