Close Encounters of a New Kind: Toward an Integration of Psychoanalysis and Buddhism
Author(s)
Rubin, Jeffrey B.
Abstract
The paper suggests that although psychoanalysis and Buddhism offer fertile possibilities for cross-pollination, mutual enrichment has been impeded by the restrictive perspective of previous studies, which have tended to adopt either a Eurocentric or an Orientocentric perspective. It is contended that we need a close encounter of a new kind between psychoanalysis and the Eastern meditative traditions beyond Eurocentrism and Orientocentrism. This paper examines psychoanalysis and Buddhism along 3 dimensions: (1) their view of reality and model of ideal health, (2) their view of self, and (3) their conception of the process designed to reach its stated goals that includes a theory of the obstacles to the process. It is stated that neither psychoanalysis nor Buddhism provides a complete picture of human nature, transformation, and liberation. Both traditions could be enriched if their respective insights were integrated into a more inclusive and encompassing perspective.
