Contemplative and Scientific Perspectives on Human Flourishing: Psychological Dynamics in Different Families of Meditation and a Curriculum for the Cultivation of Well-being
The practice of meditation has played a central role in spiritual, philosophical, and humanistic traditions for thousands of years. In these traditions, meditation is often viewed as a practice that aids in the cultivation of virtue, wisdom, and other qualities that are thought to bring about a state of inner flourishing. Meditation practice is also being applied in contemporary secular settings to alleviate stress and promote well-being, and standardized meditation programs have become an active topic of scientific research. The historical importance of meditation and the widespread application and study of these practices in contemporary settings calls for theoretical models and standardized meditation training programs that can serve as a basis for future research. To contribute to the converging fields of well-being research and contemplative science, we present a model of meditation that delineates three families meditation practice. These families are discussed in relation to their historical antecedents in Buddhism and Greco-Roman philosophy, as well as contemporary research in clinical psychology, cognitive science, and the study of well-being and human flourishing. Drawing on this three family model and related scientific research, we also present a comprehensive well-being training curriculum that includes a variety of traditional meditation practices adapted for secular settings.