Buddhism and psychology

Buddhism and psychology overlap in theory and in practice. Over the last century, four strands of interplay have evolved: Descriptive phenomenology: Western and Buddhist scholars have found in Buddhist teachings a detailed introspective phenomenological psychology (particularly in the Abhidhamma). Psychotherapeutic meaning: Humanistic psychotherapists have found in Buddhism's non-dualistic approach and enlightenment experiences (such as in Zen kensho) the potential for transformation, healing and finding existential meaning. A theory explaining this connection by introducing the process of initiation was published in 1993. Clinical utility: Contemporary mental-health practitioners increasingly find ancient Buddhist practices (such as the development of mindfulness) of empirically proven therapeutic value. Popular psychology and spirituality: Psychology has been popularized, and has become blended with spirituality to form modern spirituality. Buddhist notions form an important ingredient of this modern blend.↑