About The CCN
About The Contemplative Consciousness Network and its roots.
Who we are and what we do
On the 28th of February 2025, Samadhi took over the operations of what was formerly known as the Contemplative Consciousness Network. (You can read more about this development here.) The CCN and Samadhi were being run by the same people, with the same vision, and we felt it made sense to come together as one community rather than dilute our work.
Through Samadhi, we now have the task of honouring and continuing the legacies of the great work the CCN has done for the dharma and the teachings of Lama Alan Wallace over the past 14 years. Figuring out how best to do that will take some time. We are working away in the background, carefully planning our next steps in how we will further our shared visions.
In the meantime,
To join upcoming events: we invite you to visit the Samadhi website. All events and bookings are happening through there.
To make use of the archive of recordings and resources the CCN has collected over the years, we invite you to visit the Resources tab of this website and our YouTube channel.
In time, we will work to integrate all our activities and resources into one place and create an easy-to-navigate pathway through our precious archive.
The Contemplative Consciousness Network (CCN) was first established in 2011, following the teachings of Lama Alan (B. Alan Wallace, PhD). It was established as a charity dedicated to exploring and enhancing human potential and well-being through the study and practice of contemplative consciousness. It became a part of the operations of Samadhi – a registered Charity in England & Wales (1207744) – in 2025.
The work of CCN has always been rooted in Buddhist practice and focused on deepening our understanding of the mind through direct, first-person experience, and integrating traditional wisdom with modern insights into consciousness. The aim has been to make the diverse and transformative practices of contemplative traditions accessible to a wide audience, including those interested in mindfulness and secular modes of practice.
Being a part of the CCN, and now Samadhi, means being part of a community committed to developing a healthier, more balanced approach – for the individual, the collective and the planet.
We work closely with Lama Alan’s other organisations, the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies (SBI) and the Centers for Contemplative Research (CCR).
Three Pillars of Activity
The root of the CCN’s work has been an aspiration to cultivate genuine wellbeing—eudaemonic happiness—and to assist others in that journey. The approach revolves around organising educational events and creating digital resources centred around contemplative life, guided by Buddhist teachings. Three pillars have guided our activities:
Explore Contemplative Traditions and Science
Discover the rich tapestry of global contemplative practices and the latest in contemplative science.
We offer events and resources that explore the breadth of contemplative traditions and scientific findings from around the world, delving into their history, philosophy, and unique practices. Our offerings include academic lectures on Tibetan Buddhism and Dzogchen, comparative dialogues between traditions like Buddhism and Christianity, and an exploration of the scientific basis and research findings related to contemplative practices. This pillar aims to build a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the diverse contemplative heritage of humanity.
Deepen Your Practice and Understanding
Deepen your practice and understanding of contemplative practices, guided by the teachings of Lama Alan Wallace.
All the resources in this category revolve around the practices taught by our spiritual director, Lama Alan Wallace—all equally contributing to the experience of genuine happiness. These vitally important practices are:
(1) Attentional training (śamatha)
(2) Cultivating of a kind heart (the four immeasurables)
(3) Developing special insight, or vipaśyanā, by means of the four applications of mindfulness
(4) Transforming our attitudes by means of mind-training (lojong)
(5) Extending clarity into the world of dreams by means of lucid dreaming and dream yoga
(6) Understanding the true nature of the mind with the methods of Great Perfection (Dzogchen) and Great Seal (Mahāmudrā)
These events and these types of training constitute the very heart of our program and what we have to offer as a community; each practice can bring about a powerful transformation and strengthen our resilience, kindness, wisdom, and overall wellbeing. Please join us in this step-by-step practical training.
Apply and Integrate Practice intoDaily Life
Bring contemplative wisdom into everyday life, addressing modern challenges and personal wellbeing.
The final pillar focuses on applying contemplative insights to daily living and contemporary issues. It encompasses the integration of contemplative values into everyday activities and the exploration of their relevance to modern challenges. This includes practical applications in our personal daily lives, but also environmental ethics, social transformation, emotional wellbeing, and the intersection with contemplative science.
Activities like weekly conscious movement classes (yoga and qigong), community sharing sessions, and group practices are designed to facilitate the practical embodiment of these values in daily life.
