Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective [Paperback]

Mark Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 14, 2004

Thoughts Without a Thinker is the landmark book that brought the worlds of Buddhism and psychotherapy into contact with each other, and changed thousands of lives. Drawing upon his own experience as therapist, meditator, and patient, Mark Epstein, a New York-based psychiatrist trained in classical Freudian methods, integrates Western psychotherapy and the teachings of Buddhism.In accessible, intimate language, 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. Mark Epstein's new introduction reflects on the impact of the book and on the evolving relationship between psychotherapy and Buddhism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the most sophisticated integrations of therapeutic and spiritual disciplines." Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence"

About the Author

Mark Epstein, M.D., a graduate of Harvard College and the Harvard Medical School, has a private practice in New York City.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; export ed edition (December 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465020224
• ISBN-13: 978-0465020225
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,961 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable blend of Buddhism and psychology, December 17, 2005

By 

Madison (U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective (Paperback)

The first chapter of this book alone is worth the purchase price. I have it dogeared, and refer back to it frequently. The author uses the Buddhist Wheel of Life as a metaphor for states of pschological suffering. His explanations are both clear and intriguing. This book will interest students of psychology and Buddhism alike.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, October 19, 2001

By 

"aaghevli" (CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts Without a Thinker (Audio Cassette)

I think this book is an absolutely wonderful introduction to a particular subset of Buddhist philosophy, and done so in such a way that it may benefit our own lives as well as the academic and practices of psychology today.

Specifically, the examination of the Buddhist Realms of existence (of which there are 6 I believe) and its relation to our states of mind. In doing so, we are treated to stories of the personal struggles of his patients as well as their parallels to Buddhist concepts (most notably the 6 realms).

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good INTRODUCTION (as the depth could be expanded further of course)to Buddhist philosophy within our current scientific concepts, as well as psychologists looking to expand their world view and see ancient Buddhists as their predecessors. A well written and caring book.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!, February 14, 2006

By 

Angel M. (Piscataway, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective (Paperback)

It was one of a few required texts for a Buddhism class. I chose it because I have an interest in psychology, particularly the psychodynamic perspective (unconscious motivation) and this book added to my life in such a way! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about Buddhism and freeing one's "self" from the limitations of convention. I don't agree with everything in it, but this is a book for my collection, definitely.