Buddhism and holistic therapies.

Hi Elen,

Whilst not a buddhist myself, I've been attending buddhist meditation workshops and teachings and have found a great interest in the philosophy of life that they teach.

As a "mind therapist" amongst other things, I have an interest in the way people's minds work and how this effects them in their lives, so understanding the mind and life from different perspectives, such as buddhism, certainly gives me a better insight into the possibilities that people can have and where they are coming from.

I'm a very analytical person (and that's been commented on by other people too), so rather than just learn the techniques of something and doing it because I know it works (which is fine and I know plenty of people get on practicing in that way), I like to gain an understanding for how it works. Whilst that's not always scientifically possible, I'm open to exploring all sorts of avenues to further my understanding, Buddhism being one of those.

From what I have observed, there is a lot of benefit that most people could gain from attending a few meditation workshops and getting an understanding for the philosophies of it. Unfortunately I see some people scared off very quickly because of what is being talked about, which is a shame as they seem to be under the misaprehension that they must follow rigidly what is being taught, rather than just taking things in and accepting what they want to accept. I understand though how difficult it can be to get across the teachings without putting forward new concepts that people may be wary of. That's life I guess.

All Love and Reiki Hugs

Re: Buddhism and Holistic therapies

Hi Giles,
Buddhist tranquility and insight meditations can stand alone as useful for the practitioner without necessarily having an 'ism' attached to them, as can loving kindness meditation.
Simple meditation techniques can also be included in several therapies for the benefit of client relaxation and well being.
As you say you are a 'mind therapist' I wonder if you'd be interested in me directing you to an article by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher about meditation and depression. I gave a copy of this article to my G.P. and he was very inpressed with it, kept it to show it to others and said "This man really knows what he's talking about"....my GP isn't a Buddhist.

Kind wishes,
Elen

Hi Elen,

Yes, please, I'd be interested to read that.

I forgot to mention, apart from doing the meditations in the buddhist workshops, I also do daily mantra based meditations (the same sort of thing as Transcendental Meditation) which I have found very beneficial on a number of fronts, from health to being in the present moment and being mindful of my actions towards others. Of course we all still make mistakes 🙂 but I'm going to stick with it cos it's only doing me good from what I can tell.

All Love and Reiki Hugs

Here's the article for you, Giles.

Kind wishes,

Elen

Hi Elen,

No I'm not any "kind of therapist" but I believe that there is "one taste" and that is liberation.

What is it? Liberation from a view of a concret self, liberation from the view of existence and non-existence... the heart can be set free and this acceptance, this compassion, this joy, unconditionally, can flow like the wind...

This is the source of liberation... and often can bring strenght where there is weakness... and fluidity where there is obstruction. In the tantric models of the subtle body, the winds can flow throught the chanels unobstructed as karmic residues are cleared, so the causes of suffering are burned away with self clinging and projections of real and unreal, good and bad, desirable and undesireable...

Learning "this" is not exclusive to the Buddhist, it is just that the Buddist has a specific means of learning how not to obstruct "this" by leaning not to hold onto ideas of what "is" or "isn't" and by cultivating compassion, loving-kindness, joy and equanimity.

As you do this your awareness of others and their obstructions increases, and you can develop your skill in playing a role as proxy to accept their suffering. Your therapy system is just a vehicle for this, I would say.

Norbu

Hi Norbu,

Ah yes...but liberation for me personally comes gradually with the help of my teacher. ...and of course the path and levels are all part of this.
So, if one practices and one is also a therapist, then one can become far more attuned to the needs of the client. (Which you already mentioned yourself at the end of your post)
I was just curious to know if and how other Buddhist therapists had benefited really.
Kind wishes to you.

Elen

Here's the article for you, Giles.

Kind wishes,

Elen

Thanks Elen (apologies for the delay, I've not been about much)

A very good article which I've now bookmarked. 😉

All Love and Reiki Hugs

Hi ya Elen

In the book "Thai Massage - Sacred Bodywork" by Ananda Apfelbaum, she has many quotes which supports the idea of Buddhism and Therapy:

"The greater a person's heart realization of true Dharma, the greater a doctor he can be, for he will have two-fold Buddha nature aspects of wisdom and compassion, rendering him more capable of understanding the depths of the medical science and serving the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of his patients. - Terry Clifford

"In general, Shakamuni Buddha taught doctrines in accordance with the predispositions and interests of trainees; among these doctrines, the science of medicine is particularly supreme. The reason for this is that, for instance, ordinarily the six prefections of giving, ethics, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom cannot immediately be practiced simultaneously and instead are practiced one by one, but, with medicine, once its essentials have been realised and put into practice, the six prefections are accomplished simultaneously." - Dr. Yeshi Dhonden

Best Wishes

Reiki Pixie

Hi Elen,
What a great post. I am an holistic therapist and only last night did i sit and read about meditation with buddhist principles.
Great link about depression.....!

Rachel

Buddhism and holistic therapies

I'm really happy that the article was helpful!

Kind thoughts and wishes to everyone.

Elen

Hi Elen

Yes, I am a practising Tibetan buddhist and also a reflexology and reiki practitioner. Buddhism was my starting point, and the therapies came out of it, a sort of organic growth. I think the compassion practices are what really contribute, and of course, working with people helps me develop bodhicitta.
Are you a therapist?

Hi Mercy,

I'm qualified in reflexology, colour therapy, crystal therapy, hypnotherapy and stress management. I also used to teach and counsel teenagers with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Yes,I agree that Buddhist practices are a big help when working with others.
Which school of Tibetan Buddhism do you follow?

Elen

Hi Elen

I am Nyingma and also Drukpa Kagyu, how about you? Good to meet you-well virtually.

Good to meet you in cyber space too, Mercy. I'm a practising Karma Kagyu but I love to read Dzogchen material. Some Kagyu teachers hold both Kagyu and Nyingma lineages.

Elen

Yes, there are a few kagyu/nyingma lineage holders around, aren't there. Dzogchen is something else!