Psychodynamic Zen™
It seems clear that many of the difficulties that arise for Western Dharma practitioners are unique to our culture and psyche. It’s also our experience that they can result in problematic states not well addressed through traditional forms of practice. So our intent with this section of the Windhorse website is not to create a place for psychologizing Zen, but one where we can share and explore more psychologically-based issues that overlap with, or arise in the midst of, practice. We do want to remain focused on issues that might all be included under the heading of Psychodynamic Zen, but lots of things are possible and we’re certainly open to suggestions.
We’re starting with just a few initial postings: an introductory section, an article that highlights the experiences of several practitioners, a very brief bibliography, the beginnings of a glossary, and a place to address comments and questions. Two other articles are in the works: one that explores the complexities of the teacher/student relationship especially with regards to some of the unconscious dynamics that can come into play, and another dealing with a few first hand accounts of unconscious openings (unlockings) that have been experienced during retreats.
In the future we also intend to move into other areas such as peoples’ experiences practicing with bi-polar disorder, addiction recovery, depression, and so forth. There might be a section on what to look for when trying to find a therapist, or links to related sites such as the Spiritual Emergency Network. We may also look into ways of exploring specific topics such as Mother Teresa’s years of hidden doubt, or questions that arise out of writings such as the article entitled Enlightenment Therapy (New Yorker Magazine, April 2009), or perhaps take an in depth look at loving kindness practices and the underlying metapsychology of forgiveness.
Included in the site is a link for sending in comments or questions, and it’s also possible to write directly to windhorse@windhorsezen.org. This section is now open, and we’ll be glad to make available relevant postings, but we are asking people to sign up first. If you’d like to be a contributor see our guidelines on the questions and comments page.
Also, if you have other questions about programs offered at Windhorse please call or write directly; and if you value the style of Zen training at Windhorse, and would like to support this website, please send your tax-deductible contributions to our Panther Branch address, or make an online donation.
Articles:
Psychodynamic Zen™, an Introduction - Sensei Lawson Sachter and Sensei Sunya Kjolhede
Psychodynamic: The interplay of conscious and unconscious mental or emotional processes, especially as they influence personality, behavior, and attitudes.
We’ve created this section of our website as a way to share some of the more psychodynamically oriented work that’s being integrated into the training at Windhorse, and to invite ongoing discussion. In the future we hope this site will also attract the work of others who share similar concerns, and that it can serve as a link to related resources. This particular section grows out of the recognition that unconscious forces can play a hidden, but significant, role in Dharma practice; and that these forces often function in ways unique to the Western psyche. Certainly the unconscious can complement the creative and compassionate sides of practice, but it can also manifest itself through all kinds of self-afflictive mindstates. Read more >>>
Zen and the Unconscious, Part I - Sensei Lawson Sachter
"If you bring forth that which is within you, it will save you.
If you do not bring forth that which is within you, it will destroy you.” The Gnostic Gospels
A Zen Master once said, “Dharma practice is like the ocean; the farther out you go, the deeper it becomes.” Deeper levels of practice offer the hope of more than simply calming our seemingly endless internal chatter, and helping us become more ‘mindful’ in each moment. Intensive forms of practice also open us to a level of non-dual awareness, one that transcends the conceptually-grounded understanding we so naturally take for granted — and in doing so reveal new possibilities of freedom. But those who are drawn to these deeper waters may find themselves confronted by painful and disturbing mindstates. The Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross somewhat poetically referred to this part of the journey as passing through “the Dark Night of the Soul,” but surely, finding our way through these realms is never easy. Read more >>>
Dharma Practice and the Unconscious Part II — Personal Accounts - Sensei Lawson Sachter
The first part of this article presented an overview of some of the complexities that can arise as the unconscious is mobilized through Dharma practice. In hopes of offering a broader, and more personal, perspective on this subject, I’ve asked several Zen practitioners who have been through Davanloo’s ISTDP to write about some of their own insights and experiences. Naturally some people are more eloquent, and some have histories or experiences or openings that are simply more dramatic. Such accounts tend to be more readily included in a piece like this. The people whose accounts have been given below were not all my clients, and all but one of them refers to experiences that took place within the past 15 years. Needless to say, ways of integrating these ways of working are continually being refined. Read more >>>
We found it surprisingly difficult to be both clear and concise with some of these terms, so are offering them up on a conditional basis. Dr. Davanloo uses a number of these terms in specific ways to clarify aspects of his psychotherapy, and we have done our best to define them according to this usage. We would certainly consider additional suggestions, clarifications or refinements. Glossary>>
Clearly there are countless books on Buddhism and psychotherapy that are readily found in stores and on-line. This short bibliography is a very preliminary list of books and journals that we’ve found helpful over the years and focuses on those that may not be as well known. Some of these books give more cultural background information, but most are specific to short-term dynamic psychotherapy. Other suggestions are welcome. Bibliography >>>
