Thoughts Without a Thinker : Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective

by Epstein, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780465085859
• ISBN10: 0465085857
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-05-30
• Publisher: Perseus Books Group

Summary

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 Thinkeris 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.

Table of Contents

Foreword by the Dalai Lama	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction: Knocking on Buddha's Door	1	(14)
PART I THE BUDDHA'S PSYCHOLOGY OF MIND
The Wheel of Life: A Buddhist Model of the Neurotic Mind	15	(28)
Humiliation: The Buddha's First Truth	43	(16)
Thirst: The Buddha's Second Truth	59	(16)
Release: The Buddha's Third Truth	75	(14)
Nowhere Standing: The Buddha's Fourth Truth	89	(20)
PART II MEDITATION
Bare Attention	109	(20)
The Psychodynamics of Meditation	129	(34)
PART III THERAPY
Remembering	163	(18)
Repeating	181	(22)
Working Through	203	(20)
Notes	223	(12)
Index	235