The current modern practice of mindfulness has deep roots and origins in ancient meditation practices and spiritual and religious philosophies. This course will explore the evolution of mindfulness from its early eastern beginnings (as seen in Hinduism and Buddhism teachings) and trace it through to the western and non-secular approaches known today. We will discuss key philosophies and tenets, such as compassion and pain and suffering and the important foundation they provide for contemporary practice. We will explore the teachings of significant leaders in the field (such as the Buddha, the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hahn) and examine how key westerners (such as Jon Kabat-Zinn, Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg) have adapted and popularized the practice of mindfulness in the West. Videos, in-depth group conversations, webinar experiences and experiential practice will round out this course.
