A cognitive neuroscientist by training and international thought leader in the field of contemplative science, integrative health, mind-body medicine and neuropsychiatry, Vago has an academic pedigree from Vanderbilt, Harvard, and Cornell University medical centers with more than 15 years of studying the basic neurobiological mechanisms supporting mind-body practices and the effects on mental health and wellbeing.
“Our effective and efficient use of our minds and our hearts has the potential to overcome our selfish tendencies and biological limitations so that each human being alone and in collective force may be a major contributing factor to the survival and flourishing of our species,” Vago says.
Vago has given over 150 keynote and invited lectures, oral presentations, and grand rounds. His research has been covered by mainstream news outlets, such as the Huffington Post, Boston Globe, and NPR, among others. He has been a practitioner of meditation from Vipassana and Dzogchen/Mahamudra traditions for 25-plus years, with formal training by S.N. Goenka, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Sharon Salzberg, Roshi Joan Halifax, and others.
