A Contemplative Techne
A one-stop shop for all your compassionate composition pedagogy needs:
*resources for instructors seeking to incorporate contemplative methods into their
pedagogy and research
*invention tools for writers of all levels
& at all stages of their process
A project grounded in a Yoga of Synthesis
The four paths of yoga are intended to be integrated as an embodied life-long practice.
Each path appeals to different sensibilities.
All paths lead to writing.
Karma Yoga
Path of Action
This path appeals to those who have a natural propensity for selfless service and action.
Act, and write, without attachment to the fruits of your labor to gain presence.
Bhakti Yoga
Path of Devotion
This path appeals to those of an emotional and loving nature.
Create a ritual for writing, and incorporate music and spoken words into your process.
Raja Yoga
Path of Physical & Mental Control
This path appeals to those who appreciate the mental payoffs of physical activity.
Meditate, move, and breathe before you write.
Jnana Yoga
Path of Knowledge
This path appeals to introverts, and those who are drawn to philosopy.
Inquire about the nature of your own mind through writing.
what is a techne?
Well, it depends who you ask.
Wikipedia says "Techne" is a term, etymologically derived from the Greek word τέχνη (Ancient Greek: [tékʰnɛː], Modern Greek: [texni] ( listen)), that is often translated as "craftsmanship," "craft," or "art."
Sullivan says techne is a skill situated within a larger ethical framework.
Katz extends this to question the ideologies we reify through the perpetuation of a given techne.
Miller critiques techne as a soulless instrument for meeting an audience's expectations.
Doheney-Farina says what constitutes a techne is defined case by case, based on the community. This definition leaves out a notion of social good; the art and skills of techne are easily sold out.
This techne was compiled with Aristotle in mind. He thought of a techne as forming the bridge between practical and productive/applied knowledge. This is distinguished from episteme, or pure knowledge.
This project provides contemplative heuristics to serve as a bridge between the pure knowledge of both writing and yoga philosophy and the productive process of becoming through writing.
Slow
Down.
Breathe.
and explore the possibilities inside.