Buddhist Psychology
PSYCH 6650-01

Spring 2003      Instructor: Alan Pope, Ph.D.
W  5:30 – 8:00pm     Office: Melson 103
Melson 104      Phone: 770-836-4574
       Email: apope@westga.edu
Office Hours:
    T, Th  1:30pm-3:00pm
    W  4:00pm – 5:00pm
    F  10:00am – 4:00pm
 
  One of the great tasks of Western psychology is to integrate
  into itself the depths of human understanding and freedom of
  spirit discovered by the major world religious traditions, to make
  psychology not just a cure of mundane human distress but to bring
  forth from it liberation and wholeness of the human spirit.
      Jack Kornfield
 
In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities,
but in the expert’s there are few.
      Shunryu Suzuki

Course Objectives:
· To understand the basic principles of Buddhism and how they inform our understanding of psychology.
· To understand the principles of Buddhist meditation and to gain direct experience of our mind’s true nature.
· To integrate Buddhist and Western psychologies and to understand in what ways each offers something the other lacks.
· To more fully understand the nature of human suffering and happiness.
· To come to greater awareness and personal understanding of oneself and of others.

Course Description:
This course provides a theoretical and experiential introduction to the psychological dimensions of Buddhist thought, embracing all three “yanas” (Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana).  Our approach will be to probe central Buddhist understandings in some depth to see what they reveal about the nature of mind, and the nature of mental suffering and healing.  Included among the many concepts that we will study and contemplate are the four noble truths, the noble eightfold path, the five skandhas, the six realms, the bodhisattva path, shunyata, tantra, and dzogchen.  In addition, throughout the semester we will be learning and practicing shamatha/vipassana and other meditation techniques.  We will bridge emerging understandings with those of traditional Western psychology.  It is hoped that through study, contemplation, and meditation you will come away from this course with both a broadened perspective and your own uniquely deepened understanding of human psychology.

Required Texts:

 Gunaratana, Venerable Henepola. (1994). Mindfulness in Plain English. Boston:
Wisdom Publications.
 Rahula, Walpola. (1974).  What the Buddha Taught.  New York: Grove Press.
 Hanh, Thich Nhat. The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching. (1999). New York:
Broadway Books.
 Trungpa, Chogyam. (1987). Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism. Boston:
Shambhala.
 Hanh, Thich Nhat. (1988). The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the
Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra. Berkeley: Parallax Press.
Welwood, John. (2000). Toward a Psychology of Awakening: Buddhism,
Psychotherapy, and the Path of Personal and Spiritual Transformation.
Boston: Shambhala.
Additional required readings will be distributed in class and placed on
 reserve.
 
Course Format:
We will begin each class with meditation practice lasting 10-15 minutes.  In the early stages, practice will be preceded by instruction, but eventually we will automatically begin class in silence, and students are expected to be on time accordingly.  The meditation practice should be thought of similarly to the laboratory portion of a physical science class: it is our way of directly experiencing and experimenting with the very terrain that we are studying.

Course Requirements:
Reading Assignments:  Because of the seminar aspect of this class, it is essential that you complete assigned readings on time and come to class prepared to discuss the material and ask questions.  Be sure to leave time to read the material in a careful, contemplative manner.

Class Participation:  It is an important and integral part of the course that students share their impressions, reflections, questions and experiences with the rest of us in class discussion.  Class participation will be factored into your final grade.  My assessment is based on how much you contribute to the overall learning environment, not only in terms of comments you make, but your overall presence, including your ability to listen in an open way.  I am aware people have different comfort levels with speaking out in groups.  If you are shy, try to stretch yourself.  If you are bold, try to be mindful of how your presence in class impacts other students.  This is part of extending meditation into our everyday life.

Meditation:  You are asked to maintain a meditation practice in which you sit for at least 15 minutes per day.  It is important to remain faithful to this requirement if you are to realize a benefit.  In addition to providing meditation instruction in class, I will discuss helpful ideas on how to establish a practice at home.  Please turn in each week a reflection on the week’s meditation practice.  This can be very informal.  If you are inclined to log your daily practice, including the type of meditation engaged – e.g. shamatha, vipassana, lovingkindness, et al. – and the time spent sitting, this would be wonderful, though I don’t require it.  Your reflection is an opportunity for you to articulate the experiences you are having, recognizing that the words don’t substitute for the experience, but that they nevertheless refine your apprehension.

Weekly Summary/Reflection Papers:  Each week you will turn in a brief summary of about 100 words covering the main reading for the week.  (That will be identified in class.)  You will also add 1-2 sentences for each ancillary reading, tying it to the principal reading or giving a brief notion of what it entails.  Then you will provide a 1-2 page reflection on the week’s reading, relating it to your own experience.  On a given week I may suggest (or require) focusing on a particular topic.  Your papers should reflect a general attitude of care and attention, providing a clear exposition of your thoughtful reflections on what you are learning.  Feel free to be creative with this assignment, so long as the content reveals understanding and insight.

Brief presentation:  Once during the semester, each student will give a 10-minute presentation in which they provide a summary of the week’s major readings.  You are welcome to work with me in refining your understanding prior to presenting.

Individual Oral Exam:  On the week of February 12 you will meet with me individually for an oral examination.  You will sign up for a 30-minute block of time on each occasion.  I will ask you questions about some of the core material covered in the readings and in class, assessing your level of comprehension and depth of understanding.  You should also come prepared with questions about the material and your meditation practice.  (However, please don’t wait until this meeting to see me with questions, whether of your practice or anything else.)

Paper #1: On March 12 you will submit a 4-7 page paper in which you integrate some aspect of Western psychology with Buddhist psychology.  For example, you may want to explore the idea of the unconscious from a Buddhist perspective, or you may wish to apply Buddhist thought to the idea of romantic relationship.  Please submit a proposed topic by Feburary 19.  Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, with 12 pt. font and standard margins.  It should be written with rigor and sound analysis.  You may be asked to provide a brief presentation of your paper to the class.

Final Integrative-Reflective Paper:  On the last day of class you will turn in a final 10-15 page paper, typed, double-spaced, with 12 pt. font and standard margins.  This paper will integrate your learning throughout the semester in a personally reflective way.  I will be looking for clarity of expression as well as quality of content.  If appropriate, you can draw from your weekly reflection papers, pulling them together into a comprehensive and coherent vision.  For this paper I will require that you formally cite any sources that you use.  We will talk more about it as the time draws near.

Grades:
In determining grades, I will be looking for consistency of effort and depth of comprehension and personal reflection.  Self-honesty is regarded highly.  Here’s the breakdown:

Class Participation:    10%
Class Presentation      5%
Weekly Summary and Reflection Papers: 25%
Individual Oral Exam:    10%
East-West paper:    20%
Final Paper:      30%
                                     100%

Office Hours:
You are always welcome to visit me during the office hours posted above.  In fact, it is advisable that you check in every so often to discuss your meditation practice and any questions you have with the material.  For your own convenience, I suggest that you schedule an appointment in advance because students with appointments will be given priority over those who drop by.  Appointments at other times can be arranged if necessary.

Academic Dishonesty: Naturally, academic dishonesty (such as plagiarism) will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Technological Resources: Audio-visual equipment may be used.

Special Needs:
Students with special needs should speak with me as soon as possible to make necessary arrangements.

May your learning in this class benefit you, your loved ones, and all sentient beings.
Have a great semester!!!