The Interplay of Buddhist Mindfulness Practices: Fostering Harmonious Relationships in Couples
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Abstract
In today’s world, romantic relationships face numerous challenges, including communication breakdowns and the increasing impact of external stressors. While modern psychological interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), often focus on behavioural changes, they can overlook the deeper intra- and interpersonal dynamics that are essential for relational health.
This article suggests that Buddhist mindfulness practices can offer a valuable framework to address these gaps. It explores how Vipassanā (insight meditation), mettā (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), and the ethical precepts (pañcaśīla) work together to promote positive interactions among couples. By integrating classical Buddhist philosophy with contemporary relational theories, the study demonstrates how these practices can cultivate focused attention, non-judgmental awareness, and emotional regulation. This, in turn, empowers individuals to move beyond maladaptive responses and fosters mutual empathy, enhances responsiveness to partners' needs, and helps de-escalate conflicts.
At the core of this process are the ethical teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize non-harm, truthfulness, and mental discipline. These principles nurture relational environments built on trust and mutual respect. Emerging empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of these mindfulness practices, showing they can enhance emotional resilience, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving, all of which are critical for relationship satisfaction.
Incorporating mindfulness into therapeutic settings complements traditional models by addressing both individual well-being and the dynamics of relationships, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing intimacy. This article argues that using Buddhist mindfulness practices not only fills gaps in existing therapeutic approaches but also provides culturally adaptable tools for fostering closeness in a fragmented world. By redefining mindfulness as a relational practice rather than just an individual one, this research contributes to interdisciplinary discussions across psychology, theology, and sociology, advocating for evidence-based, ethically grounded interventions to help couples navigate the complexities
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