Ajahn Sumedho articulates a nuanced perspective on the relationship between Buddhism and psychology, recognizing both their points of convergence and their essential differences. He observes that Buddhist practice is deeply psychological in its engagement with the mind’s conditioning, patterns, and the alleviation of suffering. While acknowledging that Western psychology offers valuable insights into mental processes and conditioning—insights that often resonate with Buddhist teachings—he maintains that the Buddhist path ultimately addresses the root causes of suffering in a manner that transcends the aims of conventional therapy.

Central to his view is the distinction between the objectives of these two disciplines. Psychology, in his assessment, primarily seeks to foster functional mental health and well-being, often through therapeutic methods and theoretical frameworks. Buddhism, on the other hand, is directed toward complete liberation from the cycle of suffering, emphasizing direct experiential insight into the nature of reality. This liberation is not merely the resolution of psychological distress but the realization of non-self and the cessation of clinging, which lies at the heart of Buddhist wisdom.

Ajahn Sumedho highlights mindfulness as a vital bridge between Buddhism and psychology. The cultivation of mindfulness, foundational in Buddhist practice, has found therapeutic application within psychological contexts, serving as a tool for self-awareness and emotional regulation. Yet, he is careful to point out that, for Buddhism, mindfulness is not an end in itself but a means to deeper wisdom and liberation. The practice is not confined to self-improvement or symptom relief but is oriented toward a transformative understanding of the mind’s true nature.

While he appreciates the complementary aspects of psychological and Buddhist approaches, Ajahn Sumedho cautions against conflating the two. He asserts that Buddhism is not reducible to psychology, even though it may yield psychological benefits. The core of Buddhist practice lies in direct, experiential investigation rather than in the analytical or theoretical approaches characteristic of psychology. Thus, psychological insights can serve as useful adjuncts, but the Buddhist path ultimately points beyond the limitations of the ego and the self, offering a more comprehensive resolution to the fundamental problem of suffering.