Western Buddhism and Transpersonal Psychology: Cross-Hermeneutic and Engaged Approaches
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies February 20, 2024 Debashish Banerji 5 citations
The essay introduces a special journal issue examining the evolving relationship between Buddhism and psychology, particularly transpersonal psychology. It describes how contemporary Buddhism has been shaped by cross-cultural exchanges between Asian traditions and modernity. The articles in the issue approach this relationship from varied angles: some probe differences in the disciplines' aims, some critique decontextualized uses of Buddhist techniques like mindfulness, some explore Buddhist practice in cognitive or psychological terms, and others ground Buddhism in ecopsychological concerns as forms of engagement. The paper outlines the historiography of modern Buddhism and introduces each contribution.