Mindfulness oasis: Cultivating mental wellness through Zen meditation retreats for tourists with mental and psychological vulnerabilities

Abstract

This research explores Zen retreats through the psychological transformation perspective, focusing on the general population's broader mental vulnerabilities. Using a multimethod qualitative approach, including online traveler reflections and communications, onsite observations, and interviews, it reveals a multifactorial interaction framework in which tourists seek personal betterment, connections with kindred spirits, and sacred experiences, leading to inner transformation via Zen masters and restorative environments. Findings transcend the approach of positive psychology alone for understanding psychological transformation, demonstrating that Zen retreats simultaneously reduce vulnerabilities and enhance well-being. This inquiry introduces a temporal logic linking mental vulnerabilities, Zen practices, and therapeutic methods to provide empirical evidence for therapy authenticity. It further reveals the alignment between Zen tourism's restorative methods and mainstream psychotherapy techniques, thus grounding experiential narratives in established psychological theories. Finally, it contributes to individual and societal benefits, laying the foundation for using Zen retreats as a potential social healthcare approach.