Buddhism and Psychology

Buddhism and Psychology

Author Name : Karthik P

ABSTRACT Buddhism and psychology share a deep-rooted interest in understanding the human mind and alleviating suffering. Over recent decades, their intersection has grown stronger, with Buddhist principles—particularly mindfulness— significantly influencing modern psychological therapies. Various Buddhist schools, such as Theravāda, Mahayana, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism, have contributed concepts like compassion, direct experience, and the transformation of emotions, aligning with psychological approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic psychology, and Jungian analysis. Mindfulness, rooted in Buddhist meditation practices like Vipassana and Zen meditation, has revolutionized modern therapy. Pioneers like Jon Kabat-Zinn integrated mindfulness into psychological treatments, leading to the development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These therapies emphasize present-moment awareness, non-attachment to thoughts, and emotional regulation, effectively reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.