Article: Buddhism, Ethics, and Psychology

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By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. and Laura Chandler

The idea that there is a connection between Buddhism, in particular mindfulness practice that is derived from the principles of the Eightfold Path, and psychology, is not new. There are numerous books, research studies, and even college courses on the subject. Many prominent psychologists, theorists, and scholars have cited the relevance of Buddhism. Leading Buddhist scholar and professor at Columbia University, Robert Thurman, in his book Infinite Life, suggests that Buddhism is the original psychology. Most recently, cognitive psychology has given the most attention to the study of Buddhism, mindfulness practice, and meditation. Yet, interest in these subjects dates back to the origins of the field.

Article: Personal Responsibility: A Buddhist Perspective on Relationship

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By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

Relationship forms the core of our experience as humans. We define ourselves and are defined by the nature of our relating. In Buddhism, there is a concept called “interdependence” which postulates that nothing exists independently. Everything exists interdependently. Applying this concept to relationship implies that we do not and cannot exist independently of one another.

Podcast: Episode 28: The Path of Service

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In this excerpt from a talk given to acupuncture students at ACTCM in San Francisco, Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. discusses the nature of healing, the role of the healer, and the difference between healing and curing.

Podcast: Episode 27: Empathy and Compassion in Buddhism

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In today’s episode, Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. discusses the roles of empathy and compassion in Buddhism, and offers a practice for maintaining balance when faced with the suffering of others.

Podcast: Episode 25: The Intersection of Buddhism and Shamanism in Depth Hypnosis

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In today's episode, Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. discusses the influence of Buddhist ideas about suffering and shamanic approaches to healing in the Depth Hypnosis method.

Article: Depth Hypnosis and Relationship Counseling

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By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

Depth Hypnosis is a meditational therapy that incorporates many Buddhist principles. Depth Hypnosis weaves these principles into a therapeutic paradigm for individual and couples counseling. This paradigm can be easily digested by westerners who are willing to take the steps to free themselves from the dance of karma.

Podcast: Episode 22: The Relationship Between Concepts and Emotions

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In this episode, Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. discusses why at times we can have a hard time distinguishing between mental and emotional states, She also addresses why emotional states can rarely be healed through mental interventions.

Article: Understanding the Nature of Suffering and Personal Responsibility: A Buddhist Perspective for the Modern Therapeutic Context

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By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

Buddhism is sometimes viewed as a pessimistic philosophy by the casual observer. Its emphasis on suffering is misunderstood as a misplaced focus for a spiritual path. But, in actuality, Buddhism's focus on suffering actually provides a path out of that suffering. Suffering becomes a vehicle through which one can explore and understand the self.