Dharma approach
Deeply influenced by Buddhist teachings and fascinated by our capacities as human beings, I like the concept of working towards becoming all that we can be – and like to help others to achieve the same.
For my own inspiration and self-development I follow mainly the teachings and meditations retreats of Alan Wallace and various Dharma teachers affiliated with the FPMT under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and Tibethaus in Germany.
I particularly resonate with the definition of Dharma as being any virtuous activity that brings a positive transformation to our mind.
And it is both out of trust for the teachings and from personal experience that I can feel that a positive mind brings in its wake both physical and mental well-being and happiness.
I like to think that my bodhicitta contribution in this life is being able to accompany others for a bit on their own developmental journey.
I chose to study Psychosynthesis, a transpersonal form of psychology, because it is very close to the Dharma. The founder, Roberto Assagioli, was (like Jung) deeply fascinated and influenced by Buddhism.
Ken Wilber, in his book “No Boundary” offers the following diagram, where he shows that Psychosynthesis is the form of therapy that is closest to the Eastern Religions.
This holistic approach, this rare integration of psychological support backed up by a Buddhist practice and way of life is what I can offer to interested practitioners.
Support in meditative experiences
As we get into serious meditative practice, we will inevitably get confronted with whatever gets stirred up and it might be helpful, or perhaps even only comforting, not to have to undergo this process completely on your own.
Paraphrasing from the teachings of the 2020 8 weeks’ retreat by Alan Wallace:
“The root of all joy and sorrow is your own mind.
Furthermore, if there is anything that carries on to future lifetimes, it will be the (subtle) mind.”
It is thus both essential as well as a source of genuine well-being to be able to fathom our own mind.
Using the metaphor of the glass of clear water (mind) with mud (temporary obscurations), the moment we start working with our mind, the clear water and the mud get mixed up. This does not alter the fundamental clarity and purity of the water/mind, but it does mean that we get confronted with the mud, and this is a drawback in the first stages of serious meditation.
If you feel that you can use a bit of support, please feel free to contact me.
For more information about the meditative experiences under the guidance of Alan Wallace see here
I was trained as a psychologist and as a psychosynthesis therapist.
With my vast background chances are high that I will be able to help you.
Just call for more information - it's free
Advantages
- Flexible times (also in the evening)
- Short waiting-list
- Dutch insurance refund
- Registered psychologist and therapist