Foreword

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2015

Published In

Buddha As Therapist: Meditations

Abstract

This book is the final of a series of four written over a period of 10 years and the result of an East-West collaborative effort by scholars who study the psychology contained in Buddhism. These volumes draw on what Maurits has coined Buddhism 4.0, a secular and psychological approach to Buddhism which respects and honors the vast groundwork of the Dharma and its complex developments. Buddhism 4.0 lays the foundation for Buddhist psychology/therapy, counseling, and coaching by providing a demystified, non-metaphysical, and salubrious practice toward meaningful life-fulfillment. The present volume highlights and explains the rich heritage of Buddhist thought by offering a mosaic of main themes in a compact way. It narrates Gautama’s life from a clinical psychological perspective, illuminates pan-Buddhist core components against the backdrop of Ancient Greek Buddhism, and articulates known and lesser known past and recent data of Buddhism in a healing framework. It thereby touches Social Constructionism and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and structures traditional Buddhism in a Western context while elucidating this important adjustment for a 21st century world. Finally, it delivers hands-on meditation exercises as a modus vivendi rather than as a quick fix to end emotional suffering. Pristine mindfulness, heartfulness, breathing and sensing meditations, contemplations on death, loving-kindness and compassion, and smiling/singing exercises are included. Buddha as Therapist: Meditations is a concise roadmap providing framework, insight, and understanding with regard to the Buddha as the first psychologist ever and to his psychology which is ready to be used in everyday life.

Published By

Taos Institute

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