Psychology & Buddhism.pdf

Buddhism, Psychology, and Addiction Theory 111
Self-Control
An essential element of the prescription for healthy functioning that is
sought by both Buddhists and Psychologists is the ability to manage one’s
impulses and exert self-control over one’s behavior, mental as well as physical.
For classical Freudian thought, this control meant replacement of id instinctual
impulses with mature ego modulated actions. From a developmental perspective,
those id impulses were perceived as “ego dystonic”, as opposed to the “ego
syntonic” socially appropriate behavior exhibited in adulthood. Following this
theoretical formulation, the goal of psychoanalysis is to have the ego gain control
of these instinctual behaviors “... even to the point of renunciation, over certain
instinctual impulses implicated in intra psychic conflict” (Eagle, 1984, p. 203).
Using the later conceptualizations however, Eagle posits that a more functional
goal is to enlarge the ego to incorporate these instinctual impulses, modifying
them as motivators for positive growth.
For centuries Buddhist meditative and disciplinary practices proposed ever
more vigorous eschewing of the everyday world, and turning towards reflection
and considered action in all things as a means of improving one’s life. In a sense,
there has been a rejection of the base impulses and a turn towards solely higher
paths. However, as Eagle has suggested for analytical thinking, so the Nichiren
Shoshu School has suggested a more incorporative approach. In a concept called
hendaku iyaku, or turning poison into medicine, one takes negative experiences
and aspects of oneself, and uses them for personal growth and development. Thus
Nichiren Daishonin points out that the Rokuharamitsu Sutra states that one
should become the master of his mind rather than let his mind master him (the
Gosho Translation Committee, 1979, p. 146). Moreover, in a related concept of
eshofuni, it is believed that we are one with the universe, thus as Dockett (1993)
indicates, “Through controlling what is inside of us, we control what is outside as
well.” The issue of self-control is one that can be particularly well analyzed and
theoretical constructs considered through the experience of addiction.
Addiction
Drug addiction has grown over the past several decades into one of the leading
mental health problems around the world. The impact of illicit drug abuse and
dependence can be seen to have changed society and contributed to increases in violence,
the breakdown of the family structure, and a deepening change in the morals
and values of individuals and societies. In cultures from Asia to America, and South
America to Northern Europe, the impact has been both pervasive and devastating.
Traditionally interventions have generated from within the substance abuse
community, primarily with recovering addicts serving as addiction counselors.