CEUs: 4

Instructor: Sensei Mui, DBS, PhD & Charlotta Koppanyi, MSc

Carl Jung was among the first psychologists to study and work with masks as an expression of psychological processes, including spiritual practice. In Buddhism, masks are used to fend off demons; primarily internal demons which are projected externally. These masks represent the highest qualities of the human mind being used to dispel the lowest qualities of that same mind. We will explore the Jungian and the Buddhist perspectives on masks. In addition to the presentation, time will be given for a hands-on art project forming a smaller mask. The workshop considers the personal and the cultural significance of masks and how we relate to their manifestations and appearances.

About the Instructors
Shaku Mui, Sensei, was ordained in 1971 as a forest monk in Thailand. Since then he has studied and been ordained in Sōto Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, Esoteric Tendai and Pure Land Buddhism. He was awarded a Doctor of Buddhist Studies (DBS) degree with a psychology specialty and PhD in literature and languages with a specialty in psycholinguistics. He is currently a teacher with Hongaku Jōdo, an organization of Buddhist teachers and clergy in the Western tradition. He also works as a Buddhist counselor and therapist utilizing cognitive and meditative therapies. Sensei Mui’s style is to clearly present the teachings found in the early Buddhist scriptures as well as the writings of the Mahayana traditions making even the deepest concepts accessible to people in the 21st century.

Charlotta Koppanyi holds a Masters degree in Psychology and a BA in Contemporary Religion from Stockholm University and has studied Jungian psychology since the 90’s. In 1994-1995 she studied at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Her master’s thesis discussed the hero myth in leadership roles and organizations, and she currently teaches art to seniors in Evanston and works for a non-profit organization.