The purpose of this paper 

Research and information presented in this study is an effort to meet the urgent need for an effective Buddhist psychotherapy. A review of historical and contemporary psychotherapies revealed the need for a thorough knowledge of modern psychology and modern psychotherapy, as well as an adequate knowledge of Buddhist psychology and philosophy, before one can arrive at an appropriate psychotherapeutic technique founded on the teachings of the Buddha. It is also essential, for psychotherapists who contemplate using Buddhist psychotherapy on their clients, to find out how this knowledge can be successfully utilised in every day psychotherapeutic practice. There appears to be a lack of such systematic Buddhist psychotherapy at the present time. 


Buddhist principles relevant to psychotherapy can be mainly considered under the Fourfold Sublime Reality(3), and specifically the Sublime Eightfold Way,(4) on which all Buddhist psychotherapeutic techniques have to be based. The Sublime Eightfold Way deals with the cognitive, affective and the motor phases of the reaction of an organism to sensory stimulation, and is therefore a broad based approach to psychotherapy. A unique contribution of the present research is the proposal that when the first step in the Sublime Eightfold Way, which is the Harmonious Perspective,(5) is well established in a client, then the other seven steps: Harmonious-orientation, speech, action, life-style, exercise, attention, and equilibrium will automatically follow, accompanied by a complete personal transformation to a healthy, mature, and happy personality. Conversely, according to the Buddha, all psychological disorders stem from the disharmonious perspective, which is the unhealthy way one sees himself/herself in relation to the world. The Harmonious Perspective is discussed in detail to provide potential therapists with the necessary knowledge to deal with the variety of psychological disorders that they will encounter in practice. The relationships between Freudian and other psychological concepts are also examined in relation to Buddhism, to show both similarities as well as variances. 


Application of the above knowledge base with a view to transform the personality is the primary goal of Buddhist psychotherapy. This holistic approach contrasts with the common symptomatic treatment in conventional practice. However, Buddhist psychotherapy is similar to conventional psychotherapies in that the client is assigned the major role in the healing process, while the therapist plays a facilitative role. The methods proposed do not involve converting clients to Buddhism. Our sincere aim is only to help clients, who probably are mainly Buddhists or free thinkers, to view their problem from a healthy perspective. Specific case studies provide examples for practitioners who may wish to apply the knowledge base presented. 
The first section of this paper presents detailed information on the theoretical background that would be useful to psychotherapists. In the second section application of this knowledge base in dealing with actual clients is presented.








(3) Commonly translated as, “The Four Noble Truths.” 

(4) Commonly translated as, “The Noble Eightfold Path.” 

(5) This uncommon translation of the eight steps in the eightfold way is an effort to facilitate comprehension.