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Distributed for Hong Kong University Press

Early Buddhist Teachings

A Foundation for Counseling

A novel dialogue between Buddhism and Western psychology, grounded in original Pali texts.

As mindfulness and meditation become mainstream therapeutic tools, their deep Buddhist roots are often stripped away and limit their effectiveness for clients from Buddhist cultural backgrounds. Early Buddhist Teachings: A Theoretical Foundation for Counseling restores these practices to their original context, offering a culturally congruent counseling model grounded in Pali scriptures and core Buddhist principles.

This informative volume explores key Buddhist concepts including dependent co-arising, non-self, and impermanence, and places them in conversation with Western psychological theories. Supplemented with practical assessment tools and intervention techniques, this work provides mental health professionals with a new framework for integrating Buddhist teachings into counseling.

For therapists, students, and counselors seeking to expand their approach, Early Buddhist Teachings offers a vital resource at the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy, offering a more holistic and effective model of mental health care.

228 pages | 4 halftones, 9 tables | 6 x 9 | © 2025

Psychology: Counseling and Guidance

Religion: South and East Asian Religions


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Reviews

“This book draws on the Pali canon to demonstrate the practical application of early Buddhist teachings in counseling and psychotherapy. It integrates Buddhist principles with Western psychological counseling, addressing a notable gap in contemporary counseling approaches and offering a valuable interdisciplinary resource.”

Henry C.H. Shiu, The University of Toronto

“This seminal work masterfully bridges the timeless wisdom of the Buddha with the pressing needs of modern mental health care. The book’s dialogue with Western psychology enriches therapeutic practice and honors the cultural roots of millions connected to Buddhism. A vital resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate authentic Dharma principles into healing. Truly, a significant step toward establishing Buddhist counseling as a credible and recognized treatment model for alleviating suffering in today’s fragmented world.”

Ven. Sik Hin Hung, The University of Hong Kong

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