Using the Image and Meaning of the Bodhisattva in Clinical Work, Part 2: The Ox Herding Pictures

image courtesy of Bongam Temple, Korea

Using the Image and Meaning of the Bodhisattva in Clinical Work, Part 2: The Ox Herding Pictures

Friday, January 20, 2023

Registration 8:30am Program 9am to 11am

Presented By: Peter J. Ryan Sabom Nim, LPC, F.O.T

Location: Online Workshop

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2 CE Credits

A Bodhisattva is the symbolization of a being who made an epic, life-long effort to eradicate the source of suffering (that is, the preoccupation with the self) but who, instead of enjoying the fruits of that effort, returns to the everyday world to help all beings do this for themselves.

As it is assumed that all beings are utterly interrelated, it is only logical that no being is “saved” until all are. This is the ethical foundation and imperative of the branch of Buddhism called Mahayana.

In part one we viewed, meditated upon, and discussed images of bodhisattvas and saints. We examined teachings and techniques that support clinicians in their work, and that especially support the habits of non-attachment and wisdom.

Part two is more explicitly a journey. We will look at the 10 image sequence of the ox herding pictures as a rich system of metaphor that can illuminate both the journey of the therapist and the client. Often “progress” in therapy is seen as the relief of symptoms. The Ox Herding Pictures allow for a different and rich view of human development

Objectives:

1. Compare increased awareness of the cultural competence issues around mindfulness and Asian spiritual traditions
2. Describe the use of concepts from Buddhist Psychology such as attachment, karma, and self in clinical work
3. List increased confidence with the use of visual materials in therapy

Peter J. Ryan is a therapist and teacher. He earned a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in 2012, with a specialization in trauma.

Peter teaches the psychological, humanistic, and phenomenological techniques and theories of Eugene Gendlin through the International Focusing Institute and is a certified lay teacher of Zen Buddhism in the Shim Gum Do Order. In 1997, upon return from China, he founded one of the first Zen Buddhist high school in North America, where he served as principal, primary instructor in Buddhist meditation and martial arts, and taught classical literature and American history.

Peter is currently teaching and training clinicians at the Focusing Institute, teaching Zen martial arts and meditation, and working in private practice at Lovrinic Psychological Services where he works with families and children, as well as adults struggling with symptoms associated with trauma. He has two adult children, a young teenage stepson, and lives in Doylestown with his partner, Kelly Reed, a therapist and Ayuvedic practitioner and teacher.

PSCP: The Psychology Network is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PSCP: The Psychology network maintains responsibility for this program and its content.