The University of Virginia will establish a Contemplative Sciences Center thanks to a $12 million gift from Sonia and Paul Jones of Greenwich, Conn. The gift was made in honor of their yoga teacher.
Paul Jones is a UVA graduate and hedge fund manager whose $35 million donation to the University went to build the John Paul Jones Arena, named in honor of his father.
The goal of the Center will be to foster understanding of the practices, ideas and application of contemplation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
According to UVaToday, the Contemplative Sciences Center will involve collaboration among among the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Curry School of Education. There are future plans to include the School of Architecture, Darden School of Business and McIntire School of Commerce.
The Center will offer programs next year, including a new Buddhism Contemplation course, a Contemplative in Residence and Contemplative Science Research Grants.
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