Buddha as a Therapist | A Talk for the Novices @BMV by Bhante Dr. Gangodawila Chandima (December 19, 2023)

 

1. What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an approach for treating mental health issues by talking with a psychologist, psychiatrist or another mental health provider. It also is known as talk therapy, counseling, psychosocial therapy or, simply, therapy.  (Mayo Clinic)

* PLT (Past Life Therapy) 

2. The entire Buddha's teaching is a form of therapy. (Noble Eightfold Path)

-Can we consider the Buddha to be the greatest psychologist? 

-Can we consider the Buddha to be the greatest physician (therapist) of all time? 

-What is the disorder/disease that the Buddha identified and taught us about?

-What is the therapy for that disorder/illness?

- What are the techniques for healing that can be used?

- Why is it necessary to cure ourselves of that ailment or disorder?

3. Primary Suttas for Understanding the Therapeutic Nature of Buddhist Teachings

- Dhammacakkpppavattna Sutta (SN 56.11)

- Saccavibhaṅga Sutta (MN 141)

- Sallekha Sutta (MN 8) 

(4 ways to practice therapy) Here, Sllekha means cutting the defilements".

- Roga Sutta (AN.4.157)

- Cūḷamālukya Sutta (MN 63)

4.The stories depicting the Buddha's therapeutic approaches or methods hold greater significance in the context of imparting dhamma to diverse individuals.

- Kāla (Anāthapiṇḍika's son)
- Kisāgotami
- Aṅgulimāla
- Paṭacārā

- Cūḷapanthaka
- Devadatta
- Akkosaka Bhāradvāja
- Maṭṭhakuṇḍali
- Khemā
- Bāhiya Dārucīriya
-Āḷavaka