MEDITATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE

SUMMER 2011
HUMANITIES 48UC 
Dates: 6/21/2011 to 7/28/2011

Official description:

Introduction to theory and practice of a variety of meditation methods: Contemporary and ancient techniques; comparative studies from monastic and householder traditions, both Eastern and Western. 

Expanded description:

Meditation is entering mainstream culture.  A course on the theory and practice of meditation will help student’s (a) relax tension, (b) improve concentration, and (c) potentially enhance academic performance.  There is also evidence that meditation reduces addictive behavior, reduces incidences of stress related disease, and enhances creativity.  

Learning goals:

• Sit for at least 20 minutes in a meditative position.

• Understand basic meditative ideals as expressed by Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian, Islamic, and non-religious sources.

• Understand the basic nature of the mind.

• Grasp the subtle nature of meditation practice.

• Explore different meditation techniques.

• Incorporate meditation into daily life.

Topic agenda:

June 21: What is meditation?                                                    
June 23: Mantram                                                        
June 28: Slowing down                                    
June 30: One-pointed attention                                                 
July 5: Training the senses                                                        
July 7: Putting others first                                                          
July 12: Spiritual companionship                                               
July 14: Reading the mystics                                                     
July 19: Zen                                                                             
July 21: Vedanta, Raja Yoga                                                                
July 26: Taoism                                                            
July 28: Dialogue: What is reality? Finding your own way.                                                         

Each session is a combination of:

• Alternating short talks
• Meditation practice in class
• Question and answer sessions.

Requirements/Grading:

·         Attendance

·         Daily journal of mediation practice

·         Occasional in-class essays

·         Short meditation experiences essays written outside class.

Suggested reading:

Azevedo, Americ. Meditation: Waking Up to Life. San Diego, California: Cognella, 2010.

Easwaran, Eknath. Meditation: A simple 8-point program for translating spiritual ideals into daily life. Tomales, California: Nilgiri Press, 1991.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Science of Being and  Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation. New York: Meridian, 1995. 

Nisargadatta Maharaj. I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj.  Durham, North Carolina: The Acorn Press, 1988.

Suzuki, Shunryu. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. Tokyo: Weatherhill, 1999. 

Trungpa, Chögyam. Meditation in Action. Boston: Shambhala, 2004.

Bhagavad Gita. Translated by Stephen Mitchell. New York: Harmony Books, 2000. 

Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha. Rendering by Thomas Byrom. New York: Bell Tower, 1976.

Holy Bible. New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984. 

Tao Te Ching. Lao-Tzu. Translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English. New introduction and notes by Jacob Needleman. New York: Vintage Books, 1989.

The Upanishads: The Breath of the Eternal.  Translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Frederick Manchester.  Hollywood: Vedanta Press, 1947. 

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Translated by Alistair Shearer. New York: Bell Tower, 1982.