Incorporating Tibetan Buddhism into Modern Psychotherapy...

Incorporating Tibetan Buddhism into Modern Psychotherapy As the world moves into the twenty first century, Western civilizations are witnessing a surge of new technology, ideas and economic success. Urbanization is spreading rapidly and Western society’s push for progression is becoming more apparent. However, this obsession with advancement has begun to take its toll on the happiness of the citizens. Studies have shown that in 2002, up to 13 percent of U.S. citizens suffered from mental disorders and that this number has only increased since then (Rinpche 60). As a result of our push for new technology, more techniques and medication are evolving and being used in psychotherapy. We must, however, wonder if it is time to try†¦show more content†¦To prove the benefits of incorporating Buddhist philosophies into Western psychotherapy, I will examine three specific Buddhist ideas: the connection of experience and meaning, the idea of emptiness and the loss of the ego, and the true nature of the mind. In order to examine the benefits of incorporating Buddhist ideas for psychotherapy patients, we must first move past the common Western idea that Buddhism is too culture-bound and religious-oriented to be incorporated into Western societies. While many Eastern cultures do consider Buddhism as their primary religion, the philosophies behind the religious practices are psychologically based (Michalon 203). The Dalai Lama, one of the Buddhists primary religious leaders, agreed to this when he sad, â€Å"It is possible for people to adopt various Buddhist meditative techniques or mental training without being a Buddhist (Gay 172).† It is of no threat to the religion of any psychotherapy patient to be able to understand and incorporate Buddhist ideas into his or her way of life. In order to progress to a happier lifestyle, we must be able to open our minds to examine other philosophies and how we may benefit from them. Tibetan Buddhism offers a very philosophical approach to a happier and more compassionate way of thinking. Meaning and the Experience Many patients suffering from depression, as well as several other psychologicalShow MoreRelated Meditation Essay4138 Words   |  17 PagesDao, and later, Buddhism are responsible for its development. Its practice has permeated almost all major world religions, but under different names. It has become a practice without borders, influencing millions with its tranquil and healing effects. Western medicine has recently discovered the powerful affects of meditation, by allowing doctors to treat the body and the mind. In reality, the mind is a very misunderstood and unexplored region of the human existence. Modern science knows more