Mindfulness and Modern Mindfulness: Considering Buddhist Communities and Personal Salvation from Depression
Religions May 27, 2022 Brian D. Somers 1 citation
Modern mindfulness-based programs often adopt an individualistic, self-help perspective that may undermine their effectiveness for treating depression, which is partly caused by isolation. Buddhist mindfulness emphasizes interdependent origination (緣起) and community (the sangha as one of the three jewels), defining salvation as the liberation of all beings from suffering. This thesis argues that mindfulness practices framed as a personal, goal-oriented project risk isolating practitioners, especially those already secluded in a private world of self-improvement. A Buddhist interpretation that highlights interdependence and community is therefore desirable for addressing depression.