Self / No-Self: Continuing the Dialogue

Between Buddhism and Psychotherapy

Kyoto Conference, May 2006

Venue: Hanazono University, Kyoto, Japan
Dates: 16th May to 19th May 2006, inclusive

We offer you a chance to explore the growing interface between Eastern and Western concepts of what it means to be human at the second Kyoto conference on Buddhism and psychotherapy. The first was held in 1999, with the proceedings published as “Awakening and Insight” edited by Polly Young-Eisendrath and Shoji Muramoto, (London: Routledge 2001). This year we look at the theme of subjectivity in Buddhism, meditation and psychotherapy. We ask challenging questions:

Do meditators develop a "complex" that entraps them into certain kinds of responses?
How does psychoanalysis respond to the claims of No-Self as a prominent subjective state in long-time meditators?
Does psychoanalysis / psychotherapy emphasize the limited self at the expense of of other experience?
How do we understand Jung's notion of Self in relation to No-Self?
How do the dynamics of transference-countertransference enter into the Buddhist student-teacher relationship?
How does the No-Self enter into the transference dynamics of a therapeutic relationship?

You may present a paper, explore the unconscious through social dreaming, share ideas in group discussions and so deepen our collective understanding. If you wish to offer a paper or a workshop, please send us a proposal (of not more than 1000 words) by the end of July. There will be plenty of time to explore this beautiful City, which is a United Nations World Heritage site.

The likely cost for the Conference is expected to be between $ 350 - 450. Those whose papers are selected may attend free. You make your own accommodation and flight arrangements. The likely price for per night is in the region of $ 50 - $ 75. We can advise about local Hotels, and may be able to negotiate some reductions.

There is also a chance to join a five day Soto Zen mediation retreat at the ancient and beautiful Hokyo-ji Monastery in the mountains nearby, from 22nd to 26th inclusive. If you are a practicing meditator with retreat experience, you may inquire about participating in this, contact Polly Young Eisendrath at pollye@adelphia.net for details.

For North & South America:
If you would like further information, or provisionally reserve a place at the conference, please contact Mel Miller, Department of Psychology, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, 05663, USA
Tel. 001 802 485 2134
E-mail: miller@norwich.edu

For Europe and Rest of the World:
Dale Mathers, 63 Briarwood Rd, Clapham, London SW 4 9 PJ
Tel. (+ 44) 207 720 5681
E-mail: dalemathers@yahoo.co.uk