Question
Hello, Master. I am a psychology student and have been practicing zazen for a few years. I am doing research to develop a form of psychotherapy that includes zazen practice. This is because Lacanian or Freudian psychoanalytic therapies (the ones most widely used in Argentina) stir up certain traumatic issues in the human mind that sometimes become hard to bear or harmful, since not everyone is ready to see what is in the unconscious. Not to mention the dehumanization in traditional psychology, with its tests of behavior, intelligence, aptitude, etc., which ultimately (as Foucault says) are nothing more than parts of the machinery of a system of surveillance and discipline implicitly imposed by dominant groups to ensure that no one “deviates” from the system and to maintain their power. For my part, I believe psychotherapy should be a liberating practice for human beings, improving their quality of life as they come to know themselves a little better each day. I am turning to you to find out whether psychotherapy or psychoanalysis can be combined with zazen, and whether you know any therapists or authors who have done this and could give me some guidance.
Thank you in advance, and please excuse the length of my message.
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
They certainly can be compatible. Yes, you can read Marie Balmary. Her work is very interesting.
Kosen