CONTEMPORARY BUDDHIST HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY

Buddhism spread to the West as a psychology, rather than as a religion or philosophy. Buddhism also contains aspects of psychotherapy that can improve health and peace of mind. Nirvana (nibbana) has been described as the highest state of mental health, and Buddha is also referred to as the peerless psychiatrist. Since the development of Buddhist philosophical thought, it has influenced different Buddhist schools in different countries. Buddhist theories and methods in different Buddhist schools have created different therapies, such as Zen therapy in Japan. They all represent one aspect of the Buddhist tradition, which originated from early Buddhism. Buddhism and psychiatry blended together in Japan one hundred years ago as a stage in the development of Japanese psychology. Gradually, Japanese psychiatrists have developed Buddhism-based psychotherapies, such as Morita therapy and Naikan therapy. Jodo Shinshu (Pure-land) Buddhism emphasizes the practical, rather than theoretical, way to attain wisdom and understanding of the self. Therefore, the method of therapy is a practical way of improving mental health by focusing on past experiences and through self-reflection and it has even influenced the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism