Contents & Abstracts
Vol 1, 2006
Articles are arranged alphabetically by author surname. Please note that students were not specifically required to provide abstracts for contributions to this issue, so in some cases an introductory paragraph from the article has been copied by the editors to serve as an abstract here.
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Peter Malinowski & Alasdair Gordon-Finlayson
Editors' introduction to the first edition -
Paul Dorsett
Dust in the Wind: An exploration of Buddhist approaches to death
The purpose of this article will be to briefly explore Buddhist approaches to death with particular reference to the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, and consider these in relation to how we have a precious opportunity to prepare for death, and how we can use this precious opportunity to be there for others where their death is imminent. -
Susan Gallagher
Beauty, consciousness and Buddhism
I would like to discuss, in what can only here be an introductory foray into the subject, the relationship between a consciously developed aesthetic sensitivity and attunement to natural beauty and its potential conductivity towards an experience of the transcendent, with particular reference to its use and occurrence in Buddhist traditions. The mysticism scholar R.C. Zaehner coined the phrase 'Nature Mysticism' with reference to the traditions of Zen and Taoism, noting the strong emphasis of nature contemplation within those traditions. It is to this category of nature mystisicm I will be referring in distinction from the more primitive shamanist concept of nature mysticism which often involves nature worship and animism and which tends to anthromorphise the forces of nature. -
Duncan Gillard
Madhyamaka Buddhism on the doctrine of Anatta: Beginnings of an East-West dialogue
In the past couple of decades many western theorists working in the spheres of consciousness studies and transpersonal psychology have been influenced by Buddhist philosophy and practice. This is perhaps most notably found in the doctrine of Anatta (no-self). Furthermore, and interestingly, striking parallels in the views of self/no-self may be found between contemporary western and Buddhist ideas even when authors fail to recognise them or make them explicit. Whilst interpretations of Anatta are manifold, both between Buddhism and the contemporary west, as well as within Buddhism's various traditions and schools, one just about unanimous point of concurrence is with the fallacy of what Ryle (1949) has famously dubbed 'the Ghost in the Machine'. -
Claudia Gorecki
Calming the mind through meditation: positive effects on health and well-being
Stress has been observed to cause a variety of psychological changes in the body, including increased cortisol levels, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure, all aspects that are potentially detrimental to health (Caltabiano & Sarafino, 2002). Over time, recurring stress can result in negative consequences to one's physical and psychological health and general well-being. Increased stress has been linked with heart disease, hypertension and mental health difficulties (Ray, 2004). Considering the negative implications of stress on health and well-being, there is an important need to identify simple techniques and practices that are available to everyone, in the hope of reducing stress and eliminating the negative consequences stress has on the body. -
Audrey Smith
Buddhist and psychological perspectives: Towards an understanding of enduring states of happiness
There has been a growing dialogue between Buddhism and Western Psychology in recent years. There may be advantages for both disciplines if the outer world of science and the inner world of Buddhism can be brought together harmoniously (Cabezon 2003), and an area of great benefit in terms of the exploration of positive psychology would be the scientific study of Buddhist meditators. Neuroscientists have begun studying the brains of Buddhists to find out how the qualities of happiness, serenity and compassion, the goals of Buddhist meditation, are reflected in the brain. This research, although in its early stages, is beginning to provide scientific backing to the view long-held within the spiritual traditions - that meditation supports the development of positive emotions.
