BUD150 Four Wholesome Qualities of the Mind

Required Reader:

The Four Wholesome Qualities of the Mind: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity-Study and Practice.

Course Description

This course is the study and practices of the brahmavihāras: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity. The practice of mindfulness is necessary and essential for the practice and success of brahmavihāras.

Course Objectives: The students will

1. Have a general understanding of the brahmavihāras, how they are interrelated to each other and how they can be balanced.
2. Be able to realize and practice each wholesome quality individually.
3. Be able to combine the practice of all four wholesome qualities of the mind.
4. Be able to apply them in their daily lives.

Course Credit

Upon completion of this course, students will earn 1.2 CEUs (Continuing Education Units), stated on the certificate along with a 128B chrono.

If the student is not able to attend the lecture or is in another institution, he or she can take the class and complete all written assignments and mail them to the instructor. The course is designed in such a way that the student can study and receive credits as long as all required work is completed.

Class Sessions

1. Understanding and Practicing Metta

Reading: Pages 1-52

Optional Essay

Based on your reading, discuss your understanding on the four wholesome qualities of the mind, how they are related, and how they can be balanced. This essay will be very helpful to your practice of the brahmavihāras and the five required essays. You may submit this essay but not required.

Reading: Pages 53-54

Essay 1

For one month, develop a regular practice of Metta. Describe, in your essay, how the practice affects your mind and feelings, do you still become angry easily at yourself and others, do you still judge and criticize yourself and others, can you be kind to yourself, and what are the insights as a result of this practice?

NOTE for all 5 Essays

Each essay will be graded on your insights into the practice, not your summary of the wholesome quality. You can include some of the writing from the reading if it helps to demonstrate your insights.

2. Understanding and Practicing Karuna

Reading: Pages 1-52 and 56-58

Essay 2

For one month, develop a regular practice of Karuna. Describe, in your essay, how the practice affects your mind and feelings, if you still stressed easily and what you do, how other people’s suffering affects you, and your insights as a result of this practice.

3. Understanding and Practicing Mudita

Reading: Pages 1-52 and 59-62

Essay 3

For one month, develop a regular practice of Mudita. Describe, in your essay, how the practice affects your mind and feelings, do you still feel jealous of others, can you be happy for people that you dislike, and what are the insights as a result of this practice?

4. Understanding and Practicing Upekkha

Reading: Pages 1-52 and 63-73

Essay  4

For one month, develop a regular practice of Upekkha. Describe, in your essay, how the practice affects your mind and feelings, what do you do (react or respond properly) when things in your life are out of control, when you can’t change people, and what are the insights as a result of this practice? Think of the serenity prayer.

5. Realizing and practicing all four wholesome qualities of the mind

Essay  5

For one month, practice all four wholesome qualities of the mind. How does that affect your overall practice and mental wellbeing? How do you balance the four qualities, questioning is there a chance that you may practice too much metta, karuna, or mudita for yourself or others? How do you balance it?

Feedback/Evaluation

Please provide your feedback on the course: the book and assignments. Is this course helpful? Any changes you would like to see.

Assessment

The class is pass/fail. All essays must be completed and of your own writing in order to receive a passing grade. Each essay must be 3-5 pages long (handwritten) or 2-3 pages (typed) and show that you are making a sincere effort in understanding & practicing each wholesome mind quality, and most
importantly your insights from the practice. Please include your name, course number, CDC number, and cell number on each essay. If possible, please use MLA or APA style and include a bibliography in your citations (though this is not required).

NOTE: The practice of brahmaviharas does not end once you submit all the essays. It is always on going.

If you mail your essay, PLEASE MAKE A COPY FOR YOUR RECORD in case it gets lost in the mail.​​The mailing address below is a PO box on the University of the West campus, NOT a private mailing address:

This mailing address is for a PO box on the University of the West campus. It is NOT a private mailing address:

The University of the West Prison Initiative (or UWest PI)
c/o:
1409 Walnut Grove Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770