new directions in buddhist psychology: 1st international conference on other centered approaches

New Directions in Buddhist Psychology

1st International Conference on Other Centered Approaches

Co-sponsored by Amida USA, Todo Institute, Institute for Buddhist Studies

Buddhist Churches of America - Center for Buddhist Education

::contact conference@amidatrust.com

Berkeley CA February 19-21 2010

In the Chair
Greg White

Keynote Speakers
Caroline Brazier UK * Clark Strand NY * Gregg Krech VT * Daijaku Judith Kinst CA
Also
Yaya de Andrade BC * Kazuo Yamashita Japan * Franco Acquaro HI * Carol O'Dowd CO

Other centeredness, a principle derived from Buddhist psychology, transcends the boundaries of psychological schools and religious categories. That mental and spiritual well-being should be a function of the quality of one’s engagement with and ability to appreciate others is not exclusive to any one school or tradition. Here many contemporary concerns converge. Issues in ethics have other-relatedness at their core. Issues in ecology have our concern for the object-world in view. The practice of mindfulness raises the question 'mindful of what?' Yet psychology as practiced is generally heavily focussed on 'self'. In this conference we will present how focusing attention on what is not self - on others - is the key to a change of paradigm in therapeutic and spiritual practice. Participants will be introduced to the theory and practice of other-centered approaches at three levels working with:
the physical other - the environment we each inhabit;
the social other - the significant others (individuals and groups) in a person's life;
the spiritual other - the refuge that one turns to that makes life meaningful.

Whether we are reflecting on internationalism, community relations, or interpersonal problems, other centeredness provides a key that opens new doors. Humankind's major difficulties at the moment – breakdowns at the psychological, community, economic, ecological, and international levels - are due to a deficit of other-centeredness. This conference will appeal to all people interested in learning how an other-centered approach deepens and enriches work in these fields. This first conference on other centered approaches will be focussed at the psychological level, but we can envisage future conferences that open up the many other dimensions of this theme. We as persons are each a dependently originated karmic stream that can only be healed through greater trust in the others that nourish and support our life - physically, socially and spiritually and the good functioning of that life depends on the quality of our other centeredness.

Program: Friday evening and all weekend
Friday 19 February 6.00-9.30pm Registration, Welcome, First Keynote & Response
Saturday 20 February 8.30am-9.30pm with meal breaks; Presentations & Workshops
Sunday 21 February 8.30am-4.00pm with lunch break; Presentations & Panel

Venue:
The conference will be held at Center for Buddhist Education
BCA Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Avenue in Berkeley, CA 94704

Cost: $190
Includes full program and refeshments. Does not include meals or accommodation
Continuing Education credits for MFTs, LCSWs, and Psychologists are pending but not yet approved.

To reserve a place:
Please register your interest at conference@amidatrust.com
Joining details and address for payment will be sent to you.

Call for Papers
If you wish to offer a paper or workshop at the conference on a topic related to other centeredness, please contact caroline@amidatrust.com including a one paragraph abstract of your proposal.

Comments

[Sean Robsville]

Buddhist mindfulness meditation adopted by British health service as most effective treatment for depression