Buddhist Psychology: Mindfulness and Other-Centred Approach

The last few decades have seen the establishment of mindfulness as an approach within many branches of therapy and mental health provision. As such it is used in a variety of ways, mostly focused on here and now awareness and calming techniques. In this, it draws directly on some of the Buddhist teachings and methods used in meditation in various Buddhist traditions. These connections to the Buddhist tradition are not always acknowledged, however, despite Jon Kabat-Zinn's own Buddhist roots, and it is not always clear in secular mindfulness contexts that the teachings go well beyond this simple awareness. The roots of mindfulness are found in many Buddhist texts and particularly the Satipatthana Sutta, the Sutta on the Foundations of Mindfulness (Majjhima Nikaya 10 and Digha Nikaya 22). In this session we will look at mindfulness in both its commonly used form as awareness and embodied experiencing, but will also look at other important material which is found in the Satipatthana and we will discuss different ways in which these ideas might influence our thinking in therapeutic contexts, and how it can be related to Other-Centred theory.

Although this event is part of the Ten Directions training course for ecotherapy practitioners, anybody can book and take part in this public online event. If you are interested, please do buy a ticket.

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.