Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Therapeutic Language and its Use in Dokusan and Practice Discussions217 views
Author
Sanchez, Danielle, Religious Studies - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia
Advisors
Braun, Erik, Religious Studies, University of Virginia
Ochs, Vanessa, Religious Studies, University of Virginia
Abstract
This paper explores the vocabulary used during dokusan and practice discussions with Buddhist teachers who either are psychotherapists or are not psychotherapists. The language of Sōtō Zen teachers is to “just sit” through whatever problem, issue, or trauma that arises. The language has changed to “look at it,” “turn towards it,” “use your hands,” and “work from there.” This language was explicitly used by psychotherapists and Zen Buddhist teachers. However, the teacher who was not a psychotherapist also used the language of “name it,” and “see it.” This paper demonstrates that the language used in dokusan and practice discussions are evolving to be therapeutic. Secondly, I show that these teachers do not use therapy during dokusan or practice discussions. They instead focus on the teaching of the dharma. Thirdly, I demonstrate that Zen Buddhist teachers with a psychotherapeutic background have a better rapport with their students than traditional Sōtō Zen Buddhist teachers.
Degree
MA (Master of Arts)
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Sanchez, Danielle. Therapeutic Language and its Use in Dokusan and Practice Discussions. University of Virginia, Religious Studies - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, MA (Master of Arts), 2023-04-28, https://doi.org/10.18130/scqy-v903.