Buddhism, (Non)Action & Compassionate Responsibility
Buddhism, (Non)Action & Compassionate Responsibility
Available for self-study on Monday, December 1, 2025.Course 2022
This course explores Buddhist understandings of compassion, with a particular emphasis on Dzogchen Buddhism. Compassion is a central Buddhist principle, and is typically defined as the wish to free beings from suffering. Consequently, Buddhist teachers provide instructions on how to cultivate compassion extended to oneself, to other humans and all forms of life. This course explores these Buddhist teachings and practices, including Dzogchen’s emphasis on rest and (non)action in which compassionate responsibility naturally arises.
All suggested course readings are provided as links or pdfs throughout the course.
Learning Objectives
After taking this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the centrality of compassion in diverse Buddhisms.
- Practice Loving Kindness and Compassion (Tonglen) Meditations for oneself and others, in a secular or Buddhist way.
- Realize the importance of rest and (non)action for generating compassionate responsiveness to all forms of life, including oneself.
Course Details
4 hours Self-Study (Professor available by appointment in office hours)Learning Area
Social Justice Instructor
Anna Halafoff
Anna Halafoff is Associate Professor in Sociology of Religion and Religious Studies at Deakin University, Australia. Her research expertise includes spirituality, Buddhism, religious diversity, and interreligious relations,. Her current major projects are on 'Buddhism in Australia: Belonging, Wellbeing and Social Engagement' and on & 'Spirituality in Australia: Wellness, Wellbeing and Risks'. Anna's most recent books are on Freedoms Faiths and Futures: Teenage Australians on Religion, Sexuality and Diversity (Bloomsbury, 2021) and on Religious Diversity in Australia: Living Well with Difference (Bloomsbury, 2024). She is also a qualified yoga and meditation teacher, and has practiced both for over 35 years, mainly in Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
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