How does Naikan Work?
Individuals participating in Naikan therapy are known as 'naikan-sha', while the practitioner who conducts the interviews is referred to as 'mensetsu-sha'. In Naikan centers, participants engage in self-examination by recalling their actions and interactions with others. There are 3 themes which they need to look into, listed below. This reflective practice aims to foster a deeper understanding of oneself and one's impact on others.
1. What one received from another person
2. What one returned to that person
3. What trouble one caused to that person
The setup room looks like the photo below. It is usually a small room with tatami floors where both the interviewee and practitioner sit with their knees folded.
In Naikan, you reflect on your relationships with the people closest to you, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse, children, friends, lovers, and colleagues. It's particularly useful to think about these relationships if you have concerns or difficulties with them. This introspection involves a journey through time, from when you first met the person to the present, or until the relationship ended. You examine the nature of these relationships, the interactions you've had, and how they've influenced your life.
This method of self-reflection encourages individuals to embark on a journey through their memories, which, while challenging, has reportedly helped many people worldwide. In the Naikan dojo, students spend about a week observing their own minds. The goal is to create positive perceptions about themselves and others, aiming to recover from maladaptive states of mind.
Start with ‘Mother’
A significant focus of Naikan therapy is the exploration of one's relationship with their mother. This is because mothers are often the primary caregivers in early childhood. If the mother was not present, the introspection might start with another primary caregiver, such as a grandmother, father, or older sister. The reflection covers various life stages, from birth to different age milestones, examining the nature of these relationships and their impact.
In Japan, there is a long-standing cultural emphasis on valuing and honoring mothers. Recognizing and appreciating the care, feeding, and protection provided by mothers in early life is a crucial step in Naikan. A positive relationship with one's mother is seen as integral to overall well-being and mental health.
Naikan's practice is deeply rooted in Buddhist views on suffering, the nature of the mind and self, and the goals of therapy. It delves into the concept of 'Jikko hakken' or self-discovery. In Naikan, the self is something to be discovered; the most crucial aspect is finding one's 'true self.' This process involves understanding that the self is not just a product of individual experiences but also deeply intertwined with cultural and societal contexts.
The Naikan method, therefore, is not just a form of therapy but a profound journey into self-awareness and acceptance of life's ultimate realities.
Lastly, it's important to recognize that in Japanese culture, the concept of illness is deeply rooted in understanding the relationship between the body and mind. Any health issue is seen as a reflection of this interconnectedness. The purpose of Japanese psychotherapy, therefore, often focuses on positively directing one's 'ki' (life energy or spirit). This approach is significantly different from Western-style psychotherapy, which tends to be more analytical and is usually reserved for severe cases in Japan. For the average Japanese person, going through life without engaging in Western-style psychotherapy is quite common. Instead, traditional and cultural methods, which emphasize harmony between the body and mind, are preferred. This perspective is not just limited to psychotherapy but is a broader aspect of Japanese culture, where the balance of ‘ki’ is considered crucial for overall well-being.
References:
Psychotherapy and Religion in Japan- Chikako Ozawa de Silva
What is the meaning of Naikan therapy? Ishin Yoshimoto, Effects of self-examination
