Lesson series

Buddhism Meets Western Psychology: An Experiential Journey

Level 100 | Living
Mondays November 25th to December 30th 2024 1:00 - 2:30pm PST

6 classes with free cancellation after first class
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Meet Our Faculty

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Description

Buddhism and western psychological methods both aim to relieve suffering, however, they have important differences in their models of the mind, and the methods and aims that follow from those models. Together, we will explore these differences and clarify problems inherent in approaching Buddhism with unexamined Western biases about the mind. Each class will  include a short experiential practice

Who is this course for?
  • Suitable for anyone interested in how the mind engages experience and how it can be transformed to reduce suffering, and increase emotional freedom, regardless of age, background, or prior study.
  • Ideal for anyone seeking to relax deeply, find joy, and pave the way towards positive transformation.

What you will gain:

  • A better understanding about the underlying premises of Western and Buddhist approaches to the mind and its transformation, allowing readier access to the benefits of both approaches.
  • Effective strategies to transform your thinking, feeling, and being.
  • Skills to relax deeply and experience genuine joy.

Testimonials

“Kathleen's insights truly illuminated the key concepts for me. Thank you for your invaluable guidance!”
Gwynne R.
“This class challenges my thinking in all the best ways, leaving me with profound ideas to reflect on.”
Michael P.
“A thought-provoking and captivating experience—thank you for the enriching class!”
Fran B.

Format

Classes meet online for six weeks, for one and one-half hours (90 minutes) per week. Classes are recorded and you will have access to the recordings for your personal use only, for six months. Each week, there will be a short presentation accompanied by experiential practices and discussion. An online community portal gives you the ability to meet and dialogue with your fellow students between classes. Short readings will be offered for those who wish during the week.

Weekly Topics

Week 1: The Buddhist View: The Three Marks of Existence and the Origin of Suffering
Week 2: The Psychoanalytic View: The Discovery of the Unconscious and Neurosis as the cause of Suffering.
Week 3: The Buddhist Methods: Meditation and Motivations
Week 4: The Psychoanalytic Methods: Talk, Transference, and Interpretation: Developing Meaning and a coherent sense of self.
Week 5: The Buddhist Result: Enlightenment- what is it really?
Week 6: The Psychoanalytic Result: Ordinary suffering, and a realistic relationship with conventional reality.

References

01. The Psychoamalytic Model of the Mind; Elizabeth Auchincloss, M.D., American Psychiatric Publishing, 2015  
02. Psychoanalysis: A Very Short Introduction; Daniel Pick, Oxford University Press, 2015  
03. Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy, Accelerating Personal and Social Transformation; Ed by J Loizzo, F Brandon, E Wolf, and M Neale, Routledge Press, 2023  
04. A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism, Cortland Dahl, Shambhala Publications, Inc, 2024  
05. Exploring the Mind: A Textbook for Exploring Buddhism, Geshe Tensin Namak, FPMT Education Services, 2021  
06. The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra; Rob Preece, Snow Lion Publications, 2006

Instructor

Dr. Kathleen Lyon

Dr. Kathleen Lyon graduated with a BA in Chemistry (Summa Cum Laude), from Rutgers University (Douglass College), received her MD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and her psychoanalytic training from The Psychoanalytic Association of New York (PANY).  She is a Training and Supervising Analyst on faculty at PANY, and the NYU School of Medicine, teaching at both institutions for over 20 years and receiving the Teacher of the Year award in Psychiatry in 2007.  She is also a member of and on the clinical register of the Neuropsychoanalytic Association. A Buddhist practitioner since the 1990s. She is in the full-time private practice of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and psychiatry in New York City.