Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description: This chapter from the collected volume Psychology and Buddhism: From Individual to Global Community looks at the interface between Buddhism and psychology with respect to self-control and addiction. The author looks at the commonalities and differences found between Buddhism, psychoanalysis, and behaviorism and then outlines Buddhist (especially Nichiren Buddhist) and psychological theories of addiction. In general, spiritual or religious practice has been found to be effective in the long-term recovery from addiction, though often this spirituality is informed by a Judeo-Christian perspective. The Buddhist tradition offers an additional mode of spirituality which may assist individuals in the path of recovery from addiction, as well as provide direction for transcending psychopathology altogether for higher, more enlightened states of being. (Zach Rowinski 2005-01-09)