Mystical Echoes: Bridging Mysticism, Nature, and Technology
What you'll learn
- Gain skills in analyzing perception's subjectivity, recognizing how beliefs and culture shape personal reality.
- Learn about nature's interconnectedness, focusing on mycelium networks and the Gaia Hypothesis, from the 'Nature's Mystical Canvas' session.
- Apply ancient wisdom to modern psychology, exploring how culture and emotions impact our understanding of the human psyche.
- Evaluate how cultural evolution and tech influence human perception and consciousness, as explored in the 'Cultural Mysticism' session.
- Learn about creating intuitive digital interactions using mystical concepts in the 'Modern Shamanism' session.
Requirements
- The "Mystical Echoes" course is structured to be inclusive and accessible, with no specific prerequisites in terms of skills or prior knowledge. While a basic understanding of psychology and anthropology may enhance the learning experience, it's not a requirement. An interest in technology, design, and their impact on people will be beneficial for engaging with the course content. The course is designed to cater to both beginners and those with more advanced knowledge, making it suitable for a broad audience. No technical skills or special equipment are needed, lowering the barrier for those who are new to the subjects of technology, psychology, or mysticism. The most important requirement is an open mind and a willingness to engage with the course material, which involves reflective and thought-provoking exercises. These exercises are meant to be self-guided and do not require any interaction, making them suitable for learners preferring an independent study approach.
Description
Discover new ways of seeing perception, ecology, and meaning in the digital age with Prof. Amit Raphael Zoran—an interdisciplinary researcher trained at the MIT Media Lab and head of the Hybrid Design Lab at Hebrew University.
This unique course explores consciousness, perception, and the evolving relationship between humans, technology, and nature in today's interconnected yet fragmented world. Blending ancient wisdom with contemporary research, participants will engage with:
Nature's Mystical Canvas – Unveiling the intelligence and communication systems embedded in natural ecosystems.
Human Psyche – Tracing perception's evolution through ancient traditions and modern cognitive science.
Cultural Mysticism – Exploring how spiritual practices influence and reshape technological development.
Modern Shamanism – Applying interdisciplinary insights to human-computer interaction, designing more intuitive and meaningful digital experiences.
Designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology, nature, and consciousness, this course offers insights from Prof. Zoran’s collaborations with craftspeople, shamans, engineers, and scientists. Participants will gain practical frameworks to address the sense of disconnection in today’s technology-driven world.
By the end of this journey, you’ll develop a richer theoretical foundation and practical tools for engaging with technology and nature in more meaningful ways.
Join us in discovering how ancient wisdom can guide more purposeful technological futures.
Who this course is for:
- The "Mystical Echoes" course is designed for a wide array of learners who are interested in the intersection of technology, human perception, and ancient wisdom. It's particularly suited for professionals and enthusiasts in tech and design who seek to understand how digital advancements are interwoven with human experiences. The course will greatly benefit those in user experience design, digital media, and computer science, looking to infuse humanistic and psychological insights into their work. Additionally, individuals fascinated by anthropology, psychology, and spirituality will find the course's exploration of how ancient practices and beliefs are relevant in our digital age enlightening. It's also ideal for educators and students in cognitive science and related fields, providing a multidisciplinary perspective that enriches their academic and professional pursuits. General audiences curious about the impact of digital technology on our thoughts, behaviors, and society will gain valuable insights. Essentially, anyone eager to delve into the dynamic relationship between modern technology and the timeless aspects of human cognition and culture will find this course rewarding.
Instructor
Professor Amit Rafael Zoran is a researcher at the School of Engineering and Computer Science at the Hebrew University and a former lecturer in Design at Bezalel Academy. He is a recipient of the Design Award from the Ministry of Culture.
Academically, he holds a Doctorate and a Master's degree from the MIT Media Lab, a Master's degree in Design from Bezalel Academy, and a degree in Communication Systems Engineering from Ben-Gurion University.
His research focuses on the relationship between humans and technology, encompassing cognitive, cultural, creative, technological, and mystical aspects of this interaction. He specializes in developing hybrid interaction systems between humans and the environment.