16 Facts About Buddhist psychology

Buddhist psychology is embedded within the greater Buddhist ethical and philosophical system, and its psychological terminology is colored by ethical overtones.

Central feature of Buddhist psychology is its methodology which is based on personal experience through introspection and phenomenological self observation.

The goal of Buddhist psychology practice is then to remove these distractions and gain knowledge of things as they are.

Since Buddhist psychology practice encompasses practical wisdom, spiritual virtues and morality, it cannot be seen exclusively as another form of psychotherapy.

Buddhist psychology meditation is of two main types: Samatha is meant to calm and relax the mind, as well as develop focus and concentration by training attention on a single object; Vipassana is a means to gain insight or understanding into the nature of the mental processes and their impermanent, stressful and self-less qualities through the application of continuous and stable mindfulness and comprehension.

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Buddhist psychology texts contain mental strategies of thought modification which are similar to cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

Buddhist psychology texts promote the training of positive emotions such as loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

Buddhist psychology collaborated with psycho-analysts Carl Jung, Karen Horney and Erich Fromm.

Buddhist psychology theorized that there are distinct similarities in the transformation of the self that occurs in both psychoanalysis and Buddhism.

Buddhist psychology believed that the practice of Buddhism and Psychoanalysis where "mutually reinforcing and clarifying".

Buddhist psychology argues that Buddhist meditation can provide an important contribution to the practice of psychoanalytic listening by improving an analyst's capacity for attention and recommends meditation for psychoanalysts.

Positive Buddhist psychology describes the futility of the "hedonic treadmill", the chasing of ephemeral pleasures and gains in search of lasting happiness.

Some traditional Buddhist practitioners have expressed concern that attempts to view Buddhism through the lens of psychology diminishes the Buddha's liberating message.

Buddhist psychology is critical of Jack Kornfield and Mark Epstein for holding that psychological techniques are a necessity for some Buddhists and of Jeffrey Rubin for writing that enlightenment might not be possible.

When Buddhist psychology Romanticism speaks to these needs, it opens the gate to areas of dharma [the Buddha's teachings] that can help many people find the solace they're looking for.

However, Buddhist psychology Romanticism helps close the gate to areas of the dharma that would challenge people in their hope for an ultimate happiness based on interconnectedness.