This class was visited by two Psychology students from a local college – Regent University who met Chuc Thanh at the Temple earlier in the day.  They are studying the relationship of religion and clinical therapy, and were invited to the class to ask us questions.

The resulting discussion between the members of the class, Chuc Thanh and the students pre-empted the course schedule, which will be resumed next week.  The two hour discussion was very interesting and beneficial for all of the participants.

The class responded to the students’ questions which, in many cases, involved each class member giving their personal insight to the precepts of Buddhism as they related to the questions by the students.  The students were very interested in each of the class members’ ideas and then would also ask Chuc Thanh for his perspective as a Monk and our teacher.

The topics discussed included:

1)  What are the basic teachings or philosophies of Buddhism?

2)  Why was each student drawn to Buddhism?

3)  Is there a relationship between Buddhism (and other religions) and Clinical    

     Psychological Therapy?  Does Buddhism take the place of Clinical Therapy?

4)  How do Buddhists “pray” for the well being of other people?

The students were invited to the Temple to see the Sunday service.  Some of the class members provided their Face Book addresses to the students should they want to ask further questions.