Buddhism & Buddhist Psychology
There are many different approaches to Buddhism. For many, Buddhism is a type of
psychology - a way of understanding human experience, the human condition, and the laws
of nature.
Buddhist Psychology is being used more and more in psychotherapy in America and other
countries. Some of the initial ideas were put forth by the historical Buddha, 2500 years ago.
Two basic ideas are The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path.
The Four Noble Truths - A Brief Overview:
1) To live is to desire, and desire can cause pain. All living creatures desire things.
Any of us at any given time, may or may not get what we desire. When we do not get what
we desire, or lose the things we love, we feel pain. When we are hurting, we issue a
complaint (even if we just keep it to ourselves. We may go to a doctor or a therapist and
state it as a matter of fact: "I am hurting." Acknowledging the fact that you are hurting gives
you a chance to heal.
2) Too much attachment to your desires can cause deep suffering. This is like a
diagnosis. "You are too attached to your desires." This "diagnosis" is one that most
Buddhists believe would describe the condition which lies at the heart of all human suffering.
3) There is a way to heal from your deep suffering. This is like a prognosis. A
pronouncement that there is a cure for the suffering which you and others experience in
your lives.
4) That way is the Eight Fold Path. This is like the treatment. Because this is not truly a
medical matter, we will find that the Eight-Fold Path is a way to approach life which will lead
you out of suffering. More on the Four Noble Truths.
The Eight Fold Path - A Brief Overview:
1) Right Understanding
2) Right Intention
3) Right Speech
4) Right Action
5) Right Livelihood
6) Right Effort
7) Right Mindfulness
8) Right Concentration
More on the Eight-Fold Path
Zen Buddhist Stages of Change: The 10 Bulls
The 10 steps to change outlined here are accompanied by some beautiful woodcut
illustrations.
psychology - a way of understanding human experience, the human condition, and the laws
of nature.
Buddhist Psychology is being used more and more in psychotherapy in America and other
countries. Some of the initial ideas were put forth by the historical Buddha, 2500 years ago.
Two basic ideas are The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path.
The Four Noble Truths - A Brief Overview:
1) To live is to desire, and desire can cause pain. All living creatures desire things.
Any of us at any given time, may or may not get what we desire. When we do not get what
we desire, or lose the things we love, we feel pain. When we are hurting, we issue a
complaint (even if we just keep it to ourselves. We may go to a doctor or a therapist and
state it as a matter of fact: "I am hurting." Acknowledging the fact that you are hurting gives
you a chance to heal.
2) Too much attachment to your desires can cause deep suffering. This is like a
diagnosis. "You are too attached to your desires." This "diagnosis" is one that most
Buddhists believe would describe the condition which lies at the heart of all human suffering.
3) There is a way to heal from your deep suffering. This is like a prognosis. A
pronouncement that there is a cure for the suffering which you and others experience in
your lives.
4) That way is the Eight Fold Path. This is like the treatment. Because this is not truly a
medical matter, we will find that the Eight-Fold Path is a way to approach life which will lead
you out of suffering. More on the Four Noble Truths.
The Eight Fold Path - A Brief Overview:
1) Right Understanding
2) Right Intention
3) Right Speech
4) Right Action
5) Right Livelihood
6) Right Effort
7) Right Mindfulness
8) Right Concentration
More on the Eight-Fold Path
Zen Buddhist Stages of Change: The 10 Bulls
The 10 steps to change outlined here are accompanied by some beautiful woodcut
illustrations.
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| Christian Wolff, Psy.A., Portland Psychologist Associate • Psychotherapist & Counselor 820 NW 21st Avenue, Suite B. Portland.Oregon. 97209. 503.381.2032. christian@christianwolff.com |