“Emptiness” is a central idea in several spiritual traditions, where it usually refers to non-attachment and the unknown or mysterious dimension of all that we think and do. Today people like to be more practical and focus on cleaning out the details of ordinary life, from a daily schedule to a clean house. All kinds of emptiness are relevant and connected. This course will explore the deep traditional ideas about emptiness in Zen Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity, and then focus on the psychological approach and value of emptiness. My book explores many traditional stories about emptiness, and they will be included in the discussions. Participants will learn how to lessen the impact of ego in everyday life and how to engage people from a position of openness and acceptance.
Course Overview:
Week 1: The meaning of emptiness in the Heart Sutra and other classical sources
Week 2: Developing a secure and effective ego that is also relaxed and open
Week 3: Helping children and others be open and not anxiously in control of others
Week 4: Learning to let life happen, to live by inner guidance than by strict expectations