Integration of meditation and cathartic experiences: Mechanisms of emotional release and psychological recovery

Comparing Buddhist sati (mindfulness) with Aristotelian catharsis reveals complementary paths for emotional healing. Sati involves observing negative emotions without suppression, deepening positive states like joy and equanimity. Catharsis purifies emotions through art (tragedy, music), restoring reason and moral judgment. Both combine direct emotional experience with cognitive contemplation, contributing to psychological liberation and maturity. The integrated approach suggests applications in psychotherapy, education, and social communication.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Purpose: By comparing and examining the concepts of sati in the Buddhist tradition and katharsis in Western philosophy, we propose an integrated approach to relieve negative emotions and induce psychological recovery. Object of study: The main object of analysis is the practice of sati in Buddhist scriptures and the theory of catharsis in Aristotle's Poetics and Politics. Method: Through literature analysis, we first examine the theoretical background and emotional perspectives of sati and catharsis, respectively, and compare how emotion, cognition, and morality are linked. Then, based on their similarities and differences, we explore the possibility of combining meditative practice and artistic expression (such as tragedy and music). Result: Sati deepens positive states of mind such as joy and equanimity by observing negative emotions as they are without suppressing them, while catharsis purifies emotions through art to restore reason and moral judgment. Both contribute to psychological liberation and maturity by combining ‘direct experience’ and ‘cognitive contemplation’ of emotions, suggesting that they can ultimately be utilized in various fields such as psychotherapy, education, and social communication.