Are destructive thought/emotions innately embedded in human nature? Can they be eradicated or regulated? A growing body of Western research has examined these and other questions through the perspectives of Eastern psychology and philosophy which view destructive emotions, perceptions, and behaviors as the primary source of human suffering. To alleviate this suffering, Eastern (Buddhist) psychology has developed a rich and varied methodology for recognizing, reducing, transforming, and preventing these destructive forms of mind and emotion. After examining the nature and function of the destructive mind/emotions/behaviors, students will choose one destructive thought/emotion/behavior to study in-depth and develop effective East/West interventions to transform this emotion/state of mind or develop a 5-week transformative program for personal well being or helping others.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
4 - East-West Psychology: Transforming Destructive Thought/Emotion