RELSTY 314L: Meditation traditions of Asia

Meditation is integral to Asia's major religions and increasingly popular in the contemporary world. This course explores a range of contemplative practices, mainly from Hindu, Buddhist, and/or Daoist traditions. We will also explore modern, secularized offshoots of these practices, such as mindfulness and postural yoga, which are now used widely in clinical settings and are the subject of much scientific research. The course will draw on perspectives such as the comparative study of religion, philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Moreover, we will approach meditation both academically and experimentally: participants will study contemplative practices in their historical, cultural, and religious contexts, wand will likewise engage in the practice of mediation, in both traditional and modern varieties. Going beyond seated mediation, we will explore contemplative practices and the traditional creative arts (e.g. poetry and calligraphy); musical meditations; and contemplative body-mind practices (e.g. poetry and calligraphy); musical meditations; and contemplative body-mind practices (e.g. walking meditation, yoga, and/or Qi Gong). The course hence integrates conventional academic study with a unique form of experiential learning. Meditation practice is an essential component of the course. This is a hands-on, interactive course designed with the support of the Mellon Foundation.