Introduction to Buddhist Psychology

Perceptions play a very important role in our life. Nearly all strife and conflict arise from our way of perceiving. If we can be mindful of the illusory and deceptive nature of our perceptions we can avoid making many mistakes that are at the root of disharmony and violence. We can also help others to do the same.  Students will examine all kinds of consumption including that of sense impressions. Students will learn how to cultivate beneficial mind states.

It has been said by a famous Vietnamese Zen master of the 11^th century: “Without understanding our mind, the practice of meditation is difficult.” That is to say that to make progress in love and understanding and to be able to transform our mind at the base, there needs to be a deep understanding of our mind. We should also add that without meditation understanding our mind is difficult. To make proper use of the insights offered in this course we must practice mindfulness at every moment in order to be aware of feelings, perceptions and mental formations. We can use the insights of Buddhist masters only in combination with our own experience of how our mind is.