PSYCHOLOGY OF BUDDHISM AND HEALING METHOD OF JAPANESE SELF-REFLECTION; pp. 335–351

Buddhist psychology and Japanese Naikan therapy share deep historical roots, yet little comparative research exists. This paper explores the relationship between them, noting that Naikan—a contemplative practice developed by Ishin Yoshimoto—derives from the Buddhist term vipassanā (looking inside) meditation. Although Naikan can be practiced without religious belief, it prompts deep introspection about one's past through interpersonal relationships. Clinical psychologists in Japan have adapted Naikan as a treatment for various mental illnesses, bridging Buddhist contemplative traditions and modern psychotherapy.

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Abstract

Buddhist psychology and Japanese Naikan therapy have deep historical connections. However, there has been a lack of research in religions studies comparing Naikan with its original Buddhist background. Therefore, this paper explores the relationship between Buddhist psychology and Naikan therapy. Naikan is a kind of contemplative therapeutic practice that was developed by a Japanese Buddhist practitioner named Ishin Yoshimoto. He applied it to clinical psychology as a mental treatment method, and it can be practiced by anyone without any religious beliefs or background. The word Naikan is originally derived from the term vipassanā (looking inside) meditation, which comes from Buddhism, which was taught by Buddha. In Japanese psychology, Naikan therapy focuses on prompting deep thinking about one’s past experiences through interpersonal relationships. Introspection has been developed as a treatment method by clinical psychologists for various mental illnesses in the field of Japanese psychotherapy.