BUDDHHISM IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

The definition of Health is not limited to physical health alone. The definition of health includes physical and mental health. Today, in the face of this corona virus epidemic, there is a need to strengthen physical as well as mental health.

BUDDHA, THE GREAT PSYCHOLOGIST :

Buddha was the great Psychologist. in Pāli literature a scientific analysis of the Mind and its activities was presented by this Scientist more than 2500 years ago.

The following description the nature of mind is described in Citta Vagga(Mind) –

Phandanam capalam cittan,

Durakkhan dunivārayan|

(Mind is agitated, wavering, hard to guard and hard to restrain.)

Abhidhammapitaka is called Buddhist Psychology. The English translation of Dhammasangani is done by Rhys Davids under this title- ‘A Buddhist Manual of Psychological Ethics’. In Puggal Pannati text 390 human nature has been analysed based on Buddhist psychology.

MEANING OF PSYCHOTHERAPY :

The following analysis of psychotherapy is done in Wikipedia-

‘Psychotherapy is the use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction with adults, to help a person change behaviour and overcome problems in desired ways.’

BUDDHA, THE PSYCHOTHERAPIST:

Buddha has been called Manorogatikicchako(psychotherapist or physician of mental diseases). Buddha has given the medicine of Dhamma to the entire human race to free from the disease of sorrow.

MEANING OF MENTAL DISORDER :

According to Wikipedia-‘A mental disorder, also called a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a behavior or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning.’

DESCRIPTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS IN PĀLI LITERATURE :

Through the study of Pāli literature, we get important information regarding the emergence of mental illness. The Four Noble Truths are analysed in Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.

Explained in Dukkha Ariya Sacca(The truth of suffering)-

‘ Appiyehi sampayogo dukkho’(association with what is disliked is suffering) and

‘Piyehi vippayogo dukkho’(disassociation with what is liked is suffering)and

‘Yampicchan na labhati tan pi dukkhan’(not to get what one wants is suffering)

Described in Piyavaggo(Affection)–

Mā piyehi samāgañchi

 Appiyehi kudācanan     |

 Piyānam adassanam dukkhan

 Appiyāncañca dassanan ||

(Don’t associate with dear ones, at any time, nor those not dear. Not to see the dear causes suffering, so also is painful seeing those not dear.)

After studying the causes of depression, we find these reasons. Depression is found more in women than men, because women are more emotional. According to WORLD HEALTH ORGNIZATION, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

Endearment (Piya), Affection (Pema), Lustfulness (Rati), Attachment (Kāma) and Craving (Tanhā) have been said to be the causes of fear in Piyavaggo. Phobia, Anxiety are also very serious forms of fear.

In Vattha Sutta, the following defilement  of the mind is explained-

1. Covetousness and unrighteous greed
2. Ill Will
3. Anger
4. Hostility
5. Denigration
6. Domineering
7. Envy
8. Jealousy
9. Hypocrisy
10. Fraud
11. Obstinacy
12. Presumption
13. Conceit
14. Arrogance
15. Vanity
16. Negligence

Analyzing the Vattha sutta, we found very important information regarding the root causes of mental disorders.

EFFECTS OF MEDITATION :

Many mental disorders are related with bad thoughts process of mind. That is why it is said in Citta Vagga–

Cittassa damatho sādhu cittan dantan sukhāvahan |

(The training of the mind is good, a mind so tamed brings happiness)

And

Cittan rakkheyya medhavīcittan guttan sukhāvahan |

(One who’s wise should guard the mind, a guarded mind brings happiness)

Mind is trained and guarded through meditation.

Appamatto hi jhāyanto pappati vipulan sukkhan |

(The wakeful man, meditating, acquires abundant bliss)

More information is available regarding meditation in Pāli Suttās. Such as-Ānāpānsati Sutta(Mindfulness of the Breathing), Sati Sutta(Awareness), Kāyagatā-Sati Sutta (Mindfulness of the body), Satipatthāna Sutta(mindfulness) ,etc.

MEDITATION IN PSYCHOTHERAPY :

Meditation has proved to be very effective in Psychotherapy.  Much research has been done on how meditation on mental diseases are beneficial. According to Wikipedia Mindful meditation is found very useful for anxiety, depression and other mental illness. Buddhist meditation has resulted in very positive result on mental illness. That is why Psychotherapists are being greatly influenced towards Buddhist meditation.

COURSES ON BUDDHIST PSYCHOTHERAPY :

Buddhist Psychology is studied in the world. Buddhism And Psychotherapy, Buddhist Psychotherapy And Counselling, Contemplative Psychotherapy And Buddhist Psychology also these subjects related to Buddhist Psychotherapy are taught under various courses.

Pāli literature is the ocean of knowledge. It contains also most important information related to medical science. Diseases,whether it is physical or mental diseases, detailed information about their emergence and diagnosis is included in this literature. Come, while taking care of our physical health as well as mental health, study the precious knowledge of Pāli literature.