Buddhist Psychology is a holistic and transpersonal psychology, born from meditative inquiry and a 2500 year old tradition of contemplative practice. Buddhist psychology is not a religion, nor will this series teach religion, but rather, the Buddhist Psychology Emphasis offers a comprehensive understanding of the mind and its potential, the way the mind creates problems, the way the mind can be transformed towards healing, wholeness and awakening.
The JFKU, Holistic Studies seminars in Buddhist psychology are framed from the perspective of the three major Buddhist traditions, Theravadin, or Insight Meditation, Zen, the Mahayana, and Vajrayana, or the Tibetan traditions. Each bring unique and powerfully therapeutic paradigms and practices designed to help transform heart and mind. Congruent with Buddhist study, all seminars will have components of theory and practice designed to benefit the practitioner as well as the communities they serve.
Course Sequence:
This is the recommended sequence, but classes can be taken in any order.
SEEING PAST NORMAL: THE ESSENTIAL BUDDHIST VIEW OF HEALTH AND SUFFERING (1 UNIT)
INSTRUCTOR: RICHARD HECKLER, PHD
More important than any method of psychotherapy or counseling, is the worldview from which the therapist's work emerges, and the way she or he embodies that view. Buddhist understanding of health and suffering extends far beyond the confines of where western psychology has explored, and as such offers a powerful theoretical and practical foundation for any therapist wanting his or her work to be truly revolutionary and successful. This segment will cover the essential theoretical foundations of Buddhist psychology, and a number of practical applications. Didactic and experiential.
Suggested reading for Richard's classes:
Kornfield, Jack. (2008). The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology. Bantam.
Moffit, Phillip. (2008). Dancing with Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering. Rodale Books.
Welwood, John. (2002). Toward a Psychology of Awakening: Buddhism, Psychotherapy and the Path of Personal and Spiritual Transformation. Shambhala.
Rinpoche, Drubwang. (2003). Fearless Simplicity: The Dzogchen Way of Living Freely in a Complex World. North Atlantic Books.
THE RADICAL PATH OF MINDFULNESS: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK (1 UNIT)
INSTRUCTOR: RICHARD HECKLER, PHD
As one begins to understand Buddhist psychology, the practice of Mindfulness becomes paramount as the mode or medium of therapeutic work. In this course we will continue to discuss fundamental constructs from Buddhist psychology, and learn the therapeutic applications of mindfulness in psychotherapy. This segment will offer short talks, experiential exercises and practice with fellow students.
Suggested reading for Richard's classes:
Kornfield, Jack. (2008). The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology. Bantam.
Moffit, Phillip. (2008). Dancing with Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering. Rodale Books.
Welwood, John. (2002). Toward a Psychology of Awakening: Buddhism, Psychotherapy and the Path of Personal and Spiritual Transformation. Shambhala.
Rinpoche, Drubwang. (2003). Fearless Simplicity: The Dzogchen Way of Living Freely in a Complex World. North Atlantic Books.
THE SHAPE OF THE VESSEL: APPLYING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO WESTERN CLINICAL PRACTICE (1 UNIT)
INSTRUCTOR: CONNIE BATTEN, MFT
As English speaking Westerners, our perceptions—both inner and outer—are filtered through the particular set of constructs assumed by our language and our culture. In this seminar we will examine the core teachings of Buddhism, as they illuminate the paradoxical nature of human consciousness, and as they enter into the language and culture of Western psychotherapy. How does Buddhist practice influence our sense of direction in our work with clients? How can we enhance our capacity as therapists by using the vital dynamic between Western and Buddhist perspectives to bring increased, heart-informed consciousness to our own awareness?
Suggested reading for Connie's class:
Batchelor, Stephen. (1998). Buddhism without Beliefs. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Brazier, David. (2002). The Feeling Buddha: A Buddhist Psychology of Character, Adversity and Passion. Palgrave Macmillan.
TRANSFORM YOUR MIND (1 UNIT)
INSTRUCTOR: AMY BARTON-CAYTON, PHD, MFT
In Buddhist psychology, the nature of the mind is key: how it functions, where different states of mind come from, how mental imprints determine the experience of happiness and suffering, and their role in our actions. We will explore the relationship of actions and their results, according to the 12 Links of Dependent Origination and reference important concepts such as impermanence and interdependence, from the frame of Buddhist psychology. This seminar presents not only what Buddhist psychology is, but also what it isn't, and how it stands alone and is differentiated from Western Psychology. We will practice beginning meditations for transforming mental blocks to the development of each being's enlightenment, and other Buddhist psychological interventions.
Suggested reading for Amy's classes:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. (2006). The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality. Broadway.
Rinpoche, Lama Zopa. (2001). Ultimate Healing: The Power of Compassion. Wisdom Publications.
TRANSFORM YOUR HEART (1 UNIT)
INSTRUCTOR: AMY BARTON-CAYTON, PHD, MFT
To fully develop wisdom and compassion, the Buddhist psychologist must awaken not only their mind, but also fully open their heart. Often referred to as the Two Wings, the techniques to develop these qualities are available through mind training, for both therapist and client. The Eight Point Mind Training will be explored as a way to train one's mind in wisdom and compassion, and other Buddhist psychological interventions for working with disturbing emotions will be presented and practiced.
Suggested reading for Amy's classes:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. (2006). The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality. Broadway.
Rinpoche, Lama Zopa. (2001). Ultimate Healing: The Power of Compassion. Wisdom Publications.
Buddhist Psychology Emphasis
