Episode 31 - Michal Pagis: The Sociology of Vipassana and Mindfulness

In this episode I spoke with Michal Pagis who is an associate professor of sociology at Bar Ilan University, Israel about her new book Inward: Vipassana Meditation and the Embodiment of the Self published by the University of Chicago Press in 2019. Using micro-sociological analysis through participant observation and auto-enthnography, Michal studied Western Vipassana practitioners of SN Goenka 10-day SILENT meditation retreats. We explored a range of questions and topics – especially her observations of socialization process of these practitioners into modes of collective solitude, as well as the tensions, conflicts and complexities these practitioners face with such a secularized practice. It was a lively and deeply engaging conversation that I think you will enjoy. Dr. Pagis studies the transformations in self and identity in contemporary post-industrial culture with a focus on the intertwining of religion and psychology. Her research includes the modern practice of Buddhist meditations, life-coaching, spiritual care in the medical system and the penetration of popular psychology into ultra-religious and anti-liberal communities.

You can listen to Episode 31 - Michal Pagis: The Sociology of Vipassana and Mindfulness online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 31 - Michal Pagis: The Sociology of Vipassana and Mindfulness is an episode from The Mindful Cranks by Ronald Purser.

This episode is 01:27:49 long.

This episode was published on Dec 30, 2020.

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