Mindfulness: Theory and Practice
3 credits
In this course students examine the theory of mindfulness and engage deeply in the practice. Mindfulness draws on the innate wisdom of our minds and bodies to develop calm, concentration, and insight, and to foster personal growth. We will engage in several forms of mindfulness practice, and discuss related writings, including recent studies reporting new findings about the potential benefits of mindfulness practice to improve health and to promote equanimity and overall well-being, including enhancement of brain function. Students will focus on the application of these transformative practices in their own daily, academic, and/or professional lives.
Mindful Communications: Theory and Practice of Insight Dialogue
3 credits
This Mindfulness Studies course is designed to examine and critique the theory, practice, and potential of Insight Dialogue, or interpersonal mindfulness, and its roots in the Buddhist concept of “right speech.” Implications of Insight Dialogue for enhancing communication, including in difficult conversations, will be examined. Insight Dialogue will be contextualized within examination of prominent philosophies of dialogue and dialogic practices intended to promote communication across race, class, gender, and ideology.
Mindful Leadership and Social Engagement
3 credits
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore how Buddhist ideas underlying mindfulness can be extended into the realm of leadership and engagement with the contemporary world. Students will gain a nuanced understanding of principles of mindful leadership through close readings of translations of classical Buddhist teachings and current mindfulness texts. Students will investigate the meaning of these teaching in direct experience and apply them to social, cultural, historical, organizational, and political case studies.
Foundations of Contemplative Practice: The Buddhist Traditions
3 credits
This course operates as a philosophical, historical and cross-cultural survey of the Buddhist traditions as they are found in South Asia and East Asia. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the Buddhist ascetic tradition, philosophical issues such as the "no self' doctrine, the historical role of women, and the migration of Buddhism to the west and the differences/similarities between these schools and their Asian counterparts.