Roman Catholic and Buddhist Religious Healing Compared: Practices, Source of Healing Power and Perceived Efficacy

• Main Authors: Aberin, Raechell Mae P., Castaneda, Emalinda Victoria T., Magsanoc, Mikaela B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2012
• Subjects: Spiritual healing; Healing > Religious aspects > Christianity; Religious life > Buddhism; Healing > Religious aspects > Buddhism; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/10520
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study compared healers of Buddhist and Roman Catholic religious affiliations in terms of their practices, source of power, and perceived efficacy. A qualitative approach was applied using in-depth interviews to obtain meaningful data. Twelve participants took part in the study -- three (3) Roman Catholic patients, three (3) Roman Catholic healers, and six (6) Buddhist practitioners. Data analysis was done via the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis perspective. The study found that differences exist not only between the two groups but within the groups as well. Between and within groups, practices, processes, source of power and the use of materials all varied. It turned out that unlike the Roman Catholics, Buddhists do not have healers but believe in the concept of self-healing. While the healing process of the Roman Catholics employ more physical means [e.g. laying of hands], the Buddhists look more to controlling the mind [e.g. meditation].