In conjunction with Gunilla Klingberg’s installation “Wheel of Everyday Life” at Rice University Art Gallery, Alejandro Chaoul led gallery visitors through a session of Tibetan Yoga. Participants learned about the concept of the body as a mandala with the heart as center.
Alejandro Chaoul received his Ph.D from Rice University in religious studies with an emphasis in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. He is an assistant professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center where he conducts research using mind-body techniques with cancer patients, and holds group and individual meditation classes at the Integrative Medicine Center. He is also an associate faculty member at The McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics at University of Texas Medical School, where he teaches medical students in the areas of spirituality, complementary and integrative medicine, and end of life care. He teaches Tibetan Meditation and Tibetan yoga under the auspices of Ligmincha Institute in various parts of the USA, Latin America, and Europe.

“Please silence your phones, or as I like to say, please put them in meditation mode” is how Dr. Alejandro Chaoul began his presentation on February 4. This sentiment put the rapt—and packed—crowd at ease, as Dr. Chaoul went on to discuss his work at MD Anderson and elsewhere. Known in Houston and beyond as a strong proponent for mind-body healing, his work celebrates meditation as a vehicle for that healing. Over the course of the evening, Dr. Chaoul enlightened about the inherent benefits of being present, focusing on your breathing, and stress relief. To complement the discussion, guests were led on a brief guided meditation, followed by a light reception generously provided by MasterWord Services.