Sakshi and Dhyana: the origin of mindfulness-based therapies

Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) have shown promising results in non-psychotic disorders. Unlike most other psychotherapy models, which are claimed to be Western in origin, MBTs are firmly based in Indian philosophy and traditions. This paper summarises the concepts of the observer self (sakshi) a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Swaran P. Singh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2023-04-01
Series:BJPsych Bulletin
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056469422000390/type/journal_article
Description
Summary:Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) have shown promising results in non-psychotic disorders. Unlike most other psychotherapy models, which are claimed to be Western in origin, MBTs are firmly based in Indian philosophy and traditions. This paper summarises the concepts of the observer self (sakshi) and attention (dhyana) that underlie the principles and practice of MBT, correcting some erroneous assumptions in the process. It is argued that better understanding of these concepts is beneficial not just for specialist psychotherapists, but for all clinicians interested in the craft of healing.
ISSN:2056-4694
2056-4708