Introduction to Meditation

Basic sitting and walking meditation will be taught and practiced. We will use the breath to foster a relaxed attention and to gain perspective on our restless minds. Meditation has been shown to lower stress and increase concentration, but the emphasis in this course will be on using these techniques in daily life and academic endeavor. Contemporary readings from the Tibetan and Zen Buddhist traditions will be assigned but the meditation will be employed in nonsectarian fashion applicable to any belief system. Truth should be verified by one’s experience. Students will give presentations and keep journals. No meditation experience necessary.