The Bodhisattva’s Way: Healing in Buddhism and Psychotherapy

Instructor(s): Dr. Pilar Jennings

Program Description:

In the great healing traditions of Mahayana Buddhism and psychotherapy there is a powerful appreciation for the wish to feel well, to recover from all forms of suffering, and to live a full and peaceful life. In this program, psychoanalyst and Dharma teacher Dr. Pilar Jennings will explore the roadmap for healing in Shantideva’s classic text: The Bodhisattva’s Way. Together, we will explore these sacred Buddhist teachings and practices and apply them to our own contemporary spiritual and psychological healing. 

Through meditation, discussion, and guided exercises we will engage in methods for increasing self-compassion, addressing trauma, and releasing beliefs that limit happiness and the capacity to connect meaningfully with oneself and others. 

This program is open to all. For beginning and experienced meditators and for clinicians who want to apply the healing arts of Buddhist spirituality in clinical work, this program will offer ample opportunity to reflect on our experiences patients or therapists, and to consider skillful ways to live more fully and with greater ease.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Continuing Education:

Applications for 10 continuing education units for psychologists and social workers have been submitted for this program. Accrediting agencies are the National Association for Social Workers (NASW) and the Institute for Mediation and Psychotherapy (IMP). You can find more information about social work licensure board endorsements here. Please confirm with your licensing board whether the CEUs offered are applicable for your licensure before registration. For more information about CEUs through BCBS, please click here.

About the Instructor(s):
• 

  Dr. Pilar Jennings

  Dr. Pilar Jennings is a psychoanalyst based in New York City with a focus on the clinical applications of Buddhist meditation practice. She has been a Buddhist practitioner for 40 years; a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sakya lineage; a Visiting Lecturer at Union Theological Seminary; Columbia University; and a faculty member of the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. Her publications have included "East of Ego: The Intersection of Narcissism and Buddhist Meditation Practice," "I've Been Waiting for you: Reflections on Analytic Pain," “Imagery and Trauma: The Psyche’s Push for Healing,” and Mixing Minds: The Power of Relationship in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism released through Wisdom Publications. Her most recent book: To Heal a Wounded Heart: On the Transformative Power of Buddhism & Psychotherapy in Action, is a psychoanalytic memoir exploring her entry into clinical work as a practicing Buddhist.