Naikan: A Meditation Method and Psychotherapy
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion April 26, 2018 Clark Chilson
Naikan is a self-reflective meditation practice founded by Yoshimoto Ishin, derived from a lay Shin Buddhist practice called mishirabe. It involves reflecting on three questions about one's relationship with a significant other: what one received, what one gave back, and what troubles one caused. The practice has two forms: intensive Naikan, done continually for a week at a training center, and daily Naikan, integrated into everyday routine. Today it is the most popular psychotherapeutic method originating in Buddhism in Japan, used for problem-solving, employee training, self-awareness, and spiritual awakening. The method is the same whether for therapeutic or self-developmental purposes.