REL 3360 - Zen and Buddhist Meditation

This course examines the development and adaptation of Buddhist meditation traditions across cultures. In the first part of the course, students acquire knowledge of Indian Buddhist meditation techniques of mindfulness and the Chinese adaptation of meditation in Zen. The latter part of the course focuses on how the techniques of Buddhist meditation have been adapted to Western culture. In clinical adaptations this often involves stripping out religious perspectives and activities in order to use them in secular contexts, shifting the goal and raising ethical questions. Throughout the semester students will learn different approaches to meditation, reflecting on how Buddhist meditation practices have affected human culture in the past and globally in contemporary society. This course satisfies WMU Essential Studies Level 3: Connections – Global Perspectives Category.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGL 1050 or instructor approval.

Credits: 4 hours

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