Thoughts without a thinker
Thoughts without a thinker

by Mark Epstein

ISBN 10 0-465-02022-4

From the back cover -

A decade ago, this pathbreaking book launched an explosion of interest in how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology. Since then, the worlds of Buddhism and psychotherapy have been forged into a revolutionary new understanding of what constitutes a healthy emotional life. In his insightful introduction to this tenth anniversary edition, Mark Epstein reflects on this revolution and considers how it is likely to evolve in the future.

"Mark Epstein's book is inspired in its lucidity. After Thoughts without a thinker, psychotherapy without a Buddhist perspective looks like a diminished thing."

Adam Phillips, author of On kissing, tickling and being bored.

"A groundbreaking book ... The book will take its place among the classics of the literature of meditation."

Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever you go, there you are

"A marvelous book that is at once scholarly and fresh, informative and personal."

Stephen A Mitchell, author of Freud and beyond

"A most lucid and expert account of the wedding of psychotherapy and meditation. And Eastern-Western psychology that truly speaks from the inside of both worlds."

Jack kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

"I loved Thoughts without a thinker. Mark Epstein has given us a brilliant account of how an ancient science of mind, based on a rich meditative tradition, can complement therapy and lead to new dimensions of wisdom and wholeness."

Joan Borysenko, author of Minding the body, Mending the Mind

Page 126 -

Bare attention is the technique that best defines the Buddhist approach to working with our minds and emotions. It is impartial, open, nonjudgemental, interested, patient, fearless and impersonal.

May tap out more of this section later ...

Page 136 -

The problem for many Western meditators is that the approach to the problem is simply too impersonal at first. The psychic pain revealed at this stage and personified by strong longing is often so central and so deeply personal that meditators can never let go of the wish that the meditation itself would magically heal them.

From a fan's page -

When we immerse ourself in desire without guilt, shame or clinging, it can show us something special about our own minds that allows us to embrace life fully.

Page 177 -

The emphasis on individuality and autonomy, the breakdown of the extended and even the nuclear family, the scarcity of "good enough" parenting and the relentless drive for achievement versus affection in our society leave a person all too often feeling cut off, isolated, alienated, empty and longing for an intimacy that seems both out of reach and vaguely threatening. At the first cross-cultural meetings of Eastern masters and Western therapists, the Dalai Lama was incredulous at the notion of "low self-esteem" that he kept hearing about. He went around the room asking each Westerner there, "Do you have this? Do you have this?" When they all nodded yes, he just shook his head in disbelief. In Tibet, said Sogyal Rinpoche, a positive sense of self is assumed.

... may type more of this ... it discusses "Hungry Ghosts" ... click

Note: I have only just purchased this book & I may type more of it but why not just BUY it. Reading off a computer screen can't compare with having a copy in your hands while sitting in a nice, comfy chair :)

Some Links -

Basic search 4 the book

Some customer reviews

Interviews with the author

What the author says about meditation

More of Mark at the Tricycle site

Beyond blame

The hungry ghost realm is part of the Buddhist view of reality

Liberation from suffering

Shambhala Sun has some of his work - and it is a searchable site! - try searching 4 therapy :)

For example

Quote from the book

And another

Mark's advice on the emotions

Leads us 2 an interview about one of his other books

The right view is part of the Buddhist path

Continuing the theme

Development of the capacity 2 attend 2 the moment-to-moment nature of mind allows the self 2 be experienced without the distortions of idealisation or wishful fantasy

More on the nature of the mind

Psychotherapy & Buddhism

This being the first to catch my eye

Article on loving presence at that same site

A few links about Buddhism & psychotherapy

Mandala is another searchable site

Become your own therapist

Spiritual healing

Hurry up & meditate

More on mindfulness

Huge list of Buddhist articles

BuddhaNet is another large site

All in the mind

The Art of Happiness

Another large list of buddhist websites

More on meditation

A few more links - some of which are about Buddhism or meditation

Back 2 my books page