Dr. Berzin elaborates on the article written together with Dr. Catherine Ducommun-Nagy, a psychiatrist and contextual family therapist, that explores the integration of Buddhist philosophy and contextual therapy to examine how the self and relationships arise dependently. Buddhism provides a precise understanding of the conventional and false self, emphasizing how clinging to a false “me” leads to insecurity and disturbing emotions, while contextual therapy highlights relational dynamics and fairness. Contextual therapy adds depth with its five dimensions of relational reality– the dimensions of facts, psychology, systems, relational ethics and relational self/other establishment – which complement Buddhist insights into dependent arising. Together, they offer a dynamic framework for understanding the self, others and relationships that can be helpful for cultivating healthier, more compassionate interactions. In particular, the seminar provides a closer look at how a Buddhist practitioner establishes the relationships with all sentient beings, with one’s own teacher and one’s yidam, or meditational deity.