Inter-projection Involved in between Buddhism and Psychology

Abstract

This paper proposes an interprojection model as a unified interface between psychology and Buddhism. The model aims to consolidate some essential concepts in Buddhism, as well as to extend and deepen the modern discipline of psychology. From the perspective of Buddhism, empirical methodology in psychology could be used to instruct about the deeper mysteries of Buddhism, help Buddhist philosophy become more objective and less metaphysical, thus offering an easier access to the general public. From the perspectives of psychology on the other hand, the precepts of Buddhism could help develop a deeper understanding of human experience, thus opening a path for psychology to explore the potential for personal transformation and finding existential meaning. This inter-projection model explains the mirror-like projection between human consciousness and external environment, from which we may obtain fresh insight from points of overlap between Buddhism and psychology. For one example, while Gestalt psychology explores relationships among various environmental stimuli at the given moment, Buddhist spiritual teachings seek to perpetuate the ultimate transcendence through increasing mindfulness on everything in the universe without time constraints. For another, according to Carl Rogers’ client-centered therapy, the therapist is, as suggested by Buddhism, required to foster his own skills on mindfulness other than demonstrating unconditional regard, genuineness, and empathetic understanding to clients, and eventually achieve self-transformation, and feel at ease in various adversities, like lotus growing from dirty muds.