Buddhist Practices as Therapeutic Tools: The Mental Health Effects of Meditation, Mindfulness, and Compassion Training
Advances in Education Humanities and Social Science Research March 6, 2026 DOI: 10.56028/aehssr.16.1.221.2026 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Compassion Happiness Psychological intervention Mental health Intervention counseling Buddhist philosophy Psychotherapist Applied psychology Clinical practice Clinical psychology Well-being |
| Key findings | Meditation, mindfulness, and compassion meditation, rooted in Buddhism, are effective in clinical interventions for stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental distress, with efficacy confirmed by neuroscience. |
Abstract
For over 2500 years, the aim of Buddhism has been to help people liberate themselves from suffering, attain happiness and well-being, and ultimately achieve Nirvana, the path to freedom. Many Buddhist practices in emotional management are effective in alleviating suffering. Among these, meditation, mindfulness, and compassion meditation, due to their effects on improving concentration, calming the mind, and strengthening empathy, understanding, and compassion, have been widely used in clinical interventions to heal stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental distress. Their efficacy has also been confirmed by neuroscience. This article reviews the historical origins, mechanisms, and contemporary clinical applications of these practices. By bridging traditional Buddhist methods with modern psychological science, this study highlights their potential as integrative therapeutic tools, offering a holistic approach to mental health. Furthermore, it underscores the need for systematic research to optimize intervention strategies, adapt these practices across diverse populations, and deepen the evidence base for combining ancient wisdom with evidence-based psychological interventions.