Buddhism and Modern Psychology from Coursera

The Dalai Lama has said that Buddhism and science are deeply compatible and has encouraged Western scholars to critically examine both the meditative practice and Buddhist ideas about the human mind. A number of scientists and philosophers have taken up this challenge. There have been brain scans of meditators and philosophical examinations of Buddhist doctrines. There have even been discussions of Darwin and the Buddha: Do early Buddhist descriptions of the mind, and of the human condition, make particular sense in light of evolutionary psychology? This course will examine how Buddhism is faring under this scrutiny. Are neuroscientists starting to understand how meditation “works”? Would such an understanding validate meditation—or might physical explanations of meditation undermine the spiritual significance attributed to it? And how are some of the basic Buddhist claims about the human mind holding up? We’ll pay special attention to some highly counterintuitive doctrines: that the self doesn’t exist, and that much of perceived reality is in some sense illusory. Do these claims, radical as they sound, make a certain kind of sense in light of modern psychology? And what are the implications of all this for how we should live our lives? Can meditation make us not just happier, but better people? All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

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Suitable for those open to spirituality and science

Does not offer a certificate upon completion

Taught by Robert Wright from the Dalai Lama's perspective

Examines the implications of Buddhist practices and philosophies on modern psychology

Explores the compatibilities and challenges between Buddhism and scientific ideas

Analyzes Buddhist doctrines and their relevance to evolutionary psychology

Reviews summary

Buddhism in modern psychology

Buddhism and Modern Psychology is an online course that examines the relationship between Buddhism and modern psychology. Six weeks long, the course is taught by Professor Robert Wright of Princeton University and covers topics like the self, impermanence, and enlightenment. The course is popular, with over 976 reviews on Coursera. Students give the course high marks, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Some of the benefits of taking this course include: * Learning about the basic tenets of Buddhism * Understanding the relationship between Buddhism and modern psychology * Gaining insights into your own mind and behavior * Developing a more compassionate and mindful outlook on life

Compassion is a key virtue in Buddhism. This is the ability to understand and share the suffering of others.

"Really good course done by Robert Wright!"

"I may even buy his book sometime, what a guy!"

"Also Robert, if you are reading this, please please research psychedelics!"

Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. This is a state of perfect wisdom and compassion that is achieved through the practice of meditation and other spiritual disciplines.

"It was great! The material wasn't too hard to follow, not to mention very interesting and may I dare say, life-changing."

"I would just like to note that some of the supplemental readings were really long and tedious."

"But the central course itself was perfect, I think."

Another important concept in Buddhism is impermanence. This means that everything in the world is constantly changing and that nothing is permanent. This can be a difficult concept to accept, but it can help us to let go of our attachments and to live in the present moment.

"Amazing teacher, excellent material."

"The course is very clearly structured with a progressive build-up to more and more complex topics intertwining, the level of interdisciplinary analysis is impressive."

"Thank you, Coursera team for making something as incredible as this course, available for all of us!"

Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can be done through meditation, yoga, or other practices that help to calm the mind and body.

"I really enjoyed the lectures and the main theme: well explained connections and parallelisms between Buddhism and modern psychology, which are paramount in this course."

"Robert Wright is a great professor."

"Thank you for making this course available online!"

One of the core principles of Buddhism is the concept of "non-self." This means that there is no permanent, unchanging self that exists independently of the constantly changing physical and mental processes that make up our experience. This idea can be challenging to grasp, but it is a fundamental aspect of the Buddhist worldview.

"The course closely follows the instructor's book "Why Buddhism is true"."

"It is interesting to see him present the content personally with the aid of relevant interviews."

"Assessment is based on two straightforward essays that can be answered from the content of the videos without much background reading."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Buddhism and Modern Psychology with these activities:

Revise Core Buddhist Concepts

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Solidify your understanding of fundamental Buddhist principles before beginning the course.

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Reflect on the key principles of Buddhism and how they relate to your own life.
Review readings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Attend a local Buddhist meditation group or temple for additional insights.

Revisit 'The Self Illusion' by Bruce Hood

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Refresh your knowledge of the scientific perspective on the self to enhance your understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Neuroscience

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Read or re-read 'The Self Illusion' by Bruce Hood, focusing on the key arguments presented.
Summarize the author's findings and their implications for understanding the nature of the self.

Compile a Glossary of Buddhist Terms

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Create a comprehensive glossary of essential Buddhist terms to support your learning throughout the course.

Browse courses on Buddhism

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Gather a list of key Buddhist terms and definitions from various sources.
Organize and categorize the terms alphabetically or by theme.
Review and memorize the glossary regularly to enhance your understanding of Buddhist concepts.

Six other activities

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Explore Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

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Gain practical experience with mindfulness meditation techniques to enhance your understanding of their potential benefits.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

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Follow guided meditation sessions from reputable sources, such as the Calm app or Headspace.
Attend a mindfulness meditation workshop or retreat for deeper immersion.
Engage in regular mindfulness exercises throughout your day to cultivate present moment awareness.

Design a Meditation Practice Plan

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Create a personalized meditation plan to enhance your mental well-being and support your learning journey.

Browse courses on Meditation

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Identify your specific meditation goals and objectives.
Research different meditation techniques and choose those that resonate with you.
Determine an appropriate meditation schedule and duration.
Plan for potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them.
Implement your meditation plan and track your progress.

Engage in Dharma Discussion Groups

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Connect with fellow students or join online discussion groups to share perspectives and foster deeper understanding.

Browse courses on Buddhism

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Identify or create a discussion group focused on Buddhist principles and practices.
Prepare topics for discussion and facilitate meaningful conversations.
Actively listen to others' perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.

Volunteer at a Buddhist Community Center

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Engage in hands-on volunteering to deepen your connection to the Buddhist community and its teachings.

Browse courses on Buddhism

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Identify a local Buddhist community center and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in activities that align with your interests and skills, such as meditation groups, teaching classes, or community outreach.
Reflect on your experiences and how they contribute to your understanding of Buddhist principles.

Read 'Waking Up' by Sam Harris

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Deepen your understanding of the intersection of science and spirituality through this insightful book.

View Islam and the Future of Tolerance: A Dialogue on Amazon

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Read the book in its entirety, making notes on key insights and concepts.
Summarize the author's main arguments and evaluate their validity.

Attend a Mindful Moment Photo Contest

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Participate in a photography contest that encourages capturing moments of mindful awareness.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

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Familiarize yourself with the contest guidelines and submission requirements.
Practice taking mindful photographs that reflect your understanding of the present moment.
Submit your best photographs and reflect on the process of capturing them.

Career center

Learners who complete Buddhism and Modern Psychology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists use psychological methods to help people with mental health and emotional issues. This course can help Psychotherapists by providing them with a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings on the nature of the mind, suffering, and the path to well-being. This knowledge can enhance their therapeutic skills and help them provide more effective and compassionate care to their clients.

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Buddhist Chaplain

Buddhist Chaplains use Buddhist teachings and practices to provide spiritual care to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. This course can help Buddhist Chaplains by deepening their understanding of Buddhist doctrines, meditative practices, and neuroscience's take on meditation. This would allow them to better serve their communities and provide more insightful guidance.

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Meditation Teacher

Meditation Teachers guide students in the practice of meditation. They teach various meditation techniques and provide instruction on the benefits of meditation. This course can help Meditation Teachers by deepening their understanding of the science behind meditation, which can help them teach more effectively and answer questions from their students.

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Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists study the brain and nervous system. This course may be useful for Neuroscientists who are interested in the neurological effects of meditation and the relationship between the mind and the brain.

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Religious Studies Scholar

Religious Studies Scholars study religion and its various aspects. This course can help Religious Studies Scholars by deepening their understanding of Buddhism, its history, and its teachings.

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Cognitive Scientist

Cognitive Scientists study the mind and its functions. This course may be useful for Cognitive Scientists who are interested in the Buddhist perspective on the mind and its relationship to reality.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. This course can help Philosophers by providing them with a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and its implications for our understanding of the world.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructors teach yoga, a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. This course may be useful for Yoga Instructors who are interested in the Buddhist perspective on the mind and body and how this can enhance their teaching.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. This course may be useful for Writers who are interested in writing about Buddhism, meditation, or the mind.

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Artist

Artists create visual art, such as paintings, sculptures, and drawings. This course may be useful for Artists who are interested in exploring the Buddhist perspective on reality and the nature of the self.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course may be useful for Teachers who are interested in incorporating Buddhist teachings and practices into their teaching.

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Musician

Musicians create music, such as songs, symphonies, and operas. This course may be useful for Musicians who are interested in exploring the Buddhist perspective on the nature of the mind and the role of music in spiritual practice.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. This course may be useful for Social Workers who are interested in using Buddhist teachings and practices to help their clients.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course may be useful for Lawyers who are interested in using Buddhist teachings and practices to guide their ethical decision-making and to better understand the human condition.

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Businessperson

Businesspeople manage and operate businesses. This course may be useful for Businesspeople who are interested in using Buddhist teachings and practices to improve their leadership skills and to create a more ethical and sustainable workplace.

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