An Evolutionary Perspective on Happiness as Understood in the Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
The Open Behavioral Science Journal May 30, 2014 DOI: 10.2174/1874230001004010031 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | meditative techniques |
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Happiness Feeling Compassion Perspective graphical Context archaeology Epistemology Cognition Cognitive psychology Environmental ethics Law Artificial intelligence |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that Tibetan Buddhist advice on happiness can be substantiated by a biological approach, suggesting that meditative techniques can develop the brain's capacity for positive feelings and that compassion reflects particular qualities of the human brain. |
Abstract
Buddhism is one of the oldest spiritual traditions that have retained considerable influence. The Tibetan version offers distinct advice as to the pursuit of happiness. The present text evaluates this advice in the context of a biological approach to understand what happiness is. Briefly, the notion that it is possible to develop the brain's capacity for positive feelings, and that meditative techniques are a useful tool, can be substantiated. Consequently, with sufficient training, happiness can, at least in theory, be achieved regardless of external circumstances. To this purpose, it is essential to avoid excessive activity in nerve circuits causing negative feelings, either by avoiding situations that activate these feelings, or by using cognitive techniques that impede the underlying neurology. Finally, the emphasis on compassion as a route to happiness appears to be not just "politically correct", but to reflect particular qualities of the human brain.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental balance and well-being: Building bridges between Buddhism and Western psychology. | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Buddhist Modernism and the Rhetoric of Meditative Experience | 1995 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Buddhist and Psychological Perspectives on Emotions and Well-Being | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Too Early to Tell: The Potential Impact and Challenges—Ethical and Otherwise—Inherent in the Mainstreaming of Dharma in an Increasingly Dystopian World | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From self to nonself: The Nonself Theory | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 8, 2004
- Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise PLoS One March 25, 2008
- Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences April 1, 2008
- Improving quality of life using compound mind-body therapies: evaluation of a course intervention with body movement and breath therapy, guided imagery, chakra experiencing and mindfulness meditation. Quality of Life Research March 7, 2008