Buddhism Archives

Buddhism & Psychology: Cognitive Defusion and the End of Proliferation

Eastern Philosophy / Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, Practical Activities / 12 minutes of reading

Cognitive defusion—an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skill—helps us relate to thoughts as thoughts rather than as literal truths. By loosening the grip of inner commentary, we regain room to act in line with our values instead of being pushed around by worry, self-criticism, or rigid rules (Hayes et al., 2006; Hayes, 2011). Buddhist sources anticipate this shift through instructions that de-fuel papañca (mental proliferation) and train a direct, non-appropriative way of knowing: the Satipaṭṭhāna’s steady observation of body, feeling-tone, mind states, and mental qualities (MN 10); the Madhupiṇḍika’s analysis of how contact cascades into proliferation (MN 18); and Bāhiya’s radical cue to remain with “only the seen, only the heard, only the sensed, only the cognized” (Ud 1.10) (Access to Insight, n.d.; Ānandajoti, n.d.; Sujato, n.d.; Thanissaro, 2013). This article explains defusion, maps it to those Buddhist insights, summarizes the modern evidence base, and offers step-by-step practices and a one-week plan to help you integrate the skill in everyday life (Beygi et al., 2023).

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Applying Buddhist Insights to Everyday Life: Practical Steps

Eastern Philosophy / Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, Practical Activities / 11 minutes of reading

Buddhism offers more than abstract philosophy — it is a practical psychology of transformation. Modern practitioners can integrate its principles through simple yet profound applications:

Awareness of impermanence – noticing change without resistance.

Mindful presence – observing emotions and thoughts without judgment.

Right speech and intention – aligning communication with truth and compassion.

Meditative reflection – creating space for insight beyond reactivity.

Compassionate action – transforming personal awakening into service to others.

Each of these practices helps dissolve the habitual patterns of craving, aversion, and ignorance that sustain suffering, replacing them with awareness, balance, and empathy.

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Buddhism: The Psychology of Awakening and the Transformation of Suffering

Eastern Philosophy / Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, Practical Activities, Suffering / 7 minutes of reading

The Buddhist tradition offers a profound psychological framework for understanding human suffering and transformation. Rooted in the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama, known as the Buddha (“the awakened one”), Buddhism emphasizes the mind’s central role in shaping perception and experience (Rahula, 1974). Rather than viewing suffering as an external affliction, Buddhist psychology identifies it as a product of attachment, craving, and delusion — patterns that can be observed and transformed through conscious awareness.
At the heart of Buddhism lie the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which together outline both the diagnosis and cure for human distress (Harvey, 2013). Through mindfulness, meditation, and ethical practice, Buddhism provides a path toward liberation — a process that deeply resonates with modern psychological approaches to self-awareness, emotion regulation, and cognitive restructuring (Kabat-Zinn, 1994; Wallace & Shapiro, 2006).

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Discover the Top 4 Mindfulness Techniques for Improved Well-Being

Eastern Philosophy / Buddhism, Mindfulness, Neuropsychology, perception, Practical Activities / 5 minutes of reading

Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which one can develop through the practice of meditation and through other training. Mindfulness is derived from Sati, a significant element of Buddhist traditions, and based on Zen, Vipassanā, and Tibetan meditation techniques.
Mindfulness practice has been employed to reduce symptoms of depression, to reduce stress, anxiety, and in the treatment of drug addiction. Moreover, research has shown that people who meditate are happier, healthier, and more successful than those who don’t.
In this articles we present the most effective and easy-to-practice mindfulness approaches for everyday life.

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Breaking Down the Preconceptions of Contemporary Mindfulness in Western Societies

Eastern Philosophy / Buddhism, Mindfulness, perception / 5 minutes of reading

Since the 1970s, clinical psychology and psychiatry have developed a number of therapeutic applications based on mindfulness for helping people experiencing a variety of psychological conditions. Mindfulness is derived from the concept of Sati, am important element in Buddhism, merged with influences from Zen, Vipassana and Tibetan practices.
Although the numerous benefits of practicing Mindfulness have been researched and demonstrated, we can still observe a veil of mystery and prejudice surrounding the practice. The truth is, the practice can be stripped of its religious and cultural origin and can be seen as a secular practice that has the potential of improving your psychological well-being and overall productivity.

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The Intersection of Buddhism and Modern Psychology

Eastern Philosophy / Buddhism, evolutionary psychology, perception / 3 minutes of reading

Buddhist thought and philosophy share many overlapping points with present-day western psychology. These include a descriptive phenomenology of mental states, emotions and behaviours as well as theories of perception and unconscious mental factors.
Buddhism incorporates an analysis of human psyche, feelings, cognition, conduct and motivation along with therapeutic practices, everything embed within the greater Buddhist ethical thought and philosophical system, thus colouring its psychological terminology in moral overtones.
Psychotherapists such as Erich Fromm and Marsha Linehan have seen in Buddhist enlightenment experiences the potential for transformation, healing and finding existential meaning.

The Intersection of Buddhism and Modern Psychology Read article

Buddhism & Psychology: Cognitive Defusion and the End of Proliferation

Applying Buddhist Insights to Everyday Life: Practical Steps

Buddhism: The Psychology of Awakening and the Transformation of Suffering

Discover the Top 4 Mindfulness Techniques for Improved Well-Being

Breaking Down the Preconceptions of Contemporary Mindfulness in Western Societies

The Intersection of Buddhism and Modern Psychology

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