Psychoanalysis.  2023 Jan;34(1):1-9. 10.18529/psychoanal.2023.34.1.1.

Psychoanalytic Understanding of ‘Dukkha’ in Buddhism: Based on ‘Four Noble Truths’ Part 2

• Kim HH
• Ha JH

• KMID: 2539308
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2023.34.1.1

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in Buddhism in the field of psychiatry. The Four Noble truths is a primitive Buddhist teaching that deals with human suffering. Four Noble Truths relate to suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and how to extinguish suffering. According to this teaching, the cause of suffering is believed to be cravings, meaning desire. Crav-ing for sensual stimulation, craving for becoming, and craving for not becoming, are categories of cravings. The authors psychoana-lytically interpreted cravings. Craving for sensual stimulation is similar to the pleasure principle, craving for becoming is similar to libidinal drive, and craving for not becoming is similar to aggressive drive. In addition, Buddhism is wary of extremes and emphasiz-es the middle way, which can be interpreted from various psychoanalytic perspectives. Buddhism advocates the elimination of desire, but psychoanalysis has shown that the self-control of desire is important. Finally, it is important to acknowledge the existence of de-sire and be wary of desire. Other Buddhist doctrines, including middle way and selflessness, can help in psychotherapy. In conclu-sion, although Buddhism and psychoanalysis differ in treatment goals and methods, they possess complementary points.

Keyword

Buddhism; Psychoanalysis; Desire; Psychotherapy