Cultivate compassion, enhance wellbeing
At Compassion U, we offer individuals and teams the complete, research-based program of CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training).
Compassion U combines engaging self-guided activities – done at your own pace – with expert guidance by certified teachers.
CBCT® and the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University
CBCT is a program that trains adults to strengthen attention, regulate emotions, and sustain compassion for themselves and others. It is research-based and applicable across cultures. Whether for personal healing, improved relationships, or a more just world, CBCT equips individuals with the tools to flourish.
CBCT is housed within Emory’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics (Emory Compassion Center)—a pioneering institute dedicated to advancing human flourishing through education, research, and outreach. The Center supports initiatives like Compassion U, bringing the CBCT methodology to broader audiences through digital learning, professional training, and global partnerships.
Where Does This
Knowledge Come From?
Bridging an ancient contemplative tradition with modern science
Bridging an ancient contemplative tradition with modern science
Born in the Himalayas and trained in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi gained expertise in the mind-training tradition of lojong and earned his Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest degree in monastic education.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama encouraged Dr. Negi to also pursue studies in modern science to explore how the bridging of Western scientific and Buddhist perspectives on the mind could contribute to a deeper understanding of the human condition and help to address the ailments of modern society. Dr. Negi later completed a PhD at Emory University, focusing on the intersection of science and contemplative practice.
Dr. Negi developed CBCT in 2004, bringing together complementary tools from the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition and the emerging science of emotions from psychology and biology. CBCT was designed as a secular, research-based program, with the goal of contributing to human flourishing.
Today, CBCT is taught worldwide and anchors the Compassion Shift, an initiative to enhance a global culture of compassion. Dr. Negi leads this work as the Executive Director of Emory’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics.
Backed by Science
longest-running and most studied compassion protocols of its kind and demonstrates
an impressive array of measurable benefits for participants’ wellbeing.
Build Emotional Resilience
Findings support that compassion training can decrease anxiety, depression, and burnout, and increase feelings of self-compassion and hopefulness.
Enhance Meaningful Connections
Research has found that compassion training increases social connectedness, empathy, and compassion, and decreases feelings of loneliness.
Support Physical Health
Studies link compassion to lower inflammation, improved immune function, and enhanced physical well-being.
For a full list of CBCT research, click here.
Training Compassion’s Impact
5,000+ learners trained
Backed by 15+ years
of research
20+ countries served
95% would recommend
to a colleague
Join a community that’s
growing through compassion.
No credit card required
Learn more about the origins and aspirations of the Compassion Center and its programs, including CBCT.
Since its founding in 1836, Emory University has sought knowledge to create a better world by educating the heart and mind, connecting diverse faith traditions and cultures.
Inspired by the shared vision of Emory University and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Compassion Center has been seeking ways to educating for a better world since 1998.
Compassion U is the digital learning platform to share CBCT more effectively and reach more people and groups. CBCT is committed to improvement through research, evaluation, and quality materials and training.
CBCT is one of two flagship programs of the Compassion Shift initiative, the endeavor to bring compassion training to adults and children worldwide. The other is SEE Learning, designed for educators and classrooms.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re curious about our methods, research, or how to get started, we’re here to support you.
