PROSEMINAR IN BUDDHIST THOUGHT

COUNPSY 372

An academic and experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation framed within the perspective of psychology is provided. Scientific research and modern meditation instructions that have formed the basis of a variety of secular mindfulness-based interventions are reviewed. Readings will adopt a variety of perspectives and methodologies, including conceptual/theoretical work, clinical trials, review articles including meta-analyses (i.e., aggregating findings across studies), and measurement-oriented studies. Key topics include: Buddhist and historical underpinnings of secular mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and similar interventions (e.g., lovingkindness and compassion-based meditation), and empirical literature pertaining to neuroscientific and clinical effects of mindfulness training and related interventions.

ASIAN/RELIGST 473

Examines contemplative practices in the two major Indian religions, Buddhism and Hinduism. Covers practices described in ancient texts but also provides an overview of selected modern practices.

ASIAN/RELIGST 307

By studying the distinctively Tibetan forms of Buddhism, we also examine more general issues, such as the relationship between theory and practice, ancient meditation and mind training, the politics of "world making", and the connection between identity and experience. Not open to students with credit for LCA 421 prior to Fall 2019.

ASIAN/HISTORY/RELIGST 308

The basic thought, practices and history of Buddhism, including selflessness and relativity, practices of meditation, merit- making and compassion from both local and translocal perspectives. Includes a discussion of Buddhism as a contemporary, North American religion. Not open to students with credit for E ASIAN or LCA 308 prior to Fall 2019.

ASIAN/RELIGST 466

Survey of the fundamental trends in Buddhist thought through the works of major philosophers. Themes include the concept of "selflessness" and concomitant theories of essencelessness, perception, language and rationality. Not open to students with credit for E ASIAN or LCA 466 prior to Fall 2019.