Present the views of Buddhism and science on cultivating lasting happiness, and set up the framework for the remaining modules of this course. Explore which methods are worthwhile and effective in discovering lasting happiness and developing our potential. 

Focus on the fundamentals of meditation and techniques to calm the mind and refine attention, with special emphasis on mental balance, emotion regulation, and how to work with challenging emotions and afflictive states of mind. Aim to enhance wholesome emotions and inner states as a first step to cultivate inner well-being.

Explore what the mind is and its role in the experience of well-being and suffering. Present techniques to become aware of the mind itself and how to deal with disturbing emotions and mental afflictions. Further explore the possibility of the mind’s continuity, and what karma is.

Offer an overview of the different Buddhist paths to facilitate an exploration on how these suggested paths lead to lasting happiness. Explore the foundational practices of the Buddhist path by learning about relevant insights and methods that foster them.

Focus on the cultivation of positive attitudes and mental states such as loving-kindness and compassion. Examine how to first develop a caring attitude toward oneself, and to extend these qualities further by cultivating the mind of awakening that cares for all beings. 

Present the cognitive aspects related to how we perceive reality and ourselves. Explore the notions of dependent-arising and emptiness, as well as a deeper presentation of the nature of mind itself, focusing on the luminous quality of the experience. 

Present attitudes that enhance the positive transformation, including the six perfections, methods for transforming difficulties into the path to lasting happiness, and how to bring compassion into the world. Investigate the role of spirituality in a balanced and meaningful life.