Revisiting and re-envisioning mindfulness: Buddhist and contemporary perspectives.

Khong, Belinda Siew Luan

doi:10.1037/hum0000238

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…9; see also Helminiak, 2008). One contemporary example of the sequestering of the transcendent in clinical psychology is the use of mindfulness techniques in psychotherapy divorced from the original philosophical and ethical grounding of those Buddhist practices in subtle realities (i.e., the dharma or order that makes life and universe possible; Khong & Segall, 2021; Lomas, 2017). The important issue is not that such clinical pragmatism occurs but whether the assumptions on which that practice rest are explicitly acknowledged and their theoretical implications and practical consequences critically evaluated or remain implicit and hidden (Slife & Williams, 1995).…”

Section: Metaphysics and Scientific Realismmentioning

confidence: 99%

An empirically controlled metaphysics in a science of spirituality—Is something real happening?

Cunningham¹

2023

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology

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The purpose of this article is to explore issues bearing on the question of the ontological reality of a certain category of exceptional human experiences. After briefly discussing the problem of metaphysics in a science of spirituality, I examine the supernatural nature of the natural and explain why normal science is not prohibited from evaluating supernatural claims. I then discuss how personal experience as a type of knowledge serves a heuristic function in the testing of metaphysical hypotheses by pointing out directions in which explanatory scientific theories might be found. I propose the construct of multidimensional reality as a solution to the problem of religious pluralism and explain why a state-specific science approach is appropriate for the development of an empirically (experientially) controlled metaphysics that takes experience in various states of consciousness as its empirical starting point. I conclude by discussing the function of metaphysical hypotheses in science and psychology and why the scientific realism of naturalistic inquiry may be the best approach to a viable and authentic science of spirituality.

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Section: Metaphysics and Scientific Realismmentioning

confidence: 99%

An empirically controlled metaphysics in a science of spirituality—Is something real happening?

Cunningham¹

2023

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology

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“…There is value in leveraging mixed methods design (Huynh et al, 2019) to unravel the essence, capture the intricacies of meditative experiences, and investigate the unique contribution of sustained practice or intensive retreat practice vis-à-vis daily short-duration practice (Ferrarelli et al, 2013). This will address the dearth of such studies on Indian meditation practices and reflect their distinctiveness, given the recent trend towards commoditization and commercialization of meditation practices in the West (Khong, 2021), thereby making the proclamation by Swami Vivekananda a reality for the greater good.…”

Section: Limitations and Future Directionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, the need of the hour is not to be myopic to reduce or eliminate specific symptoms of mental disorders but instead focus on examining and disseminating the holistic benefits of universal practices -from well-being to lasting happiness to character strengths, that are more relevant to humanity than ever before. A case in point is the commoditization and commercialization of decontextualized mindfulness practices, often being looked upon like a pill or a shortcut (Khong, 2021). The roots of modern-day mindfulness based interventions like MBSR can be traced to Vipassana and Zen meditation, which are based on Buddha's teachings that originated nearly 2600 years ago.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Vipassana, Raja Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Well-being and Character strengths

Mahindroo¹,

Srivastava²,

Vidya³

2022

purushartha

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The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages using evidence-based traditional yoga and meditation practices for the promotion of mental health and well-being. This study intends to examine the influence of three Indian meditation practices, i.e., Vipassana mindfulness meditation, Raja Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, by employing a cross-sectional design. 168 healthy adults - 84 meditators (n=28 for each practice) and 84 non-meditators – had voluntarily participated. Meditators reported significantly higher subjective well-being (satisfaction with life, positive affect), psychological well-being (flourishing), presence of meaning in life, and character strengths (hope, gratitude, curiosity, zest and love), and significantly lower negative affect as compared to non-meditators. The medium to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d: .572 to .955), except for zest, were marked with a significant association (r: |.245 to .487|, p <.05) with the duration pof meditation, thereby signifying enhanced benefits of sustained practice. 60.2% of the variance in flourishing was explained by satisfaction in life, positive affect, hope, gratitude and presence of meaning. These evidence-based universal practices accessible across the globe and acceptable to people of all ages and backgrounds are worthy targets of rigorous research, adoption at the workplace and widespread dissemination to further SDG 3 – ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

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“…In a recent publication, Belinda Khong11 usefully warned against the commodification of mindfulness, as well as the risks of teaching mindfulness as an isolated practice without integrating other important aspects of Buddhist teachings (Dhamma), such as generosity, gratitude, respect, compassion, and ethics. These teachings need not be embedded in a religious framework, just as mindfulness is taught in a variety of secular contexts.…”

Section: Mindfulness and Broader Buddhist Teachingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Harnessing the Synergy Between Mindfulness and Psychotherapy

Churchill

2022

Journal of Psychiatric Practice

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This column explores mindfulness as one part of Buddhist teaching and practice that has attracted attention in the treatment of mental and substance use disorders. Cognitive neuroscientific correlates of mindfulness are presented. Mindfulness is offered as a potentially valuable technique that can not only help patients in individual psychotherapies endure the painful emotions that are part of psychotherapy sessions and of managing life between sessions but also help patients and clinicians across modalities move beyond adherence to particular techniques that focus primarily on symptom reduction, to better meet patient needs and improve treatment outcomes. This column explores elements of a mindfulness coping skills group used in a residential treatment setting that emphasizes intensive individual psychotherapy in a psychodynamic system of care.

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Revisiting and re-envisioning mindfulness: Buddhist and contemporary perspectives.

Abstract: This article is an introduction to the special issue "Revisiting and Re-Envisioning Mindfulness: Buddhist and Contemporary Perspectives." Please see the Table of Contents here: https://psycnet.apa.org/ journals/hum/49/1.

Cited by 10 publications

References 21 publications

An empirically controlled metaphysics in a science of spirituality—Is something real happening?

An empirically controlled metaphysics in a science of spirituality—Is something real happening?

Influence of Vipassana, Raja Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Well-being and Character strengths

Harnessing the Synergy Between Mindfulness and Psychotherapy

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