Western therapeutic approaches have often put considerable emphasis on building self-esteem and enhancing a positive sense of self. This book challenges the assumption behind this approach. Most of us protect ourselves against being fully alive. Because we fear loss and pain, we escape by withdrawing from experiences and distracting ourselves with amusements. We fall into habitual ways of acting and limit our experience to the familiar. We create an identity which we think of as a 'self', and in so doing imprison our life-energy. For 2500 years Buddhism has developed an understanding of the way that we can easily fall into a deluded view. It has shown how the mind clings to false perceptions and tries to create permanence out of an ever changing world. Written by a practising therapist and committed Buddhist, this book explores the practical relevance of Buddhist teachings on psychology to our everyday experience. By letting go of our attachment to self, we open ourselves to full engagement with life and with others. We step out of our self-made prison.
Buddhist Psychology
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Buddhism teaches us that because we try to shut out the terrible things that happen in the world we end up shutting out the beauty and wonder as well. We limit ourselves in our familiar habits in order to avoid the pain, affliction and fear that are the inevitable realities that shape our lives - yet they're also the factors that allow us to look at life more deeply and live it more fully. In this clear-sighted book, Caroline Brazier teaches us how to break these self-imprisoning patterns. She shows us that we don't have to magnify our suffering by hanging on to things we can't have, choosing avoidance behaviour or trying to fit the world into our personal viewpoint so that we can feel safe. Instead, we can train ourselves to be more fully alive by accepting our suffering and not wasting time and energy on escapist distractions, energy that could otherwise be spent achieving positive ends. Brazier believes that psychology is embedded in Buddhism's most important teachings, and that by presenting them as psychology rather than as Buddhism they can be made more available to those who might not otherwise find them. Rather than focus on high-minded metaphysical discussions, Buddhist Psychology focuses on practical applications of the teachings as they relate to our day-to-day lives, making the book useful for therapeutic practitioners, community activists, educators, aid workers and anyone wishing to develop their own spiritual training. In a time when we have become increasingly afraid and vulnerable, and suffering makes the headlines in daily numerous ways, Buddhist Psychology presents an enormously valuable and welcome way in which to view the world around us and our place in it. --Kirkus UK
'Stimulating and provocative... definitely worth reading whatever one's Buddhist affiliation.' --Ros Oliver, View.
'Shows a deep and humanistic understanding of Buddhist psychology.' --Joy Manne, Self and Society
'Stimulating and provocative... definitely worth reading whatever one's Buddhist affiliation.' --Ros Oliver, View.
'Shows a deep and humanistic understanding of Buddhist psychology.' --Joy Manne, Self and Society
About the Author
Caroline Brazier is a practising psychotherapist and ordained Buddhist following the pure land tradition. She has led training programmes in Buddhist psychology and psychotherapy in Britain, Europe and North America, and is married to David Brazier, author of Zen Therapy, The New Buddhism, and The Feeling Buddha.
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23 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Carol H.
Format:Paperback
I have always been interested both in psychology and buddhism and was positively surprised to find both reunited and compared in one book. Caroline Brazier explores the innermost recesses of our minds as have been researched by both disciplines and the outcome is satisfactory. No new age mumbo-jumbo and all the sanskrit terms are thoroughly explained. Very inspiring. Very enlightening.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By carslake
Format:Paperback
This is a good book if you have never read any Buddhisn before or have tried to read and have been a bit lost off. Loads of 'oh wow man' moments in it for me. Read it a couple of years ago set me off on a lot of extra reading but remains a fundamental eye opener for those who will consider other possibilities. Just buy it, read it, then think about it. If you are not a more enlightened person at least to the tune of the purchase cost i will be amazed.
5 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the best overviews of Buddhist Psychology I've read. The author explains Buddhist theory in a very accessible way, with examples from everyday life. The book explains the Skandha cycle wonderfully and there is a fascinating chapter on The Ant Hill sutra, which is a dream that came to one of the Buddha's followers and was interpreted by the Buddha. An excellent read which will appeal to both people on the Buddhist path and to those interested in deepening their understanding of human behaviour.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Confusing!
A good book but it's very confusing to me at times. I find it hard to memorise all the different concepts so had to have a note book to hand so I could keep referring back to them!
Published 15 months ago by Ben brook
1.0 out of 5 stars
This book should be called A Buddhist Psychotherapy
There is very little of Buddhist psychology per se in this book. It mostly deals with the author's innovative and 'revolutionary' approach to the psychotherapy of people with... Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2009 by JV Barrios Nunez
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very disappointing
This book offers a succinct summary and explanation of some basic Buddhist propositions, but it altogether fails to convey any inspiration or sense of profundity. Read more
Published on 9 Oct 2006 by By Jove
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