Introduction to Meditation

Students will learn and intensively practice basic sitting and walking meditation. We will use the breath to foster relaxed attention and to gain perspective on our restless minds. Emphasis will be on using these techniques in daily life and academic endeavors. We will read texts from the contemporary American, Tibetan, and Zen Buddhist traditions, but the meditation will be employed in nonsectarian fashion applicable to any belief system. Students will write papers and give presentations. No meditation experience necessary. (Not open to students who have taken FYSE 1393 or EDST/INTD 0125)