Yuen, Helena Suk Yee (University of Hong Kong)
Buddhist mediation : a transformative approach to conflict resolution
The course description of Buddhist Mediation taught at the Centre of Buddhist Studies University of Hong Kong since 2002 is as follows:“By integrating the techniques of solution-focused brief therapy and the mediation process with Buddhist theories and practices, the course will teach a model of conflict resolution which reflects the Mahayana ideal of the practice of the Way of bodhicitta of benefiting oneself and others in being able to resolve conflicts for oneself and for others and learn about the process of change and transformation through applications of the model. Students will acquire basic knowledge of theories and practices of Buddhism and mediation in an integral approach and be able to apply the appropriate skills to be their own mediator and to mediate other people’s dispute in their peer group or community.”
By teaching the above course, I have demonstrated to my students how the classical theory of the five aggregates and the twelve links of the chain of dependent origination form the basis of a new model of reframing as a distinctive feature of Buddhist mediation. The model of Buddhist mediation is a validated clinical and teaching model of mediation where the practitioner and participants/disputants do not need to be Buddhist in order to experience mindfulness and transformation. It also integrates eastern and western psychological and therapeutic theories of transformation
Buddhist mediation : a transformative approach to conflict resolution
The course description of Buddhist Mediation taught at the Centre of Buddhist Studies University of Hong Kong since 2002 is as follows:“By integrating the techniques of solution-focused brief therapy and the mediation process with Buddhist theories and practices, the course will teach a model of conflict resolution which reflects the Mahayana ideal of the practice of the Way of bodhicitta of benefiting oneself and others in being able to resolve conflicts for oneself and for others and learn about the process of change and transformation through applications of the model. Students will acquire basic knowledge of theories and practices of Buddhism and mediation in an integral approach and be able to apply the appropriate skills to be their own mediator and to mediate other people’s dispute in their peer group or community.”
By teaching the above course, I have demonstrated to my students how the classical theory of the five aggregates and the twelve links of the chain of dependent origination form the basis of a new model of reframing as a distinctive feature of Buddhist mediation. The model of Buddhist mediation is a validated clinical and teaching model of mediation where the practitioner and participants/disputants do not need to be Buddhist in order to experience mindfulness and transformation. It also integrates eastern and western psychological and therapeutic theories of transformation