Dr. Paul Condon

In this 5-week series, we will explore Mahayana Buddhist perspectives on Buddha Nature, which refers to the underlying nature of our mind, and is a source of healing, wellbeing, joy, wisdom, and compassion. We will explore a series of meditation practices adapted from Tibetan Buddhist rituals for experiencing ourselves within a field of love and care, which helps open the mind for advanced meditative practices of deep relaxation, calm, insight, and non-dual awareness. The deepening experience of calm and insight can then inform our efforts to engage in care and compassion for our world in need. Throughout the course, principles from areas of developmental psychology, social psychology, and cognitive science will be drawn upon in dialogue with Buddhist perspectives to inform our engagement with practice. The course is appropriate for new and seasoned practitioners.

Dr. Paul Condon is an associate professor of psychology at Southern Oregon University, and has served as a visiting lecturer for the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute. He is a fellow of the Mind & Life Institute. His academic research examines the relational basis for empathy, compassion, wellbeing, and prosocial action, and the influence of compassion and mindfulness practice on those qualities. He also studies the use of science to inform contemplative practice, in dialogue with contemplative traditions, to support sustainable compassion and wisdom. Paul teaches meditation practices adapted from Tibetan Nyingma, Kagyu, and Zen traditions. His practice and teaching have been influenced and inspired by John Makransky, Lama Willa Baker, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the Courage of Care Coalition, and Kent Hoffman.