Relational Buddhism: Wedding K.J. Gergen’s Relational Being and Buddhism to Create Harmony In-Between-Selves

• Published in: Psychological studies 2012-06, Vol.57 (2), p.203-210
• Main Author: Kwee, Maurits G. T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anger; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Brain research; Buddhism; Buddhists; Democracy; Emotions; General Psychology; Ontology; Original Article; Personality and Social Psychology; Positivism; Psychology; Qualitative research; Social construction
• ISSN: 0033-2968; 0974-9861
• DOI: 10.1007/s12646-011-0124-8

The Psychology of Relational Buddhism is a cutting-edge practical understanding of life rooted in two trailblazing paradigms: (1) mind is not gridlocked in the skull but spaced outside the body in-between people’s interactions and (2) all that is observed in science (and noted in mindfulness) are conceptualizations which boil down to social constructions. In Dependent Origination, through parental lustful intercourse ( kamadathu ), sensing-emoting/thinking-talking capability is embodied . Speech gets form by the syllable during meaning-making exchange ( rupadathu ). As “languaging” progresses formless thoughts transform into fickle mind ( arupadathu ) and self-organize illusory “independent self” that fails to see inseparable “selves” spaced-in-between-people-embedded-in-culture. Thus, at bottom, to act is to inter-act and to be is to inter-be: “I am linked, therefore I am” (K.J. Gergen). Usually unbeknownst, intentional or premeditated action ( karma ) arises non-independently, moves Body/Speech/Mind , and could result in psychological malaise. In search for awakened mind (absolute bodhicitta ), we encounter the smallest unit of experience ( dharma ). Relational Buddhism invites the co-creation of inter-being-in-between-selves and of a “non-foundational morality of coordinated action” to render “team spirit for humanity” with congenial bonds as lifeline. Imbibed in-depth, this mentality (in line with the Gandavyuha Sutra ) will likely enable us, whenever mind blowing AHA and HAHA transform karma . In synergy with the UN-adage “think globally, act locally”, we might want we need grass root collaborative practice toward bottom-up societal harmony by realizing awakened mind of loving-kindness (relative bodhicitta ) via on-going front-burning mindfulness of speech including self-talk.