TABLE OF CONTENTS

Volume 9   Number 1     Fall 2015

Toward a Synthesis of Consciousness and Dialogue: An Introduction to the Special Issue    on Dialogical and Eastern Perspectives of Self Shaima Ahammed Zayed University, U.A.E. Isaac Cherian Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers, Canada	pp. 1-10
Abstract. In this introduction to the special issue, we first discuss the inspiration for and relevance of bringing together Dialogical and Eastern perspectives of Self. The possibility of refining and advancing the dialogical self theory by seeking inspiration from the profound insights on ‘self’ offered by the Eastern philosophies is explored. Five key features that most distinguish an Eastern conceptualization of Self from other philosophical perspectives or approaches to understanding ‘Self’ provides a framework to facilitate a discussion on where dialogical self stands with regard to these features [that also represents core questions on ‘self’]. This is followed by a brief introduction to the papers in the special issue along with an overview of the perspectives, theoretical possibilities and challenges of integrating DS and Eastern approaches as presented in these papers. We conclude with the hope that this special issue will inspire more wisdom and insight as we contemplate on consciousness and dialogue towards expanding and advancing the dialogical self theory.
Keywords: Self, Consciousness, Dialogical Self, Eastern philosophy, mindfulness