Sessions Details
Transcendental Phenomenology and Human Science Inquiry: Integrating First-Person Perspectives
Dr. Richa Chopra
Assistant Professor & Core Faculty, Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur
Dr. Shekhar P Seṣādri
Former Dean, Behavioral Sciences Division & Former Director, NIMHANS
Dr. Hareram Pandey
Assistant Professor, Department of Yoga, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak
Swami Vidyāpradananda
Deputy Registrar & Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sports Science and Yoga, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur
Acārya Šrivats Goswami
Gaudīya Vaiṣnava Leader and Formerly Visiting Scholar, Harvard Divinity School’s Centre for the Study of World Religions
Dr. Nilanjana Moitra
Assistant Professor, NIEPAThis special session will explore the role of transcendental phenomenology in human science research, particularly in understanding consciousness, perception, and intentional experience. It addresses the growing recognition of first-person methodologies within cognitive science, particularly as a response to the "hard problem of consciousness." The session will introduce qualitative and quantitative approaches to human science inquiry, with a focus on integrating contemplative traditions, yoga as the "technology of consciousness" and Vedānta as the "science of consciousness" to enhance internal perception and experiential understanding. Participants will engage in discussions on methods, data analysis, and future research directions, drawing insights from first-person research within diverse sampradāyas of Sanātana Dharma. Featuring experts in psychology, philosophy, and spiritual traditions, the session aims to bridge third-person scientific frameworks with critical first-person perspectives, fostering a holistic and embodied approach to consciousness studies.
Special Session Speakers
Dr. Shekhar P Seṣādri
Former Dean, Behavioral Sciences Division & Former Director, NIMHANS
Topic: Human Science Inquiry: Common Methodologies
Duration: 20 Minutes + 5 minutes moderated Q & A
Dr. Hareram Pandey
Assistant Professor, Department of Yoga, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak
Topic: Human Science Inquiry: yoga-vedānta vicar
Duration: 20 Minutes + 5 minutes moderated Q & A
Swami Vidyāpradananda
Deputy Registrar & Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sports Science and Yoga, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur
Topic: Realms and Truths of anubhūti: Ones’ Lived Experience
Duration: 20 Minutes + 5 minutes moderated Q & A
Acārya Šrivats Goswami
Gaudīya Vaiṣnava Leader and Formerly Visiting Scholar, Harvard Divinity School’s Centre for the Study of World Religions
Topic: Realms and Truths of anubhūti: Ones’ Lived Experience
Duration: 20 Minutes + 5 minutes moderated Q & A
Dr. Nilanjana Moitra
Assistant Professor, NIEPA
Topic: A Policy Framework for Institutionalizing First Person Research in the HEI Arena
Duration: 20 Minutes + 5 minutes moderated Q & A
Dr. Richa Chopra
Assistant Professor & Core Faculty, Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur
Topic: Revelations of sādhaks across sampradāyas, Audience Participation and Closing Remarks
Duration: 20 Minutes + 5 minutes moderated Q & A