Work

Cultivating Loving Kindness: a Two‐stage Model of the Effects of Meditation on Empathy, Compassion, and Altruism

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: . We explore the role of meditative practice in cultivating experiences of compassion, empathy, and altruism and address an apparent paradox: Meditation often is associated with solitary retreat, if not preoccupation with one's own concerns. How, then, does such a practice promote compassion for others? We propose a two‐stage model. The first stage involves disengagement from usual preoccupation with self‐reinforcing, self‐defeating, or self‐indulgent behaviors and reactions; the second involves a focused engagement with a universal human capacity for altruistic experience, love, and compassion. Reference is made to the limited research literature and to clinical applications of loving kindness (metta) meditation in cultivating these processes.

Source: Zygon®

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00671.x

Authors: Jean L. Kristeller, Thomas Johnson

Institution: Indiana State University

Language: English

Topic: Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,630