Mind Healing: A Buddhist Perspective in Mental Health Care

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to examine the concept of mental healing from the Buddhist perspective, (2) to analyze the integration of Buddhist principles with contemporary mental health care, and (3) to synthesize an integrative Buddhist model of mental healing for mental health care. The research employed a qualitative methodology, using Buddhist philosophy and holistic healing theories as the research framework. The research area focused on documentary studies and related research on Buddhist approaches to mental healing. The target sources comprised 45 academic documents and research articles published between 2018 and 2023, which were selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included: (1) a document analysis form, (2) an expert interview form, and (3) a credibility verification form. Data were analyzed using content analysis and conceptual synthesis, and the findings were presented in descriptive narrative form.

The research results revealed the following. 1) Buddhist mental healing is grounded in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, emphasizing the understanding of the nature of suffering and the liberation from it. 2) The integration of Buddhist principles with mental health care enhances the effectiveness of healing through mindfulness practice, the cultivation of wisdom, and reframing of perspectives. 3) The integrative Buddhist mental healing model consists of five key components: mindfulness (sati), wisdom (paññā), loving-kindness (mettā), concentration (samādhi), and perseverance (viriya). Key contribution / research outcome: The study proposes an integrative Buddhist mental healing model that can be applied to holistic mental health care and serves as a guideline for developing healing innovations aligned with the Thai socio-cultural context