Scientific and Humanistic Research on Lucid Dreaming in Traditional Buddhist Contemplative Dream Practices in the Nation of Bhutan

Contemplative dream practices have enjoyed a central role in Buddhism for over a thousand years. Recently, scientific research into lucid dreaming—being aware you are dreaming while you dream—has had major breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of such experiences, as well as enabling realtime communication with dreamers even as they dream. David Germano of UVA’s Religious Studies department is collaborating with scientists at Northwestern University, Ken Paller and  Gabriela Torres Platas, Doctor Ira Zunin, and senior Bhutanese religious leaders such as Phuntsho Gyaltshen to research these ancient contemplative practices with advanced practitioners in Bhutan using these new scientific models and methodologies.