Exploration of Theoretical Foundation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: With Special Reference to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta

Authors

Keywords:

MBCT, Four foundations of mindfulness, Buddhism, Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta

Abstract

The present research investigates the theoretical foundations of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), focusing on the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, a foundational text in Buddhist meditation practice. The study aims to examine the foundational framework of MBCT by assessing the congruence between MBCT practices and techniques and Buddhist meditation methods explained in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. Even though MBCT is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention for preventing the relapse of depression, its theoretical foundation and mechanism of efficacy remain insufficiently investigated. Through a cross-cultural perspective, this study evaluates the relationship between MBCT and the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta and its implications for the development of MBCT as a therapeutic intervention, focusing on the connections between the theoretical underpinnings of MBCT and the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. The findings support that MBCT is an evidence-based intervention that was integrated with ancient knowledge from Asia on the management of depression.

Author Biographies

Nandarathana Nikapitiya, Faculty of Social Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

Rev. Nikapitiye Nandarathana is a doctoral research scholar at the Department of Psychology in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. He has completed a postgraduate degree in psychology from Banaras Hindu University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. He has also completed a postgraduate degree in Buddhist counselling from the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He has published four books, seven research articles, ten conference papers, and two editorial article collection. He is a Buddhist monk with 20 years of practice in Theravāda Buddhist tradition.

Jay Kumar Ranjan, Department of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

Dr. Jay Kumar Ranjan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. With over 14 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research, he possesses a thorough understanding and proficiency in clinical psychology, particularly in diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic approaches to different psychiatric ailments. He is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Along with his clinical expertise, he also has an accomplished research background, having authored more than 27 scholarly articles in prestigious national and international journals.

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Published

2024-05-31

How to Cite

Nikapitiya, N., & Jay Kumar Ranjan. (2024). Exploration of Theoretical Foundation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: With Special Reference to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. Journal of International Buddhist Studies, 15(1), 116–128. Retrieved from https://so09.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jibs/article/view/3606

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2024)

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Articles

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