Application of Buddhist Mindfulness Principles in the Contemporary Mental Health System
การประยุกต์หลักสติ (Mindfulness) ตามแนวพุทธศาสนาในระบบสุขภาพจิตร่วมสมัย
Keywords:
Mindfulness, Wisdom, Buddhist Principles, Human Psychology, Life DevelopmentAbstract
This academic article aims to examine and analyze the application of Buddhist mindfulness (Sati) principles within the contemporary mental health system. Employing a qualitative research methodology through documentary analysis of the Tripitaka, commentaries, and related academic works both domestically and internationally, the study finds that Buddhist mindfulness, rooted in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana) — namely Kayanupassana, Vedananupassana, Cittanupassana, and Dhammanupassana — constitutes a foundational pillar for modern psychological therapy. Additional Buddhist teachings, including the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhana), the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca), the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariyamagga), and the Four Brahmaviharas, are found to be directly relevant to mental health care across multiple dimensions.
Key applications include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), all of which draw direct inspiration from Buddhist teachings. The integration of Buddhist knowledge and modern psychology demonstrates high compatibility across therapeutic, preventive, and holistic mental health promotion dimensions. Implementation in Thai educational institutions, public health systems, and community programs reveals the genuine potential of Buddhist wisdom in addressing stress and mental health challenges in the contemporary world in a concrete and culturally meaningful manner.
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