The Application of Theravāda Buddhist Meditation Practices and Techniques in Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Vidyodaya Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences January 1, 2024 Rev. N. Nandarathana, J. Ranjan
Theravāda Buddhist meditation practices—Vipassanā, Mettā, and Ānāpānasati—teach mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional control, which are foundational to mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in clinical psychology. This review examines how these practices are synthesized with Western psychology, their application in MBIs, and empirical support for their clinical use. Integration challenges include cultural appropriation, misunderstanding, and dilution. The authors argue that therapists must study and practice both Theravāda teachings and Western psychology for ethical treatment. Collaborative, multidisciplinary research is needed to advance holistic well-being, as combining historical wisdom with current research may improve treatment efficacy.