CBS Presents Interfaith Special MEDITATION, MINDFULNESS & SPIRITUALITY Tonight

By: Jun. 28, 2015
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MEDITATION, MINDFULNESS & SPIRITUALITY, a CBS Interfaith Special, looks at how the practice of meditation and mindfulness affects personal growth and social transformation, as well as its uses in our secular society. This special broadcast will be on the CBS Television Network today, June 28 (check local listings).

Featured on this program is Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, who discusses today's "mindfulness movement" and how it can be used for social transformation. The Shambhala community is an international network of meditation and retreat centers known for their secular approach to meditation. It is based on an appreciation of "innate human goodness." Shambhala was founded by the Sakyong's father the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Lama who came to NORTH AMERICA in 1970. Trungpa Rinpoche is widely regarded as a pioneer of mindfulness meditation and for bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West. Also appearing on the program is Aarthi Tejuja, Director of Social Engagement and Janet Hasz, Director of Creating Safe Spaces, both with Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago, Ill.

Additionally, Sharon Salzberg, a Buddhist meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., discusses her discovery of Buddhism and meditation as a young college student in 1970. Her interest in meditation led to a four-year study abroad in India, and upon her return to Barre she co-founded the Society. Today, she is one of the most sought-after teachers in the country, and explains the practice of meditation and mindfulness, and why it has become so popular.

Also interviewed is Yael Shy, Senior Director of Global Spiritual Life at New York University. In 2009, she founded the Mindfulness Project at NYU, and today it is one of the largest campus-wide meditation initiatives in the country. NYU undergrads created a student-only group called "Generation Meditation." Several students involved with the group discuss how meditation and mindfulness has helped them deal with the everyday stresses of college and in figuring out their life's purpose.

John P. Blessington is senior executive producer and Liz Kineke is producer. In creating the topics and content of this Cultural & Religious Documentary CBS seeks input from the National Council of Churches, the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission, and from clergy, scholars and other representatives of each of the religions presented within a program.

Following the June 28 air date, this program may be viewed again at www.cbsnews.com/religion-and-culture. "Like" us on Facebook.com/CBSReligion and follow us on Twitter @CBSReligion.



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