Praktik Metta Bhavana dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Kesehatan Mental: Studi Kasus pada Jemaat Vihara Jakarta Dhammacakkha Jaya, Sunter

Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness meditation) helped members of a Jakarta Buddhist congregation overcome mental health problems arising from life issues such as failure, household disharmony, and future anxiety. The practice reduced stress, improved mental well-being, and strengthened social relationships. The study used a qualitative approach, drawing on William James' theory of religious experience and contextual pragmatism, and collected data through field observations and interviews with seven resource persons: a monastery administrator, a bhante, and five congregants. The authors argue that the meditation's positive impact on personal, emotional, and life-transforming aspects aligns with James' theory.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This research examines the influence of Metta Bhavana practice in improving mental health among the congregation of Jakarta Dhammacakka Jaya Sunter Monastery. The aim is to understand the role of Metta Bhavana in the spiritual life of the congregation, which makes it an important part of their religious practice. This research uses a qualitative approach with William James' theory of religious experience and contextual pragmatism. James' theory focuses on how individuals experience and interpret spiritual experiences, while pragmatism evaluates the benefits of practices based on practical effects in daily life. These two theories were used to analyze the impact of Metta Bhavana on the mental health of the community, including personal, emotional, and social aspects. Data were collected through field observations and interviews with seven resource persons: a monastery administrator, a bhante, and five congregants. The results showed that Metta Bhavana helped the community to overcome various mental health problems arising from life issues such as failure, household disharmony, and future anxiety. The meditation practice was shown to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and strengthen social relationships among community members. Metta Bhavana has a positive impact on the personal, emotional, and life-transforming aspects of the community, in line with William James' theory. This research can serve as a basis for developing broader meditation practices to support the mental and spiritual health of congregants.