REL 358R-001: Religion and Healing: Tibetan & Western Perspectives (Spring 2010)

Content: This course aims at examining the fundamental principles underlying the processes of body-min connections from both Tibetan Buddhist and Western perspectives. We will focus on the role of emotions and stress in understanding various psychological and physical ailments, as well as the mind's role in healing as explored in current Western research and Tibetan Buddhist contemplative and medical traditions. The course will explore the mind-body connection, illness and healing from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism, examining historical context, rituals, practices and methods. We will also look at some current medical treatments that are drawn from this tradition, as well as recent developments in medicine that are shedding light on the interconnection of the mind and the body, demonstrating the ways that emotions can affect our health in positive and detrimental ways.