Psychoanalytic and Buddhist History and Theory

Abstract

Buddhism arose in the sixth century B.C. in India. This epoch was a watershed in the intellectual and spiritual development of the world. The Greek rationalist philosophers, the Jewish prophets, Confucius in China, and Buddha in India all illuminated human history during this time. From all accounts, the India of Buddha's time was in transition and ferment. Buddhism presented a fundamental and plausible refutation of the estates theory. Success and fate are the result of good deeds. The good deeds of the poor will garner their just desserts in the next life, while those who abuse power will be punished. Whether one was destitute or favorably endowed by birth, successful in business or defeated in battle, this theory could explain it. This offered Indians a release from the squalid exigencies of daily existence. This chapter provides a review of psychoanalytic and Buddhist theory and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (chapter)