Chapter XXI of the Rio Plus 20 Document by Cho Tab Khen Zambuling (Alfredo Sfeir Younis)
XXI. Contemplative Techniques
For good reasons contemplative techniques are becoming not only popular but indispensable parts of the professional curricula of many careers. In medicine, for example, many programs are going beyond behavioural sciences and entering into prayer, meditation, contemplation, chanting, rituals, symbols, yoga techniques, concentration, and much more. There are too many to present an exhaustive list here. The active involvement of doctors, nurses, students and patients is expanding at very rapid rates.
Another example is that of business management and MBA programs from the most prestigious universities around the world. Due to the level of stress and the nature of management in the corporate world many managers are learning contemplative techniques of all sorts. Some are doing this as a matter of work environment enhancement while others are doing it as part of a more directed and oriented spiritual life.
One essential understanding is that human identity is essential in the learning and practicing of any profession. Thus, there is a need to strengthen that human identity as an integral part of professional life. Corporate identity is not enough. This human identity is an important part of the very fabric of the individual character and personality, and a key instrument to live a constructive life both at work and at home. Furthermore, if one defines the main functions of a manager as being mainly “problem solving” and “predicting the future”, then, it is essential that we expand the consciousness and coherence of managers. Attaining a series of contemplative states of the mind and soul are essential in those regards. This is not new in the East but it is finding its way rapidly in the West.
The quality of the subjective experience is essential in any form of management. Without that, managers are frustrated, unfulfilled and erratic. The great difference between the good managers and the best is on the quality of his/her contemplative life put at the disposal of management. Those who do not use those contemplative techniques often resort to drugs and alcohol abuse, as well as to physical abuse with those around them. Many of the results now claimed by those techniques are being greatly corroborated by traditional scientific research. It was not long ago that medical insurance companies would not pay for acupuncture treatment or the learning and practice of yoga and meditation. The situation has radically shifted today.
In our experience for the last 30 years we have seen how fast these techniques are being learned and put at the disposal of many treatments of the body, mind and soul. These techniques accompanied by traditional and complementary medicine and herbal and natural treatments are all improving peoples welfare a great deal. These contemplative techniques are essential to get rid of inner warming and thus global warming. This is why we have mentioned them here. The contemplative techniques are very effective in getting rid of anger, frustrations, anxiety, stress, panic attacks, and so much more that is at the core of inner warming.
To read the full Rio Plus 20 Statement click HERE.
