Psychology & Buddhism.pdf

106 G. Rita Dudley-Grant
people in India. It was his desire to relieve their suffering by coming to understand
it at its most basic level which ultimately led to his enlightenment.
His teachings aimed at sharing his insights and philosophies with the rest of
humanity. His basic tenet was that suffering comes from attachment to transient
aspects of life. It is posited that our vision is deluded and that it is this delusion,
which results in our clinging to certain aspects of life, while rejecting others
(Leifer, 1999).
The complexity of Buddhist doctrine is legendary. It is difficult to comprehend
for many reasons. Of particular significance is that the doctrines are bounded
by and a reflection of the Eastern culture where nonlinear, present reality thinking
is highly valued. This is contrasted with the future focus, linear thinking of the
Western culture. An excellent example of this dichotomy is provided by Fontana
(1986) who pointed out that Western psychology studies human behavior, an
external activity. Eastern “psychology” recognizes that the study has to start with
the individual, the “self”. Understanding of oneself ultimately promotes understanding
of and the ability to help others.
All human sciences and theologies, secular and spiritual have promoted taking
responsibility for one’s own actions. However, the method by which one is
taught to achieve that goal has varied significantly. Buddhism has tried to foster an
awareness of the reality of life and life experience. Psychology too has studied the
ways in which volition has developed and is manifested in the individual. These
studies have converged or diverged based on the particular theoretical orientation.
It is the intent of this chapter to foster a consideration of the commonalities
between these two disciplines. It is hoped that this consideration will promote
thought and continued dialogue, which ultimately will inform and enhance each of
the disciplines. This chapter will further look at some of the commonalities inherent
in these two great traditions, using the particular vantage points of self-control
and addiction theory.
In this regard, psychological health and well-being has been a focus of study
for mankind over the many centuries of our existence. Two traditions, the spiritual,
and more recently the secular, have sought to analyze, guide and ultimately
provide a path for optimal living. In earlier times, spiritual leaders played the central
role in assisting man in his quest for the most meaningful existence. With the
growth of science and technology, secular approaches, particularly those offered
by practitioners in the field of psychology have gained prominence. The Judaeo-
Christian ethic of reliance on an external “God” has conflicted with the more
self, insight/behavioral oriented approaches of modern psychology. However,
the Eastern philosophies, most prominently the Buddhist tradition has proven
to be remarkable in its commonalities with the various psychological disciplines.
Writers from both the psychodynamic as well as behavioral psychological
approaches have written about commonalities between Buddhist psychology and
their particular theoretical orientation.