Early Buddhist Teachings

Mindfulness and meditation, practices that are rooted in Buddhism, have become mainstream treatments in counseling and psychotherapy. However, for clients from non-Western backgrounds, dissociating mindfulness practice from the core Buddhist teachings can dilute the transformative power of these practices, causing cultural confusion and lowering the effectiveness of treatment.

This book presents Early Buddhist Teachings as a theoretical orientation for the millions of individuals affiliated with Buddhism to create a culturally congruent counseling model. Using original sources in Pāli, it explores key Buddhist concepts such as dependent co-arising, non-self, impermanence, and others. The authors compare them with Western psychological concepts, furthering dialogue between Buddhism and psychotherapy and fostering powerful integrations.

This volume also shows how to use the Buddhist counseling model through practical assessment scales, sample dialogues, and detailed descriptions of interventions designed for mental health professionals. It is a valuable resource for mental health professionals, scholars, and psychology students seeking to explore the intersection of Buddhism and counseling psychology.

Kin Cheung George Lee is senior lecturer at the Centre of Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong and a licensed psychologist.

Adrian J. Davis is associate professor of education at Macao Polytechnic University and a qualified play therapist and art therapist.

Sabin Maharjan is a research assistant at the Centre of Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong.

“This book draws on the Pāli canon to demonstrate the practical application of early Buddhist teachings in counseling and psychotherapy. It integrates Buddhist principles with Western psychological counseling, addressing a notable gap in contemporary counseling approaches and offering a valuable interdisciplinary resource.”

—Henry C.H. Shiu, Shi Wu De Professor in Chinese Buddhist Studies, Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

“This seminal work masterfully bridges the timeless wisdom of the Buddha with the pressing needs of modern mental health care. The book’s dialogue with Western psychology enriches therapeutic practice and honors the cultural roots of millions connected to Buddhism. A vital resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate authentic Dharma principles into healing. Truly, a significant step toward establishing Buddhist counseling as a credible and recognized treatment model for alleviating suffering in today’s fragmented world.”

—Ven. Sik Hin Hung, The University of Hong Kong