Ethical Consciousness in the Classroom: How Buddhist Practices Can Help Develop Empathy and Compassion

Abstract

Some members of the academic community have turned their attention to the use of contemplative pedagogy and find it is a powerful approach that benefits students not only in their education but also in their lives. In traditions such as Buddhism, contemplation has been used as a basis for the development of ethical consciousness and this article suggests that the academic community ought to foster this. This can be done intellectually by not shying away from teaching and discussing virtue ethics. Experientially, professors can help students cultivate a deep sense of ethical consciousness by using contemplative practices that develop heart-felt empathy and compassion. Explicitly introducing central Buddhist virtues (and the practices that develop them), might help students transform their lives. However, with no practical instruction on how to develop empathy, loving-kindness, and compassion, students may find that meditation and contemplative practices do little more than help them rest and relax.