Guan, Wenyuan (2025) The Pursuit of Well-being: A Comparative Study of the PERMA Model in Positive Psychology and the Sacred Treasures in the Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra — Focusing on ‘Meaning’ and ‘She(Upekṣā)’ 幸福追求：積極心理學PERMA模型與《瑜伽師地論》聖財的比較研究——以其中的「意義」與「捨」為核心. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
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Abstract
Happiness, as a perpetual pursuit of humanity, has permeated philosophical, religious, and psychological discourse throughout history. This study focuses on the concept of ‘meaning’ from the PERMA model in positive psychology and the Buddhist concept of ‘she’ (捨Upekṣā, equanimity) from the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra (Treatise on the Stages of Yogic Practice) as its core themes, comparing their similarities, differences, and potential integration in constructing well-being. The findings reveal that while the two concepts exhibit significant differences in methodology and philosophical foundations, both prioritise inner transformation and transcendent aspirations as central objectives. Their shared characteristics lie in three aspects: 1) transcending immediate adversities to redefine life experiences through a macro perspective; 2) emphasising the initiative and continuity of moral practice; and 3) commencing with the development of human potential to orient towards transcendent values, whether through altruism or spiritual liberation. Regarding integration pathways, the study proposes combining the structured tools of ‘meaning’ with the mind-cultivation philosophy of ‘she’. This integrated framework not only strengthens individual social contributions and self-growth but also deepens the ultimate significance of spiritual liberation, reflecting the complementary nature of ‘worldly achievements’ and ‘transcendent wisdom’. The synthesis of ‘meaning’ and ‘she’ offers modern individuals a holistic path to happiness that integrates psychological empirical validity with religious-philosophical depth, reconciling active engagement in the secular world with inner spiritual freedom, thereby addressing humanity’s quest for ultimate significance.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Well-being, Meaning, Equanimity (Upekṣā), PERMA, Sacred Treasures |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BQ Buddhism |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations |
| Depositing User: | Victoria Hankinson |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Jul 2025 10:27 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jul 2025 10:27 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3834 |
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