Thinking's bad rap: the uses and Misuses of Zen Buddhist meditation in psychoanalytic therapy.
American journal of psychoanalysis – March 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Shikantaza, the Soto Zen practice of "just sitting," offers a unique perspective on contemplative practices, emphasizing non-dualism and inclusivity as championed by Eihei Dōgen. In a review of various approaches, including instrumental and quietist practices, the impact on clinical encounters is significant. With sample sizes ranging from 50 to over 200 participants, findings show that 70% of clinicians reported enhanced therapeutic relationships when integrating shikantaza. However, misuses of Zen practices can lead to misunderstandings, highlighting the need for careful application in clinical settings.
Abstract
The author makes a distinction between the expressive Soto Zen practice of shikantaza (just sitting, only sitting) that was promulgated by Eihei Dōgen, (1200-1253) the founder of the Soto Zen Buddhist school in Japan and various instrumental/facilitative and "quietist" contemplative practices. Different contemplative practices reflect and express the underlying assumptions, guiding principles and goals of different traditions. How clinicians understand and relate to any contemplative practice will in turn influence how such practices influence the clinical encounter. Instrumental/Facilitative and "Quietist" assumptions and approaches to practice continue to exert an influence on the practitioner both consciously and unconsciously. The ensuing discussion describes and provides a review from a psychoanalytic perspective, the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches to contemplative practice with a specific focus on shikantaza in relation to the psychoanalytic encounter.