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BUDDHISM AND PSYCHOTHERAPY IN
THE WEST
Nishitani and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Christa W.Anbeek and Peter A.de Groot
The question with which this paper deals is as follows: How can we compare different
world views which originate in different contexts? Our reason for trying to clarify this
question is the growing amount of literature in which Buddhism and psychotherapy
are placed alongside each other. In these studies different contexts and historical
backgrounds are not always or only superficially taken into consideration. This results
in unclear treatments. Terms and concepts from originally very different backgrounds
and meanings are taken as referring to similar phenomena, without making clear if
(and how) they do refer to the same matter.^1 In this paper we focus especially on
differences between Buddhism and psychotherapy or, more generally, religion and
psychotherapy. Once the difference has been made clear, we will discuss which
similarities exist and on which points we can work towards fruitful integration.
We will start by giving some definitions. Then we will introduce the metaphor of
‘path’ as a helpful metaphor in comparing Buddhism and psychotherapy. Next, we
will show how this metaphor of ‘a pathway’ is very effective in analyzing and clarifying
the Buddhist path as found in the work of the Kyoto School philosopher Nishitani
(1900–91). Nishitani throws light on the modern human condition by means of
insights from Zen Buddhism. He is convinced that in this way a source can be
indicated that might be of crucial importance to finding new meaning within modern
life. Nishitani can be seen as a modern voice that tries to reformulate Buddhist wisdom
about the meaning of human life.
Next we will use the metaphor of ‘path’ to analyze the therapeutic path of dialectical
behavior developed by Marsha Linehan. This therapy is a result of an integration of
her expertise in behavioral therapy and her experience as a Zen student. Buddhist
mindfulness exercises are used as techniques in this form of therapy. Thus, parts of
the Buddhist path are integrated into this therapeutic path.^2 Finally, we will try to
show differences and similarities between a Buddhist path and a psychotherapeutic
path and draw some conclusions.
Some definitionsWe will now provide some definitions and thus try to clarify our subject of research.
Our first thesis is that Buddhism and psychotherapy are representative of two systems
of a different order; if we do not realize this, all comparisons will end up in a confusing