Publication
Imprint: New York, N.Y. : Basic Books, a division of HarperCollins Publ., 1995. Responsibility: Mark Epstein. Physical: Text : 1 volume : xii, 242 pages ; 22 cm. Features: Includes bibliography, index.
Call number
Psy / Epste
ISBN
9780465085859
Collections
CSS Library Notes
Description: "Traditional distinctions between matters of the mind and matters of the spirit are increasingly being questioned, and people are searching for alternate perspectives on these issues. Thoughts Without a Thinker is a major contribution to today's exploding discussion of how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology. In it, Mark Epstein argues that the contemplative traditions of the East can be extremely beneficial to patients, not just in helping them recognize their problems, but by giving them the strength to heal. Clearly written and very accessible, this enlightening guide explains the unique psychological contributions of the teachings of Buddhism, describes the path of meditation in contemporary psychological language, and lays out the possibility of a meditation-inspired psychotherapy"--Publisher description. -- publisher
Table of Contents: Foreword / Dalai Lama --
Introduction: Knocking on Buddha's Door --
pt. I. The Buddha's Psychology of Mind.
Ch. 1. The Wheel of Life: A Buddhist Model of the Neurotic Mind.
Ch. 2. Humiliation: The Buddha's First Truth.
Ch. 3. Thirst: The Buddha's Second Truth.
Ch. 4. Release: The Buddha's Third Truth.
Ch. 5. Nowhere Standing: The Buddha's Fourth Truth --
pt. II. Meditation.
Ch. 6. Bare Attention.
Ch. 7. The Psychodynamics of Meditation --
pt. III. Therapy.
Ch. 8. Remembering.
Ch. 9. Repeating.
Ch. 10. Working Through.
FY1989 /
Table of Contents: Foreword / Dalai Lama --
Introduction: Knocking on Buddha's Door --
pt. I. The Buddha's Psychology of Mind.
Ch. 1. The Wheel of Life: A Buddhist Model of the Neurotic Mind.
Ch. 2. Humiliation: The Buddha's First Truth.
Ch. 3. Thirst: The Buddha's Second Truth.
Ch. 4. Release: The Buddha's Third Truth.
Ch. 5. Nowhere Standing: The Buddha's Fourth Truth --
pt. II. Meditation.
Ch. 6. Bare Attention.
Ch. 7. The Psychodynamics of Meditation --
pt. III. Therapy.
Ch. 8. Remembering.
Ch. 9. Repeating.
Ch. 10. Working Through.
FY1989 /
Physical description
xii, 242 p.; 22 cm
Description
Philosophy. Psychology. Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. HTML: The line between psychology and spirituality has blurred, as clinicians, their patients, and religious seekers explore new perspectives on the self. A landmark contribution to the field of psychoanalysis, Thoughts Without a Thinker describes the unique psychological contributions offered by the teachings of Buddhism. Drawing upon his own experiences as a psychotherapist and meditator, New York-based psychiatrist Mark Epstein lays out the path to meditation-inspired healing, and offers a revolutionary new understanding of what constitutes a healthy emotional life..
Language
Original language
English
Similar in this library
Lexile
1370L
User reviews
LibraryThing member the_hag
The blurb inside the dust jacket describes Thoughts Without a Thinker as “…a major contribution to the exploration of discussion about how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology” and indeed it is. This book was probably a mind-blowing breakthrough when it was originally
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published…and it still has value more than ten years later. I have no idea how this book wound up in my TBR pile, but I’m glad it did. Epstein, a psychotherapist by trade (and mediatator and Buddhist practitioner as well) draws from his own personal experience, the experiences of his patients, and his experience as an accomplished psychotherapist to illustrate how Eastern spiritual practices can enhance the therapeutic process for Westerners. Readers may want to have some familiarity with psychological terms (particularly those related to psychotherapy) and a bit of knowledge about Freud and his contemporaries wouldn’t hurt. The book is accessible even if a reader isn’t already familiar with these terms, concepts and people (especially with the computer and internet available to Google while reading). This isn’t really an introduction to meditation, mindfulness, or any tangible Buddhist practices, it does give an overview of the basics (enough so that the reader can understand it in the broader context of the book). For those people seeking an introduction to actual Buddhist practices and in depth discussion of the ideas behind it, one would definitely not want this to be the starting point. Thoughts Without a Thinker is more geared toward enlightening people about how these esoteric practices can be beneficial to and integrated in modern (Western) therapeutic practice. It was an interesting and thought provoking read that I would definitely recommend. I give it 4 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member kaulsu
Spiritual book club selection. Epstein is a Buddhist and also a trained psychiatrist. Very stimulating discussion of "working through" our emotions, not objectifying them. technically over my head! Mainstream Buddhist thought of elimination of self.
LibraryThing member gratefulyoga
Epstein is a meditation teacher as well as a psychotherapist, and he draws on both traditions to help explain how we get ourselves so stuck in suffering, and then how we can find a way out. Insightful and engaging.