Sangha and Therapy: Ethical Boundaries in Buddhist Communities

This episode of Deep Dive explores the complex relationship between Buddhist sangha communities and therapeutic practices, examining how these spiritual groups can support personal growth while maintaining ethical boundaries with formal mental health interventions. It discusses the psychological benefits of sangha participation and how Buddhist psychology offers a framework for healing, while also highlighting the critical distinctions between spiritual guidance and clinical therapy. The essay points out risks and potential harms within sangha personal sharing, such as power dynamics, boundary violations by untrained teachers, and the specific challenges within Nichiren Buddhism. Ultimately, it emphasizes the necessity of professional training for spiritual teachers, clear role definitions, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure Buddhist communities serve as safe and effective sources of healing and growth.