Psychology and Buddhism: From Individual to Global Community

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This book is notable in that it relates Buddhism (mostly trying to show its efficacy/applicability) to "Community Psychology," but is oriented to Nicheren & Zen Buddhism & overlooks Social Psychology & Sociology. Its purpose is "to inform, stimulate, & broaden the thinking of psychologists & others interested in the interface between psychology & Buddhism" but recognizes that p. 65: "As therapists we must also be mindful of the potential hazards of applying Eastern practices outside of their cultural & spiritual contexts. Numerous sources have warned of the dangers of applying Eastern techniques in the West without great care...Transcendental Meditation & even deep relaxation have been noted to have a powerful potential for adverse psychiatric effects in some types of patients...the potential for disruptive psychological & emotional disregulation &/or regression in the wake of Eastern practices from too powerful an encounter with the self. In such cases it appears that the power of Eastern techniques overwhelms the self-structure of some psychotherapy patients, precipitating what are known in the literature as psychiatric casualties."

The book has 12 essays of incredibly wide variety with interesting topics: Ragsdale relates "Gestalt Psychology & Mahayana Buddhism" noting a need for context & the nature of synergy; Dudley-Grant addresses "Buddhism, Psychology, & Addiction Theory" noting commonalities of Buddhism & various psychologies-even behavioral modification; Young-Eisendrath decries "Biobabble" saying "Science is the spiritual adventure of our age & we have to engage its methods in order to bring validity to our pursuits" without overemphasis on biological explanations for human behavior; Khong, describes Daseinsanalysis & Buddhism; Dockett argues for Buddhists pushing social change (somewhat propagandistic toward Nicheren Buddhism; Jason & Moritsugu describe 3 community psychology models; Yamamoto describes the 8 consciousness levels of the Consciousness-Only/Yogacara School & relates them to Jungian theory. IMHO while Nicheren Buddhism has been underrepresented in many Buddhist anthologies, several essays are propagandistic/doctrinaire, lacking critical analysis & discriminating wisdom. Some arguments don't support conclusions (i.e. are invalid)-e.g. ancient Buddhist animism doesn't prove the equality of inanimate, vegetative, animal, & human entities. A potential is not the same as an actuality. Interestingly, there are Buddhist arguments that could be used to justify such an equality (at a high level of abstraction), but they are from other Buddhist traditions. Also, exceptions to the contrary, IMHO Buddhist social activism is a modern Western-oriented phenomenon, a valid contribution to Buddhism-mostly ignored in this book. In addition, the book seems politically far left rather than scientifically neutral, with an appearance of Buddhists applying religion to psychology & something of an apologetic. In short, there is some good information on unusual topics but a dearth of knowledge or wisdom herein.

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