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Summary: Epstein exposes the meaning behind Emptiness
Review: A superb look at the inner workings of the mind. Often times Psychology and Buddhist texts tend to be a bit hard to read. Often times I hear complaints about such writings, but here Epstein gives a clear and easily understood look at our inner workings. Don't be put off by the Buddhist aspects, this is book is purely based on understanding our own difficulties in being human. From dealing with bad relationships, balancing our monster ego's, and finding a more constructive way to deal with our daily deconstruction, this book from beginning to end is an engaging experience.
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Summary: A must read for true Fulfillment
Review: For decades, Western psychology has promised fulfillment through buildingand strengthening the ego. We are taught that the ideal is a strong,individuated self, constructed and reinforced over a lifetime. But Buddhistpsychiatrist Mark Epstein has found a different way.Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart shows us that happiness doesn't come from any kind of acquisitiveness, be it material or psychological. Happiness comes from letting go. Weaving together the accumulated wisdom of his two worlds--Buddhism and Western psychotherapy--Epstein showshow "the happiness that we seek depends on our ability to balance the ego's need to do with our inherent capacity to be." He encourages us to relax the ever-vigilant mind in order to experience the freedom that comes only from relinquishing control.Drawing on events in his own life and stories from his patients, Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart teaches us that only by letting go can we start on the path to a more peaceful and spiritually satisfying life.
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Summary: Couldn't have explained it better
Review: I have been suffering from anxiety/depression and feelings of emptiness for 6 years since I went through a particularly stressful event. I have only read as far as chapter 3 but already I can see that this is the first self help book I have read (and I have read quite a few) that really hits the nail on the head and left me thinking "This is it. If only I had known that 6 years ago". It seems amazing to me that a person can understand the human mind so clearly and lay it out in a logical manner for a layman to understand. When I comeplete the book I will get back to you on what I thought of his practical implementation of the solution to the problem. I just wanted to get this out there for people to read now as if you are feeling any of the things I noted above then this book is the best place to start in my opinion.
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Summary: Wonderful followup
Review: I read "thoughts without a thinker" as well. Both are enlightening and very helpful. This book blends buddhist teachings with emotional healing and provides a map of sorts for this process drawing on both disciplines (buddhism and psychotherapy). Drawing from his extensive work professionally and personally, this book is full of poignant stories and examples that demonstrate how buddhism and psychotherapy taken together works to heal and blossom spiritually and mentally.
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Summary: The Absolute Best Book I Have Ever Read!
Review: If the title of this review does not say it all...
After reading this and considering so many of the ways this philosophy differs from our western psychology, it is no wonder that our society is dysfunctional.
If you are tired of the constant pressure to become less stressed, while improving your life and "getting ahead", then you need to read this book. It will change your outlook on life and put a lot of things into the proper perspective.
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Summary: Read it
Review: If you are working on spiritual improvement this book is wonderful. As fine a contribution as, "Wherever You Go, There you Are". Don't be thrown off because the author didn't conveniently take a name like, "Sri Raj Chimnoy". Don't prejudge the book by it's title into believing you must be "falling to Pieces" to benefit from reading it. Read It.
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Summary: Reasoned paen to meditative Buddhism and psychotherapy
Review: Mark Epstein is remarkable in that his writing has a distinctly spiritual note, even while he is talking in scientific terms and refraining from engaging in a discourse of religion. "Going to pieces without falling apart" is an apt name for this book because it talks about the paradoxical nature of Buddhist meditation i.e. through the disintegration of the self and the ego you integrate yourself with all that is living. There is a simple poem that is quoted in this book that describes this process of falling apart and then coming together through an analogy about how a meditator sees mountains and rivers before nirvana and then all is changed during nirvana and then he sees mountains and rivers again. Epstein writes about how Buddhist meditation principles can be used in psychotherapy. In fact many principles are already being used, but without acknowledgement of the resemblance. He describes how Freud instructs therapists to listen to the patient in a careful non- judgmental way, very much like what Buddhist meditation ideally is - i.e. non-judgmental observation of all your thoughts and actions. Buddhism, however, goes beyond traditional therapy by working with the feeling of isolation we all have to actually finding a more satisfying answer than merely learning to cope. In conclusion, highly recommended for its focus on Buddhist meditation practices and links to psychology but if you are looking for the religious aspects of Buddhism this is not for you.
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Summary: An opening door to realization of everyday issues.
Review: This book helped me during a very difficult time. I really wanted an spiritual awakening. I got more than that. It is an eye opener. I had in many occations used the word "Enlightment" to describe my amazing educational experience at Monterey Peninsula College; and also to describe the experience of having been educated by such amazing instructors. At the time I was merely an intellectual beast, feeding that ego. After reading this Enlightening book, and Dr's Epstein views and meshing of both Western and Eastern philosophies or psychologies; then I realized that "I had had an overflowing cup of tea" all my life. In fact I realized that perhaps accademically I have a 3.7GPA; but truthfully I knew nothing. I still don't know the half! However, I have realized that; thought overpowered me and that I had only lived on the outside of the circle. The book has prompt me to introduce my children and myself to a calmer and more serene existance. I am finacially overwhealmed, I am a single parent of 4, my job stinks; but I am in a good place; I have at least experieced serenety. It is nurturing to be here. If I could ask Dr. Epstein to suggest some childresn's titles, some of which he reads to his own children. Local book stores don't seem to have any suggestions.
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Summary: Read This Book!!
Review: This book is fun to read and explore. It bears reading two or three times, and is filled with some good insights into parallels between buddisht practice and western psychology. Having said that, it is also fair to say that it is in need some serious editing and rethinking. Misstatememts like: "Buddhism has always made the self's ability to relax its boundaries the centerpiece of its teachings" are indicative of the authors' predeliction for interpreting buddhist philosophy in western psychological terms. And this is a real weakness of the text.
It also troubles me that the author himself, along with several of his aquaintances and patients, practiced most fertily in the ground of buddhist meditation, and yet the author seems to take pains to avoid suggesting that this is indeed the most appropriate advice for those suffering.
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Summary: Provides new insights into nature of sexuality and intimacy.
Review: This book of Epstein's seemed a lot more helpful and useful than his more theoretical "Thoughts Without a Thinker." I felt her recast many of the old Buddhist stories in a very new light that make them sparkle again. His intertwining of psychoanalysis with meditation was brilliant especially his demonstration that both are complementary and that one can get stuck in either mode. Finally, his analysis of how our selves resist disintegration even in sexuality and interpersonal intimacy rings so true! Epstein comes across as so human, so struggling and yet so wise. I felt the gentle touch of a caring counselor throughout the book.
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