title: Meditation, esoteric traditions--contributions to psychotherapy.
abstract: This article is a brief introduction to several different Eastern systems of philosophy and therapy. It surveys the Buddhist contributions and several contemporary applications of traditional meditation techniques within the framework of modern psychologic science. It is suggested that meditative exercises produce three therapeutic gains: insight into repetitive, self-defeating patterns of behavior, desensitization of painful thoughts, and the conditioning of the central nervous system.
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D001364:Awareness; D002016:Buddhism; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D010684:Philosophy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012649:Self Concept