- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Basic Books (10 May 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0465085857
- ISBN-13: 978-0465085859
- Product Dimensions: 20.5 x 13.5 x 1.7 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 550,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
Product 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.
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First Sentence
IN THE EARLY days of my interest in Buddhism and psychology, I was given a particularly vivid demonstration of how difficult it was going to be to forge an integration between the two. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
IN THE EARLY days of my interest in Buddhism and psychology, I was given a particularly vivid demonstration of how difficult it was going to be to forge an integration between the two. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As an aspiring psychology student, I purchased this book with the intention of simply seeing psychoanalsis through a new perspective. However, after carefully reading this work, including the insightful introduction from the Dalai Lama, I soon realized that I not only had a new conception of psychoanalysis, but of Buddhism as well. This book should be especially picked up by anyone who has ever seen Buddhism as yet another 'New Age' concept or 'feel good' pseudo-science. Finally, the West has an opportunity to not only get a good understanding of Buddhism through terms we can relate to, but also an unique vision of the possibilities of psychoanalysis.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
28 reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
a book that keeps on giving
4 Aug 2002
Format:Paperback
I picked this book off the shelf in 1995, when it was published, and have read it about five times since. Although I have an advanced degree and am used to difficult books, I found it very challenging, though readable and interesting. I don't think I developed a coherent sense of the profound and helpful ideas in "Thoughts Without a Thinker" until my third or fourth read.
I'd like to thank Mark Epstein for the 20 years of experience, study, practice, thought, and compassion he put into this book. In our anti-intellectual culture it's a pleasure to read a consummately intellectual book that is packed with feeling, humanity, and a dynamic sense of purpose and discovery.
It's reductive to say what I got out of this book, and, in a way, against the spirit of the book. But what I derived from my readings is a profound argument (that has stayed with me, really helped me) for not taking myself, my "tragedies," or, even, anyone else's, too much to heart. To understand that I and my culture burden me with a sense of identity and history that are simply irrationally heavy; to understand that many of my "burdens" can be eased by blending analysis and understanding with a less rational "bare attention" and letting go.
Are you berating yourself for anything? Epstein's marvelous quotes from Buddhist texts speak eloquently for him: "Things are not what they seem. Nor are they otherwise. Deeds exist, but no doer can be found."
It's amazing how much the reviewers of this book agree with one another. I think this speaks to the tremendous integrity of Mark Epstein's effort in this book. Among other things, "Thoughts Without a Thinker" inspires me to try (as non-neurotically as possible) to create something as excellent in my life.
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
The best of East and West
1 July 1999
Format:Paperback
I found this book not only enlightening but very practical. The introduction to the fundamentals of Buddhism in the first section is clear, easy to read, and well-thought-out -- I've read a lot of Buddhist texts and commentary on my own, but this summary pulled it all together for me. His discussion of the practice of meditation was extremely helpful -- although the best way to learn how to meditate is to DO it, this provided some useful guidelines, and was very reassuring for us perfectionists who tend to get hung up in "Am I doing it right?"! While the final section would probably be most useful to those who practice psychotherapy, or to their clients, I found it thought-provoking and fascinating to read. This isn't just a book for specialists; it has something to say to anyone who's interested in human psychology or spiritual development (which, Epstein might say, are fundamentally the same thing).
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Succinct, Lucid, Beautifully Written.
30 Jun 2000
Format:Paperback
Mark Espstein explains the heart of Buddha and the mind of Freud simultaneously, and with greater clarity than ever I had read about either before. By describing, comparing, and contrasting buddhist and psychological practices, he clearly presents the goals and practices of both. Suffering comes from clinging to a false sense of self, from clinging to a sense of self at all and it is the aim of psychotherapy, buddhism, and this book to free you from your own shackles.
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