CEBTT Frequently
Asked Questions
PROGRAM CONTENT
Q: What will the curriculum consist of?
The
training will focus on learning the theories and practices of psychology
regarding emotional balance, as taught by Dr. Paul Ekman and the relevant
theories and practices of Buddhism, taught by Dr. Alan Wallace, particularly
focused on the cultivation of attention, insight through the practice
of mindfulness, and the qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic
joy, and equanimity (the Four Immeasurables). The format will consist
of a combination of lectures, meditation and discussion. Dr. Wallace
will be in residence the entire six weeks and Dr. Ekman for the first
two.
Participants
will be expected to devote 1-2 hours daily to studying books and articles
relevant to each phase of the training, attend lectures and join in group
discussions, and meditate between 4-6 hours daily.
Q: How does one refine attention skills?
A:
We can steadily enhance our capacity for attention, strengthening this
mental ability just as we can our triceps. As with our physique the key
is steady practice. Part
of CEB training involves learning various forms of meditation that present
a systematic path leading to deeper levels of concentration, but begin
with the simple exercise of following the breath.
Q: What is mindfulness training?
A.
Once the mind is stabilized and is able to focus effectively, then one closely
applies mindfulness as a means for gaining experiential insight into
the nature of the body, feelings, mental states and processes, and phenomena
at large.
Q Do I have to be a Buddhist to get the most out of the training?
A: No. The themes of CEBTT are universal and are not tied to any
particular religion.
Q: I’ve never meditated before. Is that going to be a problem?
A: No, in the first few weeks Dr. Wallace will give basic instruction
to anyone who is new to meditation or to the practice of Shamatha meditation.
Q: What is Shamatha meditation?
A:
Shamatha, or meditative quiescence meditation, is designed to relax the
body as well as focus the mind and create clarity. Through this meditation
one learns to overcome imbalances of the attention, and sustain one’s
focus with stability and clarity. Beginning with following the breath
and other simple meditative techniques, in time one can achieve deeper
states of concentration. Shamatha practice is best undertaken under the
guidance of a qualified teacher.
Q: I’m not sure I can meditate four to six hours a day. I’ve never
meditated more than half an hour.
A: The meditation is broken up into short periods of 24 minutes
each scattered throughout the day.
Q: What books will be on the reading list? I’d like to get started
reading now.
A: Paul
Ekman, Ekman, Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication
and Emotional Life. New York: Times
Books, 2003
Paul
Ekman & H.H. the Dalai Lama, Emotional
Awareness: Overcoming the Obstacles
to Psychological Balance and Compassion,
New York: Times Books, 2008.
B. Alan Wallace, Genuine Happiness: Meditation as a Path to Fulfillment. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2005
B. Alan Wallace, The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind. Forward by Daniel Goleman. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2006
B. Alan Wallace, The Four Immeasurables: Cultivating a Boundless Heart. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion, 2004
Publications, 2004.
Q: What are the Four Immeasurables? Why are they important?
A:
They are the
qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. When fully integrated, they work together to create both inner
and outer harmony, balance, and well being.
Q: I’m a Christian. How can I meditate with Buddhists?
The meditations taught are ones to stabilize the attention and to
gain insight into the way the mind works. Although the sources of these
meditations are Buddhist, they can be practiced by anyone, with or without
religious beliefs. The qualities of mind and behavior that such practices
cultivate are universal virtues, so they are open to everyone.
Q:
What will Paul Ekman focus on in his part of the teaching?
A: He will focus on theories and evidence-based interventions from modern psychology that pertain to the cultivation of emotional balance.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL TO OR STAYING IN PHUKET
Q: Where is the PIA Mind Centre located in Phuket?
A: It is located in the interior of the northern part of the island, adjacent to a national park.
Q: Which airport do I fly into?
A: PIA - Phuket International Airport.
Q: Do I need a visa? What if I want to stay longer than the 60 day
tourist visa allows?
Yes, you need
to apply for a 60-day tourist visa at your regional Royal Thai consulate.
Once in Thailand, you can apply for a 30-day extension either in person
or through an agency who will do it for you.
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian will be served.
Q: What are the residential accommodations?
A: There are both single and double rooms available, each with its
own sink, toilet and shower. The complex is new, fully air-conditioned,
and well insulated.
Q:
May I stay elsewhere and just attend the training sessions?
A: No, this is a residential program.
Q: Do we have access
to the PIA athletic facilities?
A: Yes. http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/index.php
Q: Would you suggest arriving on the day or the retreat or earlier?
A: Arriving a day or two earlier will allow you to acclimate and
to get over jet lag. PIAMC
will be accepting guests 3 days before the retreat and 3
days
afterwards for a reasonable fee. The extra days should be coordinated through Sean Panton in Phuket Sean@phuketinternationalacademy.com.
Q: Will towels and sheets be provided?
Yes.
Q: Will there be internet access? I need to keep in touch with my family at least once a week.
A: Limited internet access will be available.
Q: Will there be telephones available for emergency calls?
A: Yes.
Q: Will I be able to contact other people who have been accepted to the training before hand?
Yes, SBICS will set up a Google Group that is for the exclusive use of people who have registered for the training - no one else will be invited to join. The group may be used it as a method for participants to get to know each other, pool information, and coordinate travel plans.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Summer clothes including a bathing suit; toiletries; enough supplements & prescription drugs to last six weeks if you use them; ear plugs; items that will be suggested by people on the 8-week retreat that precedes the CEB training. Do not bring alcohol, non-prescription drugs, pets or children.
Q: What about my meditation cushion? It is bulky to bring.
A: Meditation cushions will be provided in Phuket. You do not need to bring one.
Q: Are there laundry facilities?
A: Laundry will be sent out and a reasonable price charged per item.
PROGRAM OUTLINE & CERTIFICATION PROCESS:
Q: Will there be an exam, either written or oral? Is there a chance that I won’t get a certificate?
A: There will be no written or oral exam. The teaching certificate will be granted to all those who successfully complete this training.
Q: Will there be personal interviews with the teachers?
A: There will be no scheduled interviews, but occasional personal interviews may be arranged as needed.
Q: Will I be asked to keep a journal? Should I bring my computer?
A: Participants will not be required to keep a journal, but some people may find this helpful.
Q: What will I be able to do with a certificate to teach CEB?
A: Participants with this certificate may approach school systems, medical clinics, businesses, and so on and explore possibilities of offering the CEB training in such contexts.