Buddhist Meditation in Transformation: Historical, Scientific, and Medical Perspectives

An in-depth examination of the Buddhist path and techniques of self-transformation in various Buddhist cultures, both premodern and modern. The differing conceptions of the psychophysical person and the goals of Buddhist practice assumed by these meditative techniques will be investigated. As part of the examination of Buddhist meditation, students will have an opportunity to experience a range practices and to reflect on the role of meditation in the construction of Buddhist maps of human development. Not open to students who took this course as an 89S First Year Seminar.