Starting pointsIf we look closely at both starting points, a couple of differences come to light.
Nishitani describes how the person sees himself or herself as the center of all things.
The I takes the middle position and experiences itself as most real and without
limitations. It sees itself as independent and a large separation between the person
and the rest of the world exists. This central position of the I is shattered by the
confrontation of death and nihility—by the confrontation with not-I. This
confrontation shakes the whole meaningful world of a person. A great doubt arises
in which fundamntal questions play a role: What is the purpose of life? Where do I
come from?
Linehan describes the starting point of borderline personality disorder in which a
lack of sensed self is experienced. There is no I in the center, no middle out of which
life is organized and no sharp distance between inner and outer world. There is no
central I position and no strong sense of identity. It is this lack of sense of self, this
lack of sense of identity, that is the main source of the problem and creates a great
deal of suffering.
By continuing on the path Nishitani encourages the process of doubt which began
through the shattering of the central position of the I. The person should not try to
go back to the earlier safe position but should pass through this doubt to the very
end. Feelings of despair and alienation do not mean that the person is on the wrong
track. Although a person feels that he or she may disappear, in reality a process of
birth is taking place.
In Linehan’s method we see a different approach. Many techniques are used to try
to develop a kind of stability and a sense of self. Through many exercises the patient
is encouraged to recognize a center, an anchor. The concept of Wise Mind is used to
find this central point. Feelings of competence, self-confidence, being in control, and
being capable of mastering things and situations are encouraged throughout the whole
therapy.
In continuing further along the path, Nishitani emphasizes again and again that the
process of doubt, which is experienced as a crisis, has to be carried through to its very
end—to where great doubt ends in the Great Death. The Great Death represents a
radical transformation, an existential conversion. Here the fundamental questions are
left behind. Existence shows itself as it really is, a coming and going of everything
without any reason. The I is decentered.
In Linehan’s therapeutic path such a point of radical transformation cannot be
found. By steadily practicing the various exercises, the person will gradually learn to
change destructive behavioral patterns and be capable of organizing life and
relationships more adequately and peacefully.
NISHITANI AND DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY 195