The use of Theravāda Buddhist practices and perspectives in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

This study explores and assesses the nature and practice of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) from the perspective of Theravāda Buddhism. It is particularly concerned with how both models of training understand and apply ‘mindfulness’. The approach here is, firstly, to examine how the Theravāda understands and employs mindfulness and, secondly, to explore, and more accurately contextualize, the work of MBCT. The evaluation of MBCT in terms of the Theravāda suggests the former has both a strong affinity with, as well as some significant distinctions from, its dominant Theravādin influences.