So, I got this wild idea to snag a Buddhist psychology degree. Sounds kinda out there, right? But trust me, it’s been a journey. First off, I started hitting up Google, just typing in “Buddhist psychology degree” and seeing what popped up. Lots of stuff about mindfulness and meditation, which I’m all about, but I wanted the real deal, the whole shebang.
I started digging deeper, looking into universities that might offer something like this. Found a few places, but nothing that really clicked. It felt like looking for a needle in a haystack, you know? But I’m not one to give up easily, so I kept at it.
- I started calling up admissions offices, asking about their psychology programs and if they had any courses on Buddhism. Most of them were like, “Uh, we have a course on world religions?” Not exactly what I was looking for.
- Then, I thought, “Why not go straight to the source?” So, I started reaching out to Buddhist centers and monasteries. Figured they’d know where I could get some formal education on this stuff. I sent out a bunch of emails, made some calls, even visited a few places in person.
- Talked to a few monks and practitioners, really cool people. They gave me some solid advice, pointed me towards some resources, but still, no degree program. It was starting to feel like a wild goose chase.
But then, I stumbled upon this small liberal arts college. They had this interdisciplinary minor called “Buddhist Psychology and Mental Health.” Jackpot! It wasn’t a full degree, but it was something. I enrolled, started taking classes. The curriculum was based on stuff developed at Nalanda University in India, pretty ancient wisdom, which was cool.
I learned about the fundamentals of Buddhist teachings and how they relate to psychology. It was eye-opening, connecting the dots between ancient wisdom and modern psychology. I devoured books, wrote papers, and had some mind-blowing discussions with my professors and classmates and some real experts.
The classes were tough, but in a good way. They pushed me to think critically, to examine my own mind and experiences. I started practicing meditation more seriously, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. It’s like, you start to see how your mind works, how your thoughts and emotions arise and pass away. And there are even some jobs about it, which is called Right Livelihood in Buddhism.
This minor program, it opened up a whole new world for me. I realized that Buddhist psychology isn’t just about sitting on a cushion and chanting. It’s about understanding the human mind, about reducing suffering, about finding peace and clarity. All these things can be trained to get a better mind.
Now, I’m thinking about what’s next. Maybe I’ll go for a master’s in counseling, or maybe I’ll just keep exploring this path on my own. Either way, I’m grateful for this journey. It’s been a wild ride, but it’s led me to something truly meaningful.
So, if you’re thinking about diving into Buddhist psychology, my advice is to just go for it. It might be a bumpy road, but it’s worth it. You might not find a “Buddhist psychology degree” per se, but you’ll find something even better – a way to understand yourself and the world around you on a deeper level.
I’m planning to find a job to use what I’ve learned to help others, which is the Buddhist work ethic, improving the world. Maybe I can be a counselor or something like that, which is a way to earn a living that doesn’t harm others or myself.
That’s my story about chasing a Buddhist psychology degree. Hope it gives you some food for thought. And hey, if you ever want to chat about this stuff, hit me up. Always happy to talk about the mind, meditation, and all that jazz.
