The Self-Pattern and Buddhist Psychology
Shaun Gallagher, Antonino Raffone, Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Henk Barendregt, Prisca R. Bauer, Kirk Warren Brown, Fabio Giommi, Ivan Nyklı́ček, Brian D. Ostafin, Heleen A. Slagter, Fynn-Mathis Trautwein, David R. Vago
Mindfulness April 11, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02118-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Flexibility engineering Self psychology Cognitive psychology Cognitive science Epistemology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 49 |
| Key points | Argues that Buddhist psychology's non-self concept and the pattern theory of self mutually illuminate the dynamic, enactive processes underlying experiences of self and non-self, with implications for reducing suffering. |
Abstract
Abstract In this paper, we address core insights from Buddhist psychology about mind-body phenomena and the self, and we relate such insights to the notion of the self-pattern developed in the pattern theory of self. We emphasize the dynamic, temporal and enactive characteristics of the self-pattern, consistent with the core Buddhist notion of non-self. Although there is no one-to-one mapping of Buddhist psychological concepts onto the pattern theory of self, there are important similarities among such concepts and the various processes and dynamical relations that constitute a pragmatic self-pattern that can explain both experiences of self and non-self. Buddhist psychology and the notion of the self-pattern offer mutual insight into the processes, the dynamics, and the implications for questions about well-being and a flexibility that avoids anxiety and reduces attachment, craving, and suffering.