Common humanity in mindfulness practice: a review of the self-other relationship in secular and Buddhist practices

Abstract

Background and context The idea of “self” and how it leads to the perception of common humanities in Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Buddhist Psychology is a critical factor worth further elaboration for application in different settings. The philosophical underpinnings of these two roots bring critical differences in the conceptual framework presented and possibly to different outcomes. Philosophical or theoretical foundation Common humanity is a concept adopted in secular mindfulness-based interventions for cognitive re-appraisal. It helps practitioners to revisit their perception of experiences and reframe their perception of self within those experiences. The goal is to help the practitioners to build alternative ways in relating with their experiences, usually in normalizing their distresses. As compared to the teaching in Buddhist Psychology, the idea of self can indeed be the source of distress. Manas, as an aspect of the consciousness, is the factor leading to the perception of “I”, “me” and “mine” in one’s experiences. It affects one’s thinking, behavior and use of words pointing to the misguided attempt for survival and blind satisfaction. The primary effort of mindfulness is to investigate how the perception itself is formed in the first place. Common humanity is instead a foundation of understanding human nature, not necessarily for relieving distress. Instead, the acceptance of happiness and suffering as they are and the recognition of their impermanent nature is the basis of transforming distresses. Discussion A review of such differences will offer a basic understanding to review how to help the practitioners to understand their self-perception. This will become a foundation for mindfulness program design for better communication and a realistic estimation of the outcomes. Conclusion The idea of independent self and the relational self is crucial for the development of mindfulness intervention, to enhance the possibility of cultivating individual wellness as well as collective wellness.