DCES 887 - Asian Meditation Therapies

3
Various methods of meditation and related techniques are examined. These include classical Asian meditation techniques as well as lesser known techniques derived from various Buddhist, yoga, Hindu, and Taoist sources. The course also examines the relevant Asian philosophical and psychological perspectives in which meditation practices originated. Many meditation methods, such as concentration, mindfulness, surrender, bhakti, and a host of related spiritual and existential techniques such as being-there, forgiveness, inoculation of being, expansion of being, the pod technique, and many others will be studied and practiced. The emphasis is on applying these techniques with clients who are experiencing mental and emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression in order to achieve a greater degree of well-being and sense of fulfillment. Research support and an extensive bibliography are provided. Asian conceptions of mind, ego, self, consciousness, mind-body, mental health, psychopathology, compassion, freedom, and liberation are covered with the aim of integrating these into counseling and psychotherapy contexts. A portion of each class period will be devoted to the actual practice of techniques described.