MindRealm Institute

Explores, develops and challenges current perspectives on consciousness

 

Rob Hogendoorn, Chairman

 

After graduating from Erasmus School of Law, Rob Hogendoorn (1964) spent a year amidst Tibetan exiles in India, researching philosophy of law from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. At the time, H.H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s personal interest in technology and science was just beginning to catch the public eye, which led Rob to closely monitor the apparent convergence of Buddhism and science. Currently, Rob is a Ph.D. candidate at Leiden University, the Netherlands, researching the intellectual and philosophical dynamic of the ‘Mind & Life’ dialogues between the Dalai Lama and Western scientists.

 

Rob’s involvement in MindRealm Institute is a natural extension of his long-standing interest in the philosophy of mind and in cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary explorations of first, second and third person perspectives on consciousness.

 

Rob is married and father of three children.

 

 

Hans Gijsen, Secretary

 

Hans Gijsen (1959) is a Psychologist, a Quality Assurance Specialist and a (classical) vocalist. In each of these fields Hans has collaborated intensively with others, and achieved many results.

 

Currently, Hans investigates how the Buddhist contemplative methods are being received and studied in the West. Specifically, he is initiating a PhD-research project to investigate the practice of mindfulness within new contexts and the resultant tensions within and between Buddhist traditions.

 

For Hans the MindRealm Institute offers a way to explore the nature of consciousness, both in theory and in practice, from different angles of investigation. To him, the greatest challenge is bridging subjective and scientific perspectives, which will hopefully contribute to individual and collective well-being.

 

Hans is married and father of two children.

 

 

Richard de Jongh, Treasurer

 

Richard de Jongh's (1969) academic background is in Political Science. International Relations being his area of special expertise, Richard's early career included positions at several Dutch universities and multinational companies. In recent years, Richard founded his own business. Using contemplative practice as a starting point, Richard attempts to apply his own learning experiences in various ways. Together with his partners, for instance, he currently develops an innovative business concept branded as "Friends." Integrating proven business principles with good governance, social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Richard thus pursues his personal interest in projecting healthy and inspiring working environments.

 

Through his work at MindRealm Institute, Richard aspires to support and facilitate others in their quest for a deeper understanding of the workings of the mind, meanwhile testing his motto: "People become happy by chasing others’ happiness."

 

Richard is married and father of three boys.