CHAPTER 17: Service Learning as Civic and Spiritual Engagement

In this chapter I describe the close relationship between meditative techniques and service-learning pedagogy. Service-learning can drive a spiritually-based curriculum that gives students both a foundation for internal cultivation and self-development (mind-body techniques) and external experiences (service-learning) to make students capable and socially oriented working professionals who can make a positive impact on society. I highlight the parallels between the two concepts and synthesize their respective qualities to propose a holistic curriculum for students’ spiritual development, and methods for them to carry peace- and community-oriented values into mainstream society in practical ways. I draw on both my extensive experience with yoga, meditation, and qigong; and the classes I have taught which include a service-learning component.