Buddhist Psychology

Paper Summary:

This paper explains the fundamental differences and significant distinction between the the Western psychology approach to the mind and the Buddhist philosophy of the mind and looks at whether these two vastly different schools of thought can be integrated.

From the Paper:

"Goleman makes a clear distinction between scientific thought and the idea of objectivity and Buddhist practice. This in effect means that the Western model of mind and reality is based on the fundamental tenets of science. Western scientific thought is essentially dualistic and is constructed on the assumption and belief in the reality and existence outside of the mind of the ego or self as a separate entity. Buddhism is essentially non-dualistic and has for centuries maintained that self and mind are illusions and obstacles to the true knowledge of reality of enlightenment. This is of course a radical simplification of the Buddhist stance, which also varies from school to school."

More papers on Buddhist Psychology:

• Comparison Essay # 22207 : "Psychology: East and West"
• Analytical Essay # 130741 : "Asian Techniques of Use to Psychology"
• Essay # 70238 : "Buddhism as Alternative Counseling"

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