B. Alan Wallace
B. Alan Wallace is an American Buddhologist and contemplative scholar known for his extensive writings on Tibetan Buddhism and contemplative science. He is recognized as a preeminent meditation teacher and has been instrumental in fostering dialogue between Western science and Buddhist psychology, advocating for the integration of introspection into academic inquiry. Wallace founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies and has authored numerous influential books and translations.
Key Facts
- ›Born in 1950, B. Alan Wallace is an American Buddhologist specializing in Tibetan Buddhism.
- ›He was ordained as a Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama in 1975.
- ›Wallace holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Stanford University.
- ›He is the founder of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies.
- ›His notable works include 'the Attention Revolution' and 'Dreaming Yourself Awake'.
- ›Wallace is a proponent of integrating contemplative practices into higher education.
Important Relationships
- Dalai Lama
- Padmasambhava (translator of his work)
- Clifford Saron (collaborator on shamatha project)
the Attention Revolution, Dreaming Yourself Awake, Bardo Thodol, Meditations of A Buddhist Skeptic, Mind In the Balance, Contemplative Science
Dharamsala, India, University of California, Santa Barbara, Stanford University, Santa Barbara, California, Tuscany, Italy
English, Tibetan
Buddhist Monk Vows
About B. Alan Wallace
B. Alan Wallace, born Bruce Alan Wallace in 1950, is a prominent American Buddhologist and scholar of Tibetan Buddhism. He is widely regarded as a leading meditation teacher and an influential figure in the dialogue between contemplative traditions and Western science. Wallace has authored numerous books that explore the intersection of Buddhism and contemporary scientific inquiry, with a particular focus on the cultivation of sustained attention and critiques of materialistic philosophies of mind.
Life and Education
Wallace's intellectual journey began with a passion for science, leading him to study at the University of California, San Diego. His engagement with Tibetan Buddhism and language commenced in 1970 at the University of Göttingen in Germany. He continued his studies in Dharamsala, India, where he was ordained as a Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama in 1975. His academic pursuits led him to earn a B.A. in physics, philosophy of science, and Sanskrit from Amherst College in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. in religious studies from Stanford University in 1995, where his dissertation focused on the cultivation of sustained voluntary attention in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.
Career and Contributions
Wallace has held lecturing positions, including at the University of California at Santa Barbara's Department of Religious Studies. In 2003, he founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies, an organization dedicated to integrating scientific and contemplative approaches to understanding consciousness. He has been a key participant and interpreter in dialogues between Buddhist leaders, such as the Dalai Lama, and the scientific community, notably through the Mind and Life Institute. Wallace has also been instrumental in research projects, such as the shamatha project, which investigated the effects of Buddhist meditation on attention, emotions, and well-being. He is also a driving force behind the Center for Contemplative Research in Tuscany, Italy, aiming to unite first-person meditative experience with third-person scientific methods.
Notable Works
Wallace's extensive bibliography includes significant contributions to contemplative science and Tibetan Buddhism. Among his most recognized books are "The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind," which explores the practice of Samatha meditation, and "Dreaming Yourself Awake: Lucid Dreaming and Tibetan Dream Yoga for Insight and Transformation." He has also published works that directly engage with scientific fields, such as "Contemplative Science: Where Buddhism and Neuroscience Converge" and "Mind in the Balance: Meditation in Science, Buddhism, and Christianity."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B. Alan Wallace known for?
B. Alan Wallace is primarily known as a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism and a proponent of contemplative science. He is recognized for his extensive writings on meditation, Buddhist psychology, and the intersection of these with Western scientific inquiry, as well as for founding the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies.
When and where did B. Alan Wallace begin his Buddhist studies?
B. Alan Wallace began his studies of the Tibetan language and Buddhism in 1970 at the University of Göttingen in Germany. He later continued these studies in Dharamsala, India.
What significant role did the Dalai Lama play in B. Alan Wallace's life?
The Dalai Lama ordained B. Alan Wallace as a Buddhist monk in 1975 in Dharamsala, India. Wallace has also served as an interpreter for the Dalai Lama in dialogues between Buddhism and Western science.
What are some of B. Alan Wallace's influential books?
Some of B. Alan Wallace's influential books include 'The Attention Revolution' on cultivating Samatha, 'Dreaming Yourself Awake' on dream yoga, and 'Contemplative Science: Where Buddhism and Neuroscience Converge'. He also translated the Bardo Thodol.
What is the focus of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies?
Founded by B. Alan Wallace, the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies is dedicated to integrating scientific and contemplative exploration of consciousness. It aims to bridge the gap between first-person meditative experience and third-person scientific methods.
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