Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description: This chapter of the book Psychology and Buddhism: From Individual to Global Community proposes a synthesis between Buddhist values and "community psychology," a field of psychology that began in the 1960s in an attempt to seek out solutions to community and social problems. Both the Buddhist tradition and community psychology, the authors note, have assisted in transforming the world, one based on internal or spiritual guidance and the other from an external and action-oriented approach. The authors overview the basic characteristics of these traditions and offer ways in which they might be integrated for the sake of helping contribute to social change and community. Many social interventions and theoretical frameworks for attending to community problems have not looked to religious philosophy and mythology. Specifically, Buddhist values could help provide the inspiration and foundation for the development of interventions "that address the structural issues that are predisposing so many contemporary citizens to a sense of isolation and alienation." The authors suggest getting back in touch with the wisdom traditions and their communal mythologies can assist in helping individuals feel connected with their larger community. (Zach Rowinski 2005-01-09)