Buddhist Peaceful Means for Healing Shopaholics: Mindfulness, Loving-Kindness, and Wise Attention
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Abstract
In today’s fast-paced, consumption-driven environment, Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD) has emerged as a significant psychological concern, resulting in considerable distress, financial instability, and social disruption. Propelled by digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce, shopaholism has reached unprecedented heights, calling for immediate and effective intervention.
This article examines Buddhist Peaceful Means as an innovative, holistic approach to tackling shopaholism. Unlike traditional therapies focusing primarily on symptoms, this method investigates underlying causes, offering preventive and curative solutions. By incorporating mindfulness (sati), loving-kindness (metta), and wise attention (yoniso manasikāra), this framework nurtures self-awareness, emotional resilience, and intentional decision-making. These principles, inspired by the teachings of Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto) and supported by psychological insights, create a practical blueprint for healing compulsive buying behaviors.
Beyond individual recovery, this approach underscores broader implications, illustrating how Buddhist wisdom can provide relevant solutions to contemporary consumerism. Examining desire, attachment, and materialism challenges prevailing consumer culture while advocating for mindful consumption and ethical decision-making. The fusion of Buddhist philosophy and psychology addresses compulsive buying and contributes to sustainable well-being and societal transformation.
This article demonstrates how Buddhist Peaceful Means can enrich modern therapeutic models, effectively bridging psychological and spiritual healing by applying time-honored Buddhist principles. This integration represents a vital advancement in treating behavioral addictions and promotes a more balanced and mindful consumer culture.
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References
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