Buddhist Mindfulness Approaches to Mental Health
College: Emmanuel College
Course Code: 
EMP2010HS
Semester: 
Second Semester
Section: 
0101
Online: 
No
Credits: 
One Credit
Location: 
Toronto (St George Campus)
Description: 

Current Buddhist views of mental health incorporate the Dharma and Western psychological approaches to mental health that include a broad range of behavioural, cognitive, and experiential approaches. Key features of approaches using mindfulness are the cultivation of a fluid sense of self, emotion regulation and the modulation of the causes of stress. These parallel the Buddhist concepts of non-self, skillful or appropriate responses, and the understanding of the causes of suffering. This understanding of mental health has shifted concepts of mental illness with promises of success and cautionary tales of risk. Buddhist and Western psychological perspectives of mental health share a commonality of being culturally influenced. To understand the impact and implications of the Buddhist view of mental health, the root Buddhist teachings need to be understood in their cultural context. Because we are embedded in a culture vastly different from the Buddha's time, the exploration must include our perspectives of mental health and how our own views are socio-cultural constructions. From this platform, we can examine how Buddhist teachings and their integration with Western models seek to sustain mental health. Secularized adaptations of the Dharma for psychological treatment will be examined with consideration of risks of appropriation, dilution, and distortion as well as potential negative effects of mindfulness-based therapies.

Pre-Requisites Currently Offered Next Scheduled Previously Offered Scheduling Information
Basic Concepts of Buddhism
Winter 2023
Fall 2019
Start Time: 
9:30
End Time: 
17:00
Hours per Week: 
Intensive
Schedule: 
Sat
Begin Date: 
Thursday, January 23, 2014 to Monday, April 23, 2001
Program Requirement: 
CRPO Competencies - 1.4c; 1.4d; 1.5a; 1.5c; 1.5e; 2.1 a, b, c, d, e, f, g; 2.2a, b; 2.3b; 3.4.a
Minimum: 
10
Maximum: 
20
Schedule Notes: 
Full attendance is mandatory.
Additional Notes: 
Additional Evaluation: weekly reflection papers will be shared with the class as well as handed in. This course was previously taught under the title "Buddhist Perspectives on Mental Illness"
Teaching Method: 
Seminars
Means of Evaluation: 
Class Participation
Research Paper
Short Paper