Mental Suffering: Buddhism, a Post Modernist Western View, and the Mutual “Path to Happiness”

Abstract

In this article are compared the underpinning beliefs, ideas, and practices between Tibetan Buddhist philosophies, with Western understandings about mental suffering in living, and the nature of contextual issues that structure the recovery from such suffering. On the basis of this undertaking, in the study were explored the similarities and relationships of the Buddhist belief that it is possible to end the suffering in life, and then venture on “the path to happiness”, compared with a Western, post-modern narrative informed approach to psychotherapy for persons in relationship with mental suffering. The analysis of the historic and current belief systems has indicated similar philosophical and practical positioned relationships between Tibetan Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths, and current Western understandings of mental suffering, and a narrative informed approach to psychotherapy. These comparative constructs, that span many centuries, should provide supportive insights and considerations to current understanding of causes, and the nature of human responses to living experiences that initiate and maintain mental suffering. In addition, they should also promote confidence for discerning perceptions and support for person’s to deal effectively with phenomena resulting in mental suffering, with a narrative informed approach to psychotherapy.