Spiritwalk Books
Selections of the Month
March 1999
Going to
Pieces Without Falling Apart
A Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness
by Mark. Epstein
About Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart
- In the era of self-empowerment and the relentless
glorification of self-esteem, Mark Epstein is
questioning whether we have it all backward. As a psychiatrist and practicing Buddhist for 25 years,
Epstein has come to believe that the self-help movement has encouraged us to spend enormous
amounts of time, money, and mental energy on patching up our egos, rather than pursuing true
self-awareness. Instead, Epstein suggests we carefully shatter the ego, as if it were a fat piggy bank,
to see what's inside--a scary prospect for those who spend their lives in fear of falling apart. But fear
not. Epstein artfully shows readers how to patch the pieces together again into a far richer and more
meaningful mosaic. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
An intimate guide to self-acceptance and discovery that offers a Buddhist perspective on wholeness
within the framework of a Western understanding of self.
For decades, Western psychology has promised fulfillment through building and strengthening the
ego. We are taught that the ideal is a strong, individuated self, constructed and reinforced over a
lifetime. But Buddhist psychiatrist Mark Epstein has found a different way. Based on the premise
that the Western notion of self is deeply flawed, 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 shows how "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, Epstein leads us through a series of intimate and
emotionally resonant chapters that explore key psychological and spiritual experiences such as
emptiness, connection, passion, and relief. Highly personal and engaging, 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.
Synopsis
Combining lessons from meditation and psychotherapy, the bestselling author of "Thoughts Without - aThinker"
defies the rigid Western prescription for happiness and presents an intimate guide to
discovering the spiritual in the midst of everyday life.
About the Author, Mark Epstein
- Mark Epstein, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice and
the author of Thoughts
Without a Thinker
He is a contributing editor to Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and Clinical Assistant Professor - of Psychology at New York University. He lives in New York City.
What People are saying about Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart
[A] daring and profound synthesis of intelligence about
emotions East and West. This provocative
blend establishes Mark Epstein as one of psychology's most dazzling thinkers."
--Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
"[An] insightful and heartfelt exploration into the dilemma and joy of being
human."
--Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism Without Beliefs
Also by Mark Epstein, M.D.~
Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective
About Thoughts
Without a Thinker:
"A most lucid and expert account of the wedding of psychotherapy and
meditation."
--Jack Kornfield, author of A Path Without a Heart
Have you already read "Going to Pieces..."
Here's an alternative book you will enjoy
The Light Inside the Dark: Zen, Soul, and the Spiritual Life
by John Tarrant
- Listen to Lux Viviens at Broadcast.com
- (Requires RealAudio)
- (You may want to fast forward through the introductory advert)
- (and the first 2 minutes of this selection)
Make Your Purchase at Amazon.com
Order Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart
Order Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective
Order The Light Inside the Dark: Zen, Soul, and the Spiritual Life
Order Lux Viviens (Living Light): The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Check out our earlier recommendations
April 98 July 1998 August 98 February 99 March 99
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