Summer 2026:
The Science of Sitting​

Saturday, August 1, 2026
Beginning at 6:00 pm at
1730 S Maxwell St., Bloomington, IN

What exactly happens in the body and mind when we take the posture, breathe deeply through the nose, keep the eyes open and let go of thoughts?  Join us to hear from two regional neuroscientists who are engaged in exploring intersections between sitting practices like mindfulness meditation and shikantaza and items like brain waves, emotional regulation, memory, physical health and cognitive function.  We'll discuss the connection between what happens in the nerves and organs and what happens in the brain, and the how the body practice of zazen contributes to psychological resilience.

Join us for an evening salon of sangha fellowship and exploration of how sciences of body and mind may illuminate sitting practice. In-person attendance is encouraged for all in the area who wish to participate (please RSVP at right). Virtual participation during the discussion will also likely be possible, as we working on finalizing the tech infrastructure that would support it - stay tuned! ​

There is no fee to attend. Donations are welcome here or into the dana jar at the event, to help cover food and technology costs.

Virtual participation during the discussion session is welcome. Join us using the green button below, beginning with Hoko's opening remarks around 7:15 pm.

Note that this event is not being held at Sanshin itself, but at a nearby private home.

---

About our panelists

Neil Neido Schmitzer-Torbert
Professor of Psychology, Wabash College
Chair of Sanshin's Board of Directors

Neil teaches psychology and behavioral neuroscience at Wabash College in Crawfordsville.  His research focuses on the brain systems that support learning and memory, the effect of addictive drugs on learning in rats, and the development of video games to test how humans learn to find their way through new environments

Neil started practicing with Sanshin in 2022, and regularly attends zazen, dharma talks, and book discussions virtually (and occasionally in person).  He took the precepts as a lay practitioner at Sanshin with Hoko Karnegis in 2023 and serves as chair of Sanshin's board of directors.  He offers mindfulness programming at Wabash and in his local community.

Gregory Lewis
Associate Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering and Associate Research Scientist, Kinsey Institute,
Indiana University

Greg studies the physiological effects of mindfulness and mind-body interventions.  He serves as the director of the Socioneural Physiology Lab, where his work uses biological sensors and signal processing to evaluate how mindfulness practices alter autonomic nervous system states, stress levels, and heart rate variability (HRV).   He looks forward to discussing research on how our experiences shape the integrated, ever-changing brain-body relationship, how we can measure the state of the brain-body system, and what this means for health and wellbeing.

What is a salon?

Some of the group at this past January's Sanshin Salon.

Historically, a salon was a regular meeting of prominent or elegant people, such as artists, writers, or intellectuals, to discuss art, literature, or music.  These days, it's a living-room gathering of friends and friends-of-friends to enjoy food and conversation and, for an hour or so, learn more about an interesting topic by hearing from a couple of people who are engaged with it and willing to share their perspective to get the discussion started.  

A salon is not:

• Formal or fussy
• A lecture or dharma talk
• A debate or performance​

Let's see where the conversation goes! You can see a recording of the discussion during this past January's salon ("Transmitting Tales") here.

---

Plan for the evening

6:00 pm  Informal dinner and socializing are available
7:15 pm  Hoko gives a preview of the the rest of the year and beyond at Sanshin
7:30 pm  Hoko facilitates discussion between panelists
8:00 pm  Questions, reflections and open discussion with all attendees
8:30 pm  Dessert, fellowship, and continued conversation
We end whenever we've had enough!