Buddhist Psychology: Conditioned Mind and the Creation of Identity

Buddhist Psychology series: Conditioned Mind and the Creation of Identity

The Four Noble Truths offer us a road map for the basic principles which underlie the Buddhist understanding of mind processes. Other core teachings expand this understanding these processes and particularly those which are explained in the teaching of the second Noble Truth of 'arising'. These explain the ways in which our senses lead the process of avoidance by getting caught by things which fit into our personal stories and patterns of avoidance. These are repeated, creating a semblance of continuity in the psyche and a protective bubble of familiarity in which we are mostly able to operate. As we come to identify with certain behaviours and preoccupations, we reinforce a sense of self which is both a protection against life's uncertainties and a barrier to those experiences which do not fit with its associated world view. The self is seen in Buddhism as a conditioned phenomenon, based upon many factors including history, present circumstances and accidents of birth, but particularly on the circular processes of becoming represented in teachings such as the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination and the Skandhas. In this session we will look at these teachings and the way that they explain our attraction to familiarity in all its forms. We will explore the conditioned nature of the self and ways in which the question of identity can be creatively addressed in therapy work.

Part of the Buddhist Psychology series. Sessions can be booked standalone so don't worry if you missed previous sessions.

About Caroline Brazier: Author of seven books on Buddhism, psychotherapy and ecotherapy and many chapters, papers and articles. Caroline has taught Buddhist psychology, ecotherapy and psychotherapy for more than thirty years, latterly through the Tariki training programmes. Alongside this, she has worked as a therapist and supervisor; work which continues now that she is semi-retired. She has also worked in a number of community settings over the years including community education, women's health projects, community arts and running residential retreats. A Buddhist for many years with experience in a number of traditions, Caroline took Tokudo ordination in the Jodo Shinshu school in 2018. She is also a mother and grandmother and enjoys plenty of family time.