The Buddhist perspective holds that there is an underlying selfishness (ego) that is the basis of suffering and therefore depression. All of the Buddha's teachings stem from compassion, the desire for all things to be freed from suffering and the causes of suffering. While mental health is linked to chemical imbalances, it is not purely neurological. Subjective mental processes influence the brain. The mind and the brain are not synonymous, and not only the brain needs to be examined because mental illness does not manifest exclusively in one. When viewed in a Buddhist light, mental illnesses such as depression are not considered a mental affliction but a symptom. Buddhism reserves a special note for those who find themselves sad when they become aware of reality. This deeper insight is intrinsically helpful and can be followed by the pursuit of a more fulfilling lifestyle. Outside of this exception, attachment, ignorance and aversion are found to be the root causes of mental affliction. When approaching mental illness from a Buddhist perspective, there are certainly more significant factors than simple meditation. Complete branches of psychology are dedicated to Buddhist principles, such as Buddhist psychology. Even before modern psychology developed and began to merge with Buddhism, the religion displayed some of the earliest notions of what is now considered psychology. In a sense, the religion of Buddhism is primarily focused on psychology. Buddhism, more than Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and most other religions, is concerned with how the human mind works and how to change the way the human mind works. While contemporary Buddhist temples based in Asia follow practices similar to those of other religions, such as praying, making offerings,… middle of paper… b. December 15, 2013. .Schumaker, John F. “21: Buddhism and Mental Health.” Religion and mental health. New York: Oxford UP, 1992. Page no. Press.Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Meditation: A Quick and Easy Way to Reduce Stress." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 April 2011. Web. 01 November 2013. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medit ation/HQ01070Thera, Nyanaponika. “Awareness and clear understanding.” The heart of Buddhist meditation. London: Rider &, n.d. 2-10. Network. .Zimmermann. “Hippocampal correlates of pain in healthy older adults: a pilot study.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. US National Library of Medicine, nd Web. 15 December. 2013. .