Mindfulness-based interventions: what more can the West learn from Buddhism? A fieldwork study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Buddhist Philosophy
• Mindfulness Studies

Background:

• Mindfulness, originating in Buddhist philosophy, is now widely used in Western psychology.
• Existing research indicates benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify potential areas for integrating traditional Buddhist approaches into contemporary MBIs.
• To explore these integration possibilities from the perspective of individuals with exposure to both mindfulness and Buddhism.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis of data from an online survey (n=42) and semi-structured interviews (n=11).
• Participants were attendees of a 30-day Lam Rim meditation retreat.
• Explored differences between traditional Buddhist and Western psychological mindfulness and potential integration pathways.

Main Results:

• Western mindfulness definitions were perceived as less clear than specific Buddhist understandings.
• Western MBIs often focus narrowly on health and productivity, unlike the broader life philosophy of traditional Buddhism.
• Key Buddhist concepts for integration include impermanence, Buddhist mind science, the Four Noble Truths, emptiness, dependent arising, and compassion.

Conclusions:

• While some concepts like compassion are already secularized, further integration is possible.
• Secularizing deeper Buddhist perspectives, such as Buddhist mind science, can enrich MBIs.
• This integration can promote holistic mental health and well-being within a non-religious framework.