Buddhist Psychology and Applied Practice: Mind, Suffering, and Skillful Means

HDS 3445 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This course provides a theoretical and practical inner framework to understand and respond to challenging mind states and adversity through the Buddhist view. Consideration will be given to teachings around suffering and cultivating well-being in both Classical Buddhism and Vajrayana texts, as well as how these can apply to effective spiritual care in ministry. Consideration will be given to such areas as the three forms of suffering, Buddhist psychological types, the five wisdom Buddhas, mindfulness and its use in clinical interventions, resilience theory, trauma, the five faculties/powers, and skillful application of meditation in care settings. Readings will include canonical suttas, Abhidharma, Tibetan Buddhist texts, and modern day authors bridging Buddhist teachings with   modern psychology. Other emphases will include Buddhist ethics, conduct, and skillful means in facilitating mental transformation in clinical settings.