Zen Therapy
The Oxford Handbook of Meditation February 10, 2021 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198808640.013.36 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractBuddhism, primarily a religion or Dharma that has shaped cultures, can be applied as psychotherapy. The chapter examines the master-disciple relationship as a medium of psychotherapy and works through fundamental Buddhist theory derived from meditation experience. It shows how these principles console, resolve, and liberate the troubled mind, with meditation providing an amplifying and deepening dimension to mental change.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that the Buddhist master-disciple relationship can function as a medium for psychotherapy and that meditation amplifies the process of mental change. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter explores the application of Buddhism as psychotherapy. Buddhism is primarily a religion or Dharma that has inspired the arts, social life, architecture, and foundational aspects of the cultures where it has become established. In considering it as psychotherapy, this chapter similarly applies principles and images springing from its religious root. Buddhism is also a transmitted living tradition, passing from master to disciple. This chapter examines that crucial mind-changing relationship, considering it as a medium of psychotherapy, and goes on to work through fundamental elements of Buddhist theory, substantially derived from meditation experience, showing their application to consoling, resolving, and liberating the troubled mind. It shows how meditation provides an amplifying and deepening dimension to this process of mental change.