chaos. Buddhism belongs to the field of religious-philosophical meaning systems,
whereas psychotherapy belongs to the field of psychological-medical treatment of
distressing symptoms.
A religious or philosophical meaning system helps people give meaning to the different
experiences they go through during their lives. At its most fundamental level, a
meaning system deals with questions like: Why am I here? Where do I come from?
What is life for? What is good? What is evil? How do I live a good life? Why do I
have to die?^3 A religious or philosophical meaning system gives perspectives on the
fundamental questions of human existence. These perspectives are not only (and not
in the first place) presented on an intellectual level but also, and even more
importantly, on an experiential and practical level. They teach people not only how
to see but also how to live life properly.
One of the problems of the contemporary era is that there is no longer any religious
meaning system that is commonly accepted. More than ever, people have to find their
own way in dealing with the fundamental questions of life and death. On the one
hand, this is an inspiring situation which opens up new possibilities—thus, for
example, many people in the West feel inspired by traditionally Eastern answers to
fundamental questions. On the other hand, in many cases it is too immense a task
for an individual to perform. People are dependent upon others in giving meaning
to their lives. We do not create meaning by ourselves but commit ourselves to a
meaning system which is presented by a surrounding community or a tradition (Van
Baal 1981). In modern society many complain of the lack of meaning that they
experience, resulting in feelings like alienation, fear, isolation, lack of moral guiding
principles, and increase in violence.^4
Psychotherapy belongs to the field of psychological-medical treatment. It is a
relatively young branch of scientific research and the application of this research to
human illness. Psychotherapy is the systematic use of human relationships for the
therapeutic purposes of alleviating emotional distress by effecting enduring changes
in a patient’s thinking, feeling, and behavior. ‘Psychotherapy’ is a general term
covering the entire spectrum of psychological treatment methods. Although there are
many different types of psychotherapy, the mutual engagement of the patient and
the psychotherapist both cognitively and emotionally is the foundation for effective
psychotherapy (Strupp 1986).
If we compare the description of a religious-philosophical meaning system and
psychotherapy we can already see a striking difference. The starting point of a religious
meaning system is the fundamental questions of life and death. The starting point of
psychotherapy is psychological distress which hinders an individual or a relational
system from functioning well in social or personal life. A second difference is also
apparent. Psychotherapy, as a result of modern scientific development, is bound to
live up to scientific standards (basing its methods on evidence). The results should
be in accordance with an objective standard. Religious meaning systems are not
products of scientific research. Although some insights of religions and science do
converge, it is not necessarily expected that they will or must converge.
184 CHRISTA W.ANBEEK AND PETER A.DE GROOT