1) APPLIED MINDFULNESS

This course introduces mindfulness-based interventions in Buddhist spiritual care and is tailored to its various current fields of application, such as spiritual care settings in prisons, the military, hospitals, hospices, home care and the like. Its intended learning trajectory connects to the courses from module 1, the Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction (MBSR) training and Buddhism, Mindfulness and Psychology, but this module can also be taken independently.

Special emphasis is placed on applications of (parts of) the 8-week MBSR training within a number of specific fields of Buddhist spiritual care. Derivative or related applications are also discussed: such as compassion training, including self-compassion. Compared to other providers of mindfulness, the individuality and limits of practicing mindfulness within BGV are examined. Furthermore, attention is paid to psychopathology and diagnostics, the DSM V, and more in particular to (contra)indications for mindfulness training, and special attention is paid to specific areas of application, specific to the various fields, such as palliative care, trauma and PTSD.

2) ENGAGED BUDDHISM (3ECTS)

This course offers an access to the rapidly expanding field of Engaged Buddhism. This term is used to refer to Buddhist scholars and practitioners who are seeking ways to apply the insights from Buddhist meditation practice and Buddhist teachings to situations of social, political, environmental, and economic suffering and injustice, bringing compassion into the world.