Buddhist Psychology is a holistic and transpersonal psychology, which may be distinguished from the practice of the Buddhist religion. Buddhist psychology offers a comprehensive understanding of the mind and its potential, the way the mind creates problems, the way the mind can be transformed into the highest state of self-actualization"enlightenment.
The Holistic Studies seminars in Buddhist psychology at JFK University are framed from the perspective of the Mahayana tradition, utilizing both ancient and modern texts. Congruent with a Mahayanist view, all seminars will have components of theory and practice designed to benefit the practitioner as well as the communities they serve.
The content of each seminar will be delivered through the use of lecture, discussion, DVD/Video, meditation, and ritual. A reader of required readings will be available well before each seminar, please contact the office for details AND for free reading materials (where possible) which are also required. Wear comfortable clothes and bring your meditation cushion and a journal to class.
The Mind, Its Functions and Potential is prerequisite to all the other seminars and will be offered in both Fall and Spring. Other than this prerequisite, the seminars may be taken in any order, although the order below is the order that is recommended. You may take any number of seminars, AND with the completion of the whole series of five, for a total of 50 class hours, you will receive Buddhist Psychology instruction comparable to the transpersonal and somatic tracks, thereby expanding your expertise and your holistic education.
COURSE SCHEDULE AND DESCRIPTIONS
The Mind, Its Functions and Potential
Friday, October 19, 2007 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 20, 2007 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
This seminar offers an examination of the nature of the mind as well as how it functions, and affects the human experience of happiness and suffering. In addition to the psychology of mind, this seminar presents beginning meditations for transforming mental blocks to the development of each being's enlightenment. FA07
Karma
Friday, November 30, 2007 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, December 1, 2007 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Learn the essential facts about the law of cause and effect and how karma works, as well as tools for influencing karma you create and karma you have created. In Buddhist psychology, karma is the relationship between actions and their results, and how these actions and results are the principal factors in determining experiences of happiness or suffering. FA07
Impermanence, Death, and Rebirth
Friday, February 1, 2008 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 2, 2008 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Understanding the impermanent nature of phenomena is key in Buddhist psychology, as is the importance of both living and dying well (and the relationship of these processes to karma). Giving meaning to life and how it is lived can only fully be appreciated when one is mindful of death. Develop your understanding of the profound nature of the mental continuum in lifetime after lifetime. WI08
The Mind, Its Functions and Potential
Friday, April 18, 2008 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 19, 2008 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
This seminar offers an examination of the nature of the mind as well as how it functions, and affects the human experience of happiness and suffering. In addition to the psychology of mind, this seminar presents beginning meditations for transforming mental blocks to the development of each being's enlightenment. SP08
Samsara, Nirvana, and Transforming Problems
Friday, May 16, 2008 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, May 17, 2008 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
An examination of the nature of samsara (this cyclic suffering realm), building upon the Wheel of Life, the Four Sufferings, and the Four Noble Truths as well as exploring the meaning of nirvana as the absence of disturbing emotions. Buddhist psychological techniques for mind transformation will be presented and practiced. SP08
Wisdom and Compassion
Friday, August 15, 2008 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2008 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Learn Buddhist techniques for developing loving kindness, the key to helping others as well as developing and maintaining ourselves as therapists. Explore how this type of compassion is key to generating the mind of enlightenment. Discover why compassion without wisdom can be harmful rather than helpful and learn meditative techniques for developing the wisdom of emptiness. SU08
Buddhist Psychology Emphasis
