Buddhist Mental Health: Integration of Buddhist Principles with Contemporary Mental Health Care
Visal Saipetch
Journal of Applied Humanities Studies May 19, 2023 DOI: 10.65680/jahs.v1i1.6639 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Key findings | Argues that Buddhist teachings contain a comprehensive mental health framework—including the Three Characteristics, Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path, mindfulness and meditation, and the Four Brahmaviharas—that supports healing and mental stability, and proposes integrated models showing compatibility with modern psychology, illustrated by case examples from Thai educational, healthcare, and community settings. |
Abstract
This academic article aims to study the concepts and principles of mental health according to Buddhist teachings through comprehensive analysis of the Tripitaka, commentaries, and related academic works. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, examining Buddhist mental health frameworks and their integration with contemporary psychological approaches. The research finds that Buddhism contains comprehensive teachings on mental health dimensions, reflected through important principles such as the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhana), the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca), the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariyamagga), mindfulness and meditation development, and the Four Brahmaviharas. These principles not only help in mental healing and therapy but also promote the development of mental strength, stability, and access to true peace. The study presents integrated models demonstrating the relationship between Buddhist mental health concepts and modern psychology, showing compatibility and potential for effective application in contemporary social contexts. Case studies from Thai society demonstrate successful implementation in educational institutions, healthcare systems, and community programs. The research concludes that Buddhist mental health represents a holistic approach encompassing physical, social, mental, and wisdom dimensions, offering valuable contributions to contemporary mental healthcare practices.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... | 2017 | Qualitative study with mixed-methods | |
| A phenomenology of meditation-induced light experiences: traditional buddhist and neurobiological perspectives American Buddhist practitioners | 2014 | Qualitative study | |
| Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns | 2011 | Mixed-methods study | n = 139 |
| Anger regulation in traumatized Cambodian refugees: the perspectives of Buddhist monks. Buddhist Cambodian monks in Massachusetts | 2011 | Qualitative study | n = 6 |
| The Lived Experiences of Experienced Vipassana Mahasi Meditators: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Experienced Vipassana Mahasi meditators | 2018 | Qualitative study |