Annotated Bibliography of Buddhist Psychology

Nitis, Tommy. (1989). Ego differentiation: Eastern and Western perspectives. American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 49(4), 339-346.

This article compares Eastern and Western depth psychology theories in regard to ego differentiation from the unconscious. The article states that Western psychology advocates (e.g. Sigmund Freud, Carl G. Jung) hold that the ego should be differentiated from the unconscious for normal psychological development to ensure.

However, Eastern buddhist psychologists are said to disagree with this view and to hold that ego differentiation is the basis of all conflict. Specifically, buddhists are said to state that an undifferentiated state of being not only dissolves neuroses but also allows for the development of a complete and harmonious personality.

One of the strengths of the article is that it not only notes differences between the two psychological perspectives but also similarities. For example, the article defines the ego as self-confirmation referred to using the pronoun "I" and notes that both western and eastern psychologists agree on this and on the fact that the ego is the product of intellect. A second strength of the article is that similarities and differences were discussed in terms of abnormal development and how the ego i

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strength of the article in that it is tied to empirical research; too many articles are content to discuss the conceptual without tying it to the need for solid research. Epstein, Mark. (1988). The deconstruction of the self: Ego and "egolessness" in Buddhist insight meditation. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 20(1), 61-69. This publication states that Freudian terminology has been misappropriated by scholars and practitioners of Eastern contemplative traditions, especially in the confused use of "ego" and "egolessness." Ego has become equated with rational mind, self-concept, or the experience of individuality, and has informally come to represent all that must be let go during meditation. Egolessness, the author states, has become an acceptable aspiration of those practicing meditation, but is understood from a Western psychological perspective. The Buddhist meditative system is described with a focus on the Eastern meaning of these terms in contrast with the Western understanding. This is an excellent article in that it clears up a number of misconceptions Westerners have regarding Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. Another strength is its logical well-organized presentation. The primary weakness in the article
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Carl Jung, Hindu Buddhist, Transpersonal Psychology, India AMPs, Key Buddhist, Buddhist Taoist, Hong Kong, Buddhism Specifically, Buddhism Buddhist, Research Personality, buddhist psychology, strength article, ego differentiation, theory practice, buddhist meditation, death cognition, buddhist meditation techniques, effects buddhist, american journal, eastern western, western psychological,
Approximate Word count = 1263
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

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