Clinical Chaplaincy-Based Hermeneutics

Catalog description

TAUGHT BY GTU/DHARMA STUDIES. INTERRELIGIOUS CHRISTIAN & HINDU MODELS OF CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE: WITH THEORIES & APPLICATIONS FROM CHAPLAINCY. The field of Contemplative Studies explores contemplative practice, experience, and applications. The field, while still emerging, is recognized by the American Academy of Religion and is increasingly taught both as a university discipline, as well as a pedagogical method in colleges and universities. Contemplative approaches are now used in a wide variety of contexts including-but not limited to-Healthcare, Psychology, Spiritual Care, and Chaplaincy. This course offers an opportunity for students to study contemplative theory and practice using interreligious resources. We will use, for our exemplary samples, two traditions with long histories of contemplative practice-Hinduism and Christianity. The course begins with a survey of the field of Contemplative Studies as well as theories and methods of comparative studies. We will then explore the rich diversity of Christian and Hindu contemplative sources, texts, and practices, bringing into play meditation traditions centered on scripture itself. We will conclude with a survey of Contemplative Chaplaincy, an important new application of Contemplative research and practice. We will attend meditation practice sessions led by Ignatian Catholic and Hindu Vedanta centers, respectively. We will also touch upon the practice of "mindfulness meditation" as a Buddhist and, at present, a secular contemplative practice used widely in diverse contexts. The course is appropriate for MA, MDiv, & MTS students. PhD and ThD students welcome (additional research). Course is taught by PhD student Parameshwaran Ramakrishnan with a Newhall award, under the supervision of Rita Sherma.