Buddha was a great Psychologist. He gave more importance to Citta (Mind). TIPITAKA (Buddhist Pali Literature) is also called Buddhavachana. TIPITAKA is formed by Suttapitaka , Vinayapitaka and Abhidhammapitaka . Abhidhammapitaka is for specific intellectuals. Abhidhammapitaka is also called Buddhist Psychology. Abhidhammapitaka is based on mind , its activities and behavior. Starting verses of Dhammapada are also related with mind.
” Mind precedes thoughts , mind is their chief, their quality is made by mind. If a man speaks or acts with a base mind , then suffering follows him , like the wheel of a cart following the hoof of the bullock.”
” Mind precedes thoughts , mind is their chief, their quality is made by mind. If a man speaks or acts with a purified mind , then happiness follows him ever, just as his shadow.”
( Dhammapada, Yamakavaggo, verses 1 & 2)
Buddha has done analytical study of mind. Mind is most important. Whatever good or bad actions are done by humans , they are all done through the mind. That is why in his discourses he has emphasized the purity of mind.
DEFINITION OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and the way people behave. According to the Sigmund Freud and William James-” Psychology is the science of mental life , both of it’s phenomena and their conditions.”
Human behavior, activities is the main subject of Psychology. we can say that the study of the mental process and behavior of human being from a scientific point of view is Psychology.
IMPACT OF BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY ON MODERN PSYCHOLOGY
Buddha has described the real nature of mind. He has done a subtle study of mind. This is the basis of Psychology.
Cattrāi Ariya Saccāni ( The Four Noble Truths) is the important principle of Buddhism.
- Dukkha Ariya Sacca: The truth of suffering.
- Dukkha Samudaya Ariya Sacca: The truth of origin of suffering.
- Dukkha Nirodha Ariya Sacca: The truth of ending of suffering.
- Dukkha Nirodha Gāmini Patipadā Ariya Sacca: The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.
According to Buddhism man himself is responsible for his suffering and he can free himself from his suffering.
IMPORTANCE OF BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY
Presently many Psychologist refer Buddhist Psychology in their therapy. Many mental disease related with bad thoughts process of mind. Because of that man fall into the trap of depression and other mental illness. According to Wikipedia about 32 crore people in the world are suffering from depression and 7 crore of them are from India. We get solutions on all these problems by Buddhism. With the help of Buddhism a man comes out of the darkness of suffering and spreads the light of happiness.
ENLIGHTEN YOURSELF
The root cause of all suffering is TANNA (craving). The whole life of a man passes in suffering and in search of happiness. But happiness is remains hidden within humans. Jealousy, greed and attachment are bad thoughts tendencies of mind. Due to these he gets suffering. Following the Thoughts of Buddha , he suppresses them and develops virtues like compassion , loving-kindness etc. As well he steps ahead to the path of NIBBANA ( The ultimate goal). This is called “ATTA DEEP BHAVA -Enlighten Yourself.”
