If the Buddha Married: Creating Enduring Relationships on a Spiritual Path (Compass) [Paperback]

Charlotte Kasl (Author)

Book Description

Series: Compass | Publication Date: May 1, 2001

If the Buddha Married is filled with the same highly practical, spiritually sound guidance that so clearly touched a chord with readers of If the Buddha Dated. Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D., is renowned for her ability to speak with depth, wisdom, and humor on important matters of the heart.

In this new book, Kasl inspires us to create fulfilling and vibrant relationships through a commitment to awareness and truth. Combining key teachings of Buddhism with elements of psychology, If the Buddha Married becomes a wise and trusted guide through the joys and thickets of relationships that last and grow.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Last year, psychotherapist Charlotte Kasl explored the first flushes of romance in If the Buddha Dated; now she takes the next step in If the Buddha Married: Creating Enduring Relationships on a Spiritual Path. There is some strong, wise marital advice here, but how Buddhist is it? One glaring fact that Kasl never so much as mentions is that the Buddha did have a wife and child, whom he abandoned in the quest for enlightenment. A more interesting book would have investigated the tensions between the demands (and joys) of marital relationships and the individual's need to embark on the spiritual journey.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

The author of several books including Finding Joy, Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D., a practicing therapist and nationally recognized workshop leader for more than twenty years, has had lifelong connections to feminism, Buddhism, Quaker practice, and Reiki healing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140196226
• ISBN-13: 978-0140196221
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Charlotte D. Kasl is a social activist and a psychologist at the forefront of the empowerment movement sweeping the recovery field. She lectures and leads workshops in the United States and abroad and lives near Missoula, MT.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enlightening!, June 8, 2002

By 

Kat Lynn (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If the Buddha Married: Creating Enduring Relationships on a Spiritual Path (Compass) (Paperback)

Although, I do not know a lot about Buddhism (historic details as some of the other reviewers do), I can say I found the book an excellent, inviting and uplifting read. It impacted my relationship in a profound way. I think partly because it was not "clinical" nor written in an analytical style. The flow and read of the book was so wonderful, it brought down my defense mechanisms and made me consider what was most important. Each chapter deserves real think time -- and you may wish to read it together as a couple. Maybe a chapter each night before you go to bed.

It is a book of great enlightenment. It's what you do with it that counts. Several chapters struck a chord so deep, it moved me into a whole new realm. I can not give this book enough stars. I recommend it to all who are in a relationship and are striving to stay together over the long haul. You can spend a couple of bucks now, or a whole bunch later on therapy, post divorce.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book, September 6, 2005

By 

A. Klyce (SF Bay Area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If the Buddha Married: Creating Enduring Relationships on a Spiritual Path (Compass) (Paperback)

First, this book does in fact deal with the fact that Buddha (the man) had been married and so on, reviews stating that this book does not include factual information on this are wrong (maybe written by people who read an earlier version? or not at all?)

Second, I can say from my own personal experience, that this book has raised my interest in exploring just what Buddhism actually is (as well as a few other religions mentioned in the book.)

Finally, and most important, I have found that what is written in this book is right! It's that simple. I've had exposure to couple's counseling, 12-step programs and more, and this book distills the esential elements of being a healthy person/couple in this dysfunctional world/society.

A great read for anyone who wants to strengthen a current relationship, dissect past relationships or plan for the future!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this together for healing, January 24, 2004

By 

Monoxylon (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: If the Buddha Married: Creating Enduring Relationships on a Spiritual Path (Compass) (Paperback)

This doesn't really seem to be about Buddhism, but it is fabulous. My fiance and I read this book to each other almost every day. A few pages at a time, a small chapter: as we turn each page and read each word, this book speaks to us, unfolding the mysteries of being in a relationship. The book speaks often to the couple of getting into the "us place:" my advice is that you begin by reading the book together, and my belief is that, with this book, you will get there.
(To Charlotte: Thanks!)