Learning to Stop: Mindfulness Meditation as Anti-violence Pedagogy

This book explores how meditative practices for cultivating mindfulness can be regarded as a unique form of education against violence, emphasizing stopping and contemplation as a necessary precursor to action. It combines the insights of Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek with recent research on mindfulness and violence to examine the teachings of two exemplary educators, Thich Nhat Hanh and bell hooks, who used mindfulness meditation to resist the types of violence they and their students faced.

Format: Hardback
Length: 117 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book is a profound exploration of the transformative power of meditative practices in cultivating mindfulness as a unique form of education against violence. It delves into the intricate relationship between mindfulness and violence, highlighting the crucial role of stopping and contemplation as essential precursors to meaningful action. Through a captivating blend of philosophical insights from Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek and recent research on mindfulness and violence, the book offers a fresh perspective on this pressing issue.

By employing a lens of mindfulness and violence, the book examines the lives and teachings of two exemplary educators who have successfully integrated mindfulness meditation into their resistance against various forms of violence. The first case study revolves around Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen teacher, who faced the brutality of the Second Indochina War (1955-1975). Despite the overwhelming challenges, Hanh taught mindfulness meditation as a means to cultivate inner peace and resilience, empowering his students to navigate the complexities of war with compassion and understanding.

The second case study revolves around bell hooks, an African-American studies professor and cultural critic, who confronted systemic oppression in the United States of the 1980s.hooks recognized the power of mindfulness to disrupt the patterns of violence and oppression that perpetuated social injustice. She incorporated mindfulness practices into her teaching, empowering her students to cultivate a sense of self-awareness and empathy, which in turn enabled them to challenge the dominant narratives and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Through these compelling narratives, the book demonstrates how meditative practices can be regarded as a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and promoting peace. It emphasizes the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and compassion in addressing violence, both within individuals and in society as a whole. By exploring the intersection of philosophy, history, and mindfulness, this book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue on violence prevention and social transformation.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the potential of mindfulness as a tool for cultivating peace and resisting violence. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and violence, offering practical insights and inspiring stories that can be applied to our daily lives. By embracing the power of meditation and mindfulness, we can cultivate a more peaceful and just world for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031287213
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023