Application of Buddhist Mindfulness Principles in the Contemporary Mental Health System

การประยุกต์หลักสติ (Mindfulness) ตามแนวพุทธศาสนาในระบบสุขภาพจิตร่วมสมัย

Authors

  • Somchai Suansrithong Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900

Keywords:

Mindfulness, Wisdom, Buddhist Principles, Human Psychology, Life Development

Abstract

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.

References

Saipetch, V. (2023). Buddhist mental health: Integration of Buddhist principles with contemporary mental health care. Journal of Applied Humanities Studies, 1(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.65680/jahs.v1i1.6639

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delacorte Press.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg016

Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. Guilford Press.

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. Guilford Press.

Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25.

Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., Ridgeway, V. A., Soulsby, J. M., & Lau, M. A. (2000). Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(4), 615–623.

World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. WHO Press.

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (1996). Tipitaka in Thai: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya edition [พระไตรปิฎกภาษาไทย ฉบับมหาจุฬาลงกรณราชวิทยาลัย]. Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Press.

Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P. A. Payutto). (2003). Buddhadhamma (expanded edition) [พุทธธรรม ฉบับปรับขยาย]. Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.

Department of Mental Health. (2021). Guidelines for mental health care for patients and families: Mindfulness-based therapy in the Thai public health system [แนวทางการดูแลสุขภาพจิตผู้ป่วยและครอบครัว: การบำบัดอิงสติในระบบสาธารณสุขไทย]. Bureau of Mental Health Academic Affairs.

Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Suansrithong, S. . (2025). Application of Buddhist Mindfulness Principles in the Contemporary Mental Health System: การประยุกต์หลักสติ (Mindfulness) ตามแนวพุทธศาสนาในระบบสุขภาพจิตร่วมสมัย. Journal of Human and Life Studies, 1(2), 32–41. retrieved from https://so16.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LS/article/view/3722

Issue

Section

Academic Article