Welcome to Dharma Lab
Dharma Lab is a space for community and conversation — a digital walking path where we invite you to join us in exploring timeless wisdom, groundbreaking research, and everyday practices that support greater wellbeing.
From cutting edge brain science to Buddhist meditation, we’re constantly asking: What’s really true? What does the most recent research say? What actually helps? And how do we know?
Dharma Lab is a place to explore those questions — not to find final answers, but to go deeper into the inquiry. And to do it together, with people who care about the same things we do.
Through essays, videos, tutorials, interviews, and live AMAs, we’ll be sharing:
The latest science on meditation, the brain, and human flourishing
Short tutorials on complex concepts like neuroplasticity and contemplative practices
Reflections from decades of dharma practice in several different traditions
Practical tools for daily life that can lead to improved sleep, physical health, and emotional wellbeing — even for those who think they “can’t meditate”
Explorations of big questions about death, psychedelics, aging, and purpose
Opportunities for hands-on citizen science experiments
Sneak previews from our upcoming book Born to Flourish (March 2026, Simon & Schuster)
Whether you’re a long-time practitioner, a curious newcomer, or just someone trying to live a more intentional life, Dharma Lab is here for you.
We invite you to walk with us. Ask questions. Share your insights. Be part of this growing community of inner explorers.
With warmth and gratitude,
Richie and Cort
A Note About Us
Dr. Richard Davidson (Richie) is a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and founder of the Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Minds Innovations. He’s spent the past 40+ years studying the brain, meditation, and the science of human flourishing — work that’s taken him from peer-reviewed journals to conversations with the Dalai Lama, and recognized as TIME’s Most Influential People in the World.
Dr. Cortland Dahl (Cort) is a scientist, author, and longtime meditation teacher. He holds a Ph.D. in Mind, Brain, and Contemplative Science, speaks fluent Tibetan, and spent nearly a decade living in Tibetan refugee settlements in Nepal. In addition to his work as a scientist and author, Cort co-founded Tergar International, a global network of meditation centers, and leads meditation retreats around the world.
Together, Richie and Cort created the award-winning Healthy Minds Program app. They also have a new book, Born to Flourish, coming out March, 2026, and have published a bunch of other books and scientific articles as well, from translations of ancient meditation manuals to cutting-edge neuroscience.
Richie and Cort in Podcast Episode #1: The Most Important Thing
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Welcome to Dharma Lab.
