Sunday, July 17, 2011

Seeking Research Participants

Have you ever experienced significant challenges or difficulties related to your Buddhist practice?

I am currently looking to interview current and past Buddhist practitioners in an attempt to understand the range of obstacles faced in Buddhist practice. I’m also interested in how these challenges have been resolved or overcome.

In addition to contributing to research that may benefit other practitioners, your participation may offer insight into your relationship with your own Buddhist practice.

Qualifications for the study include:
  • Either currently or in the past, Theravadan Buddhism (e.g. Spirit Rock, IMS, Goenka, and most lineages connected with South East Asia) has been your primary spiritual practice.
  • You are 21 years or older
  • You were raised with a primarily “Western” upbringing (e.g. in North America or Europe)
  • You are willing to be interviewed for up to an hour-and-a-half (not necessarily in person) about your personal challenges with your Buddhist practice. Your answers will be kept completely confidential, although you have the option, if you wish, to be video recorded for a documentary on the subject.

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me at ross.phillip555@yahoo.com or (510) 545-6065

About myself: I have studied and practiced Buddhism for almost 15 years and a graduate student at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology working on my dissertation research.

I thank you for your consideration. Warmly,

Ross Buttner, MA