Clinical relevance of awakening Part 1

David Vago, PhD and Lisa Dale Miller, LMFT, LPCC, SEP tackle the traditional Buddhist concept of "enlightenment" from their modern clinical points of view in a stimulating and fun discussion. This is the first part of their two-part conversation. Covered topics include: Contextualizing the terms enlightenment, awakening, liberation; demarcating clinical markers of progress on the path; Nirvana and mini-nirvanas; state vs trait changes of awakening; extinction of mental and emotional habits; dissolving greed, hatred and delusion; pure awareness or nature of mind; the inherent problems of quick fix mindfulness.

David Vago, PhD is an associate psychologist in...