A Conceptual Model of Bi-dimensional Development of Mind and Wisdom for Happiness Access in Life by Biofeedback Process

Abstract

This paper presents the qualitative research consisting of three objectives, namely: - (1) to explore the concept of happiness access according to Buddhist principles and the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH); (2) to examine the theory of biofeedback; and (3) to propose a conceptual model of bi-dimensional development for happiness access by biofeedback process. The data collections and in-depth interviews were carried out with 8 key-informants who are monks and Buddhist scholarly representatives with knowledge of Buddhism and sciences from 6 countries with the Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) examined by 3 experts.

The findings shown that Buddhism suggests “Access to Happiness above Happiness”, that is access to superior happiness by dealing with the dukkha-sukha dichotomy of dualism; while the practice of GNH constructed by the four pillars based on the middle path and contentment that deals with social engagement. The Biofeedback Process, using EEG the instruments for instance, when integrated with the Buddhist meditation, a practitioner can entrain the assessment of happiness in a tangible way. As for the Model created, it suggests the bi-dimensional development for happiness access. Firstly, the MENTAL Dimension implies the development of mind in order to access to the fivefold happiness in concentration, namely: - (1) Gladdening (pāmojja), (2) Happiness (pīti), (3) Tranquility (passaddhi), (4) Bliss (sukha), and (5) Concentration (samādhi). The 7-biofeedback means can be used harmoniously in the practice of Buddhist mental (citta-bhāvanā) training where such those happiness can be measured from

 the mind-body phenomena. Secondly, the WISDOM Dimension implies development of wisdom for perpetual happiness access, that is, Nibbāna, the supreme happiness.