Abstract
For more than 2,600 years, Buddhist wisdom has been available to help individuals find a way ‘to be’ in this world, day to day, developing a deeper understanding of reality.
In less than 60 years, its essence has trickled to the west, especially in the USA where, following the Tibetan Diaspora, all forms of Buddhism have taken root. The application of various techniques, including ‘mindfulness’, based on watching the breath and ‘paying attention’ has become well known with a proliferation of centres and evidence-based studies (Kabat-Zinn, Segal and Teasdale).
The practice, although independent of Buddhism, in its most sophisticated form, comes from the Buddhist tradition, the latter coming from both oral and written teachings of the Buddha (Sutras, commentaries).
Various practices are based according to the ‘path’, being for self-liberation or for others (path of the Bodhisattva) and adherence to the six perfections (generosity, patience, enthusiasm, equanimity, ethics, wisdom). All have meditative practices as their essence to calm the mind, develop awareness, concentration and the analysis of our inner world and its relationship to the external.
The benefits accrued have stood the test of time. Explorations between Buddhism and psychotherapy are ongoing (Epstein, Rubin, Magrid, Saffren). Cognitive-based therapies have developed over time (Beck (CBT), Lineahan (DBT)).
Recent studies have shown improvements in stress reduction, immune function, pain relief and depression. Applying some of these techniques to the therapeutic dyad (holding environment) may improve the journey for both patient and therapist.