Spring 2014: Comparing Contemplative Traditions: Yoga, Mysticism, and Meditation - NCTH 106

NCTH 106 / 21134 / $198

Human beings have sought spiritual experiences since before recorded history with the result that contemplative traditions have arisen all over the globe. In this course students examine accounts of spiritual awakening and the development of the mystical life in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. While tracing the maps of the spiritual life created by these religious communities, students work out a comparative perspective on human spirituality. By considering the philosophical and theological controversies raised by mysticism and by practicing some contemplative techniques, participants increase their understanding of different dimensions of mysticism.

Instructor: Kenneth Rose is a professor of philosophy and religious studies and the director of the religious studies program at Christopher Newport University. He holds a PhD in religion from Harvard University and a master of divinity from Harvard Divinity School. He is the author of Pluralism: The Future of Religion and Knowing the Real: John Hick on the Cognitivity of Religions and Religious Pluralism, in addition to many scholarly articles and reviews.

Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm, February 3-April 7 (no class Mar 3 & Mar 10). U.Va. School of Continuing and Professional Studies, ZehmerHall, Room E.

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