THE EMANCIPATION FROM SUFFERING IN MAHAYANA BUDDHISM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR CONTEMPORARY MENTAL HEALTH

Authors

  • Beng Keong, Lim

Abstract

Human beings constantly seek meaning and temporary
happiness for themselves. Nevertheless, they live in a
perpetual cycle of universal and subjective suffering,
affecting their general and mental wellness. Scholars in
the humanities continue to pursue questions of meaning
and interpretation of suffering, and in science there is still
no solution for the emancipation of human suffering. This
study will try to show that the concept of Bodhisattva in
Mahayana Buddhism can address the issue of emancipation
of suffering in a meaningful way. Mahayana Buddhism
suggests that suffering comes from the objectification of
the mind, the notion of self, and the discriminatory mind
that arises from dualistic views. Overcoming suffering is
possible by using the type of discipline usually reserved
for the Bodhisattva. This disciple provides a way even in
secular society to emancipate individuals from suffering,
and improve their quality of life and mental well-being.
In conclusion, the study suggests that Bodhisattva practice
can be used in public education as a psychological tool for
self-help and the emancipation of sufferings.

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Published

2021-12-20

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2021): July - December 2021

Section

Articles

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