Vipassana Meditation and the Psychobiology of Wilhelm Reich
Journal of Humanistic Psychology July 1, 1985 DOI: 10.1177/0022167885253010 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractTheravada Buddhism and Wilhelm Reich's psychobiology, often seen as opposites, share surprising parallels in the Vipassana meditation school of U Ba Khin. Both traditions converge in theory and practice, despite major differences: Reich strongly affirms life and movement, while Theravada Buddhism opposes them. These similarities suggest that modern Western concepts may have been anticipated in ancient Indian thought.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that the Vipassana meditation school of U Ba Khin in Theravada Buddhism is remarkably close in theory and practice to Reich's psychobiology, despite opposing attitudes toward life and movement. |
Abstract
Theravada Buddhism and Reich's psychobiology appear at first to be polar opposites. Yet there is a Theravada school of meditation, the Vipassana of U Ba Khin, which in both theory and practice turns out to be remarkably close to Reich's worldview and his therapy. The major differences between Reich and this branch of Buddhism are the attitudes toward life and movement, Reich being strongly pro, and the Theravadas being clearly anti. In spite of these differences, there are remarkable similarities. This seems to be another instance of modern Western views having been known in India at least 2500 years ago.