Buddhist Psychology Program with Ānāpānasati and Self-Actualization for Enhancing Happiness of Growth Mind

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1. examine the conceptual approach to mental development through an integrated Buddhist psychology program combining Anapanasati principles and self-actualization concepts to enhance happiness from a flourishing mind; 2. develop an integrated Buddhist psychology program incorporating Anapanasati and self-actualization principles to promote happiness from a flourishing mind; and 3. propose an integrated Buddhist psychology program designed to cultivate mental growth and inner well-being. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, integrating document analysis and in-depth interviews with 17 key informants. The experimental phase involved 15 female Dharma practitioners. Data were analyzed using a t-test for dependent samples and an independent sample t-test.

The findings revealed that: 1. the integrated Buddhist psychology program effectively fostered mental development, mindfulness, loving-kindness, and wisdom, leading to greater self-understanding and acceptance of truth, resulting in a state of self-actualization consistent with Maslow’s theory. This process cultivated both superficial and profound levels of happiness through a flourishing mind. 2. The program was developed using Anapanasati principles to cultivate mindfulness through breathing in daily activities and was implemented in three stages comprising 12 activities: mindfulness song chanting, mindful flower arrangement, mindful walking, the tree of life, mindful eating contemplation, awakening media creation, meditation with Bulgarian rose cutting, meditation with crystal bowl sound waves, breath of mindfulness, morning and evening prayers, stepping toward one’s potential, and listening to the inner voice. 3. The experimental results indicated that the experimental group’s post-test scores on happiness from a flourishing mind were significantly higher than their pre-test scores (p < .05), with a mean of 51.60 (S.D. = 2.35), while the control group scored 22.60 (S.D. = 1.72).