Multi-dimensional book on Buddhist psychology

An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology and Counselling:
Pathways of Mindfulness-Based Counselling,
Author: Prof.Padmasiri de Silva

Reviewed by Vineetha Wijeratna

An introduction to Buddhist Psychology and Counselling released by Palgrave Macmillan is the best introduction to Buddhist psychology and counselling now available. Part I gives a comprehensive coverage of Buddhist psychology and the current revolution in cognitive sciences and affective neuroscience, concepts of mind, motivation, emotions, perception, body-mind relation, personality, issues of mental health and well-being and a fascinating study of mindfulness-based contemplative education.

Part II introduces the use of mindfulness techniques in therapy followed by chapters on stress management, grief counselling, alcoholic addiction and new perspectives on the “loss of sadness” and the medicalising of “depression” and an insightful analysis of boredom. Prof. de Silva’ speciality is the study of emotions and a very rewarding chapter on anger management: all these studies in emotions and counselling are related to his innovative use of mindfulness-based emotion focussed therapy (EFT).

In fact a sub-heading that the publisher uses to describe this work is “the emotional rhythms of life”. The chapter on the emotions of pride and conceit is more philosophical and the last chapter on lifestyles of greed and acquisition and that of giving and sharing, is focused on the culture of generosity and positive emotions.

Having briefly discussed the contents of the book, it is necessary to add that the most rewarding nature of this work is that it blends one of the specialities of Palgrave-Macmillan in publishing the ideal text book for courses and the interest of the general reader in the emotional rhythms of our lives.

Thirdly, there is a large literature on mindfulness therapies, some of which have helped people in distress with depression, anxiety and problems rooted in traumas, as well as physical pain. But it necessary to have solid research based psychology based on the sermons of the Buddha.

It is also necessary to have practitioners of therapy rooted in authentic meditation practice – though they may not be liberation oriented, and may not even call themselves ‘Buddhists'.

The present work acknowledges the pioneering contributions of Jon Kabat-Zinn. Though he does not describe himself as a Buddhist, his contributions are greatly valued today by therapists and clients. Padmasiri de Silva's work strikes a praiseworthy balance in appreciating such work, while studying closely the sermons and following the authentic (liberation oriented practices).

In fact the book is dedicated to the renowned forest monk, Ven. Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thera, and the author has followed him as a guru for over seven years. As a therapist, Padmasiri de Silva worked with many clients who were not-Buddhists but contextualised Buddhists insights depending on the background and personality of the person and there were clients who after counselling found more strength in their own faith.

The praiseworthy skill Prof. de Silva displayed in counselling is clearly seen in Chapter 11 on contemplative education. A revised version on contemplative education in the classroom was presented by Padmasiri de Silva at a recent conference Vietnam.

Thus the work has many dimensions of interest for the general reader.

The writer is President, Mihindu Children's Foundation.