However, psychological knowledge can be overused. In my last post I discussed defense mechanisms. A defense mechanism used in common vernacular today is intellectualization, which occurs when a person uses knowledge and cognition to avoid experiencing. Someone is intellectualizing when, rather than experiencing their emotions or being in the moment, he uses intellect to defend against the experience.

Is intellectualizing helping or just a defense mechanism? It can be confusing. There are appropriate times to use the intellect to prevent an impulsive emotional response. This paradox has a solution: Using the intellect is good in moderation and when used at appropriate times. However, it is sometimes overused or used inappropriately to avoid appropriate emotion. Knowledge about psychology adds to the intellectual arsenal. Not only is it used to appropriately alter behavior but it can also be used to avoid the moment.

This isn't to say one shouldn't study psychology or attempt to gain insight. On the contrary, self-examination is strongly encouraged. According to Socrates, "An unexamined life is not worth living." Everyone would benefit from examining their life, their motives, and their thoughts. This is part of the paradox in striving for enlightenment.

Another way to attain enlightenment, a feeling of complete oneness with experience and without desire, is to be mindful and let go of preconceived ideas. This is contrary to the steps above, where one is encouraged to examine their motives, thoughts, and behavior. To be completely present brings a feeling of connectedness to everything.

Studying psychology adds to preconceived ideas. "The Way Of Zen," by Allan Watts, was the first book I read about Zen. I remember finishing the book and being disappointed. The disappointment was not because Watts did a bad job of conveying his ideas, but because the end of the book made it clear that the knowledge gained by reading it actually put one further from Zen. More ideas and structures now existed that would need to be overcome. In other words, before reading a book about Zen, one was closer to attaining a Zen state; unfortunately, they had no idea they were closer. The reading was necessary to know what had to be done, even if it initially was a setback. The scaffolding of this knowledge must be built and then discarded so it doesn't interfere with the new structure.

So it is with psychological knowledge. Gaining self-knowledge illuminates what needs to be knocked down: habitual responses that result in negative outcomes. It also helps distance you from an emotional reaction that detracts from enlightenment. It can be overused however, and remove you from the moment. It can also interfere with embracing life fully; as you over analyze everything and never fully experience the beauty that life holds.

To allow psychology to bring you closer to enlightenment you must question yourself and your motives when using it. Everyone would also benefit from just experiencing the moment, becoming completely engrossed in what is. This is more in line with a path to enlightenment and self-understanding.

References:
The Way Of Zen, Allan Watts
Copyright William Berry, 2011