Join us for this special event with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche of Serenity Ridge; founder and spiritual director of Ligmincha International; and teacher and meditation master in the Bön Buddhist tradition of Tibet. Renowned for his ability to translate ancient Tibetan practices and traditions to practical steps for us to effectively manage the stress and pressures of our times. With a fascination for the use of modern technology to deepen our contemplative practices and wellbeing, and the father of a college-age adult, Rinpoche will share his thoughts and invite conversation for how to find serenity within ourselves and support it in each other. Open to All.

Metaphor – using a more concrete example to express a more abstract idea or experience – is a fundamental feature of literature and language. The study of metaphor as a feature of language has long been central to literary studies. The study of Buddhist literature has given some attention to metaphor, drawing primarily from literary studies. In this workshop we week to identify features of metaphorical expression that are often a work in Buddhist contemplative literature. For UVA Graduate Students and Faculty. UVA Community.

Join us for this talk with Asa Jackson, multidisciplinary artist, curator, and director or the McColl Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jackson will discuss his work on display in the lobby of the Contemplative Commons. Titled Daybreak (Dawn of Consciousness 2), the work—composed of fabrics cut and sewn together—explores the cross section of textiles from various countries, time periods, and personal histories, transforming fabric into visual narratives. Open to All.

Marc Brackett examines his own challenges dealing with emotions, explains the latest science of emotion regulation, and provides a set of practical, evidence-based strategies to help us use our feelings wisely to nurture healthy relationships, achieve ambitious goals, and experience greater well-being. At the heart of his message is acceptance: There are no bad emotions—only emotions we don't understand or know how to direct in positive, intentional ways. This event is free. Requires Registration.

UVA Rec and the Contemplative Sciences Center are partnering to offer students a retreat under the sun and stars at the Big Meadows campground in Shenandoah National Park. Come experience the awe of the morning and night skies. The retreat includes star-watching, a hike, and morning yoga practice. Registration Full.

The University of Virginia School of Nursing; School of Education and Human Development; and Contemplative Sciences Center are co-hosting a half day pan-University Compassionate Care Research Symposium related to compassion research and scholarship across Grounds. This symposium will explore compassion related research with an interdisciplinary focus and is intended to spark connections and collaborations. Requires Registration.

Mountainfilm on Tour visits Charlottesville on April 18 at the Contemplative Commons. Join us for an evening of inspiring and captivating films handpicked from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Watch the trailer. Open to All.

This workshop will begin with an introduction to the view that how we show up in our lives is often mediated by a constellation of parts and patterns that manage and protect us in an attempt to achieve a sense of safety and connection. Although these parts of us are well intentioned, mistaking them for the essence of who we are disconnects us from our already whole and awakened nature and limits our ability to courageously and responsively meet life and show up in this world from our greatest depth and integrity. Open to All.

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, economies, and daily life, a deeper question rises to the surface: What is all this innovation for? AI & Human Flourishing invites leaders, founders, policymakers, and technologists to zoom out from product features and market disruption to examine the broader societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. What does responsible innovation look like at scale? Open to All.

Join an Ayurveda weekend workshop with author Kate O’Donnell. The event will include three separate workshops on Ayurveda over the course of the weekend. You may register for the whole weekend or for a single day. We are offering reduced prices for students. Requires Registration.

This concert features the importance of Basant or Spring in the mystical traditions of South Asia. Acclaimed Indian classical vocalist, Vidushi Ramneek Singh will render shabads (meditative hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib in the ragas of Basant, Bahar and Hindol. She will also present aspects of Spring from the Sufi poetry of masters such as Amir Khusraw.  Accompanists include Shreyas Ravi (Harmonium) and Abhay Kulkarni (Tabla). This event is presented by the Poetry, Mysticism, and Performance Working Group at the Institute for the Humanities and Global Cultures (IHGC) and is cosponsored by the Contemplative Sciences Center and Mr. Sartj Alag. Open to All.

The final presentations of the 2025-2026 Citizen Leaders Fellows are the culmination of a year-long fellowship for a select group of UVA international students, transfer students, and student athletes who designed innovative projects to promote student flourishing. Open to All.