마음챙김(Mindfulness) 기반 치유문화의 비판적 고찰

Abstract

Currently, the phenomenon that is attracting the most attention in the field of Korean Buddhism can be said to be a healing culture based on mindfulness.
 Inspired by the active application and use of mindfulness in Western psychology and psychiatry, the Buddhist community is almost uncritically accepting and popularizing various Western mind-body healing programs based on mindfulness. Furthermore, the Buddhist community shows great interest in research and program development that combines traditional Buddhist practice and healing.
 Jon Kabat-Zinn (1944~) created and successfully popularized MBSR (Mindfulness Based on Stress Reduction), a healing program to reduce stress in patients with chronic diseases or pain. Currently, MBSR is gaining popularity around the world, and is being actively used in psychological counseling and treatment in Korea as well, especially in the psychology community. Even the K-MBSR program has been developed and is being distributed. However, in the process of spreading MBSR in the West, there is positive evaluation that it is an expedient (upāya) use of Dharma, while negative criticism that it is a transformation and distortion of Buddhist practice and spiritual commercialization in neoliberal society is also significant.
 Accordingly, focusing on MBSR, which can be said to be the origin of mindfulness-based programs, we would like to critically examine the meaning of mindfulness, its correlation with sati of Vipassanā, a traditional Buddhist practice, and the phenomenon of mindfulness as a healing culture.
 The encounter between Eastern and Western cultures is having a lasting impact on Korean Buddhist practice. So far, Korean Buddhism has been dominated by a Zen-centered, masculine, elitist, monastic, and authoritarian ethos. In the era of spirituality in the 21st century, healing culture is emerging as an alternative as there is a need to remodel Buddhism into a feminine, accepting, empathetic, popular, and democratic Buddhism. However, as risk factors are detected, if we recognize the importance of not only internal and personal mindfulness, but also external and social participation mindfulness, and respond in a timely manner, we can realize the fundamental purpose of Buddhism, which is achieving success, leaving suffering, and gaining joy. I look forward to opening a new chapter.