CLSTHMB012 - The Nature of Meditation
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Rice University’s campus in this meditation class with Dr. Alejandro Chaoul. Enjoy one of the most biodiverse campuses in the country, while learning about the nature of meditation, the concept of “the nature of mind” and foundational meditative practices to integrate into your life. Weather permitting, we’ll visit the surprisingly wild three-acre Harris Gully prairie and the Owl Deck, a mass timber wildlife observatory designed by Rice architecture faculty, students and alumni. Our meditations will also take us to Rice’s Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden, a model of sustainable agriculture and accessible gardening overflowing with fruit, vegetables, flowers, a chicken coop and pollinating birds, bees and butterflies. We’ll sit under the arching branches of Rice’s enormous live oaks, surrounded by art installations by internationally renowned contemporary artists. Experience the profound peace and connection that can result from meditating in, on and with nature. Includes a visit from a naturalist, gardener, architect or art expert.
Note: Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a cushion if choosing to sit on the floor or ground. Meditation locations may be both outdoors (weather permitting) and indoors. This course is offered for educational purposes only. Please consult with the professional of your choosing if you are seeking specific therapeutic or medical advice.
You may also be interested in Alejandro Chaoul’s prerecorded/on-demand course, Breath: Tibetan Meditation and Breathing Techniques.
Course Details
Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Mind Body Spirit Institute of The Jung Center. He has spent more than 20 years teaching meditation to people with cancer and other conditions as well as to caregivers and health professionals at MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Health. Dr. Chaoul is also adjunct faculty at the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston. He holds a doctorate from Rice University focusing on Tibetan spiritual traditions and has trained with Tibetan lamas for over 30 years.
On Campus
This course will be delivered on campus / in person. Parking and room information will be sent prior to the class start date.
Department of Religion, Rice University and Ligmincha Texas Institute for the Tibetan Meditative and Healing Arts
Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a cushion if choosing to sit on the floor or ground. Meditation locations may be both outdoors (weather permitting) and indoors. This course is offered for educational purposes only. Please consult with the professional of your choosing if you are seeking specific therapeutic or medical advice.