Exploring Buddhism as a ‘Tool’ to Support Well-Being: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Western Adopters’ Experiences
Pastoral Psychology July 14, 2021 Li Laurent, David Sheffield, Fiona Holland 14 citations
Buddhism is an ancient religion and philosophy practiced worldwide, and Western interest in mindfulness has led to a desire to understand Buddhism more fully. This study explored the experiences of Nichiren Buddhists in the United Kingdom who had practiced for at least three years. Through semi-structured interviews analyzed with interpretive phenomenological analysis, three themes emerged: finding meaning in all aspects of life, using Buddhism as a needed tool for managing daily life, and experiencing agency and control over one's destiny. The findings suggest that Buddhist practice may enhance and sustain well-being, indicating a need for further research.