Mindfulness: Buddhist and Taoist Meditation
Instructor: Alan Klima, Department of Anthropology, College of Letters and Science
Description: This course is a hands-on introduction to meditation in two traditions, Thai Buddhist and Chinese Taoist. An exploration and comparison of two cultures for conceiving of the body and mind, the course will examine texts in both Buddhism and Taoism while putting them to the test through personal observation of the mind and body’s behavior in meditation practice, movement practices, as well as in everyday life. Students will do weekly readings and complete weekly writing assignments based upon their observations. The seminar will provide tools for investigating one’s experience of body and mind, and provide skills for a concentrated and emotionally balanced approach to college studies.
Format: The course will meet in full 2-hour seminar format weekly for weeks 2-6 of the quarter. Students have weekly reading and writing assignments and are required to report orally on their observations every week. Reading materials will be provided by the instructor. Grading: The course grade will be based on: quality and degree of thoroughness in completion of the weekly writing assignments (1/3), oral reports (1/3), and on the frequency and quality of participation in class discussion including attendance (1/3).
About the Instructor: Professor Klima is Associate Chair of the faculty in the Department of Anthropology. His research interests include Buddhism in Thailand, with an emphasis on Buddhist meditation. Current projects include a documentary film on spirit mediumship in Thailand. He currently teaches a course on the global transformations and transmissions of Buddhism across cultures.