Buddhist Contemplative Practices Meet Positive Psychology: A Pathway to Enhanced Well-being

The intersection of contemplative science and positive psychology has garnered increasing attention as scholars and practitioners seek integrative approaches to mental health and well-being. Buddhist traditions, with their deep-rooted contemplative frameworks, have long emphasized awareness, compassion, and self-transcendence as paths to liberation from suffering. In parallel, positive psychology has advanced the scientific study of happiness, flourishing, and character strengths, focusing on cultivating human potential. Recent research has highlighted how Buddhist contemplative practices—such as mindfulness, loving-kindness (metta), and compassion meditation—can complement positive psychology’s theoretical foundations by offering empirically supported means of fostering prosocial emotions, resilience, and self-regulation. Yet, despite growing interest, significant gaps remain in systematically bridging these two paradigms. Theoretical integration is still in its infancy, and empirical evidence on long-term outcomes across cultural contexts remains limited.This Research Topic aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and research at the convergence of Buddhist contemplative practices and positive psychology. Specifically, it seeks to investigate the cognitive, affective, and behavioral mechanisms through which meditation-based interventions contribute to enhanced well-being, self-compassion, and purpose. Contributors are invited to explore how Buddhist principles can deepen our understanding of positive psychological constructs, and conversely, how positive psychology frameworks can refine traditional contemplative practices. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative and culturally adaptive strategies that promote mental health and flourishing, contributing to the broader global objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education).To gather further insights into the integration of contemplative practices and positive psychology, this Research Topic welcomes empirical and theoretical contributions from psychology, neuroscience, education, and philosophy. It focuses on exploring both the conceptual links and the practical applications of this integration across diverse populations and contexts. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Mechanisms linking meditation, compassion, and positive affect in mental health promotion• Cross-cultural studies on the application of Buddhism-inspired interventions• Meditation-based educational and therapeutic programs aligned with positive psychology principles• The role of self-compassion and self-transcendence in fostering resilience and flourishing• Neuroscientific evidence on the interplay between contemplative practices and well-being• Ethical and philosophical implications of merging Buddhist and psychological frameworks Topic editors: JOSE MIGUEL MESTRE, Diane Joss, Joaquín T. Limonero Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80932/buddhist-contemplative-practices-meet-positive-psychology-a-pathway-to-enhanced-well-being