Pathways of Conversion: From Buddhist Practice to Emotion Regulation Mechanisms

Classical Buddhist practices such as meditation and sutra recitation have been adapted for secular use in emotion management and psychotherapy. This theoretical analysis examines how these techniques are transformed, proposing a framework that includes cognitive-affective reappraisal, attentional regulation, embodied resonance, and ritual enactment. The framework reveals mechanisms behind mental health benefits while emphasizing the importance of intentionality, cultural translation, and ethical grounding.

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Abstract

Traditional Buddhist practices such as meditation (dhyāna) and sutra recitation (mantra/prayer) have long served as vehicles for ethical cultivation and spiritual realization. In recent decades, these techniques have been adapted for secular applications in emotion management and psychotherapy. This paper offers a theoretical analysis of the conversion pathways from classical Buddhist modalities to contemporary psychological interventions. Through a systematic examination of doctrinal sources, process models, and clinical case studies, we articulate a nuanced transformation framework comprising cognitive-affective reappraisal, attentional regulation, embodied resonance, and ritual enactment. We argue that this framework not only illuminates the mechanisms behind mental health benefits but also highlights the pivotal role of intentionality, cultural translation, and ethical grounding.