Transpersonal Psychology

Why are more and more psychotherapists embracing meditation practice, while so many Buddhists are exploring psychology? Both psychology and Buddhism seek to provide freedom from suffering, explains Bruce Tift, yet each offers a completely different approach for reaching this goal.

In his long career as a poet, Buddhist teacher, spiritual advisor, and writer, Stephen Levine has deeply changed our understanding of death and dying—and living.

For the growing number of professional counselors interested in meditation and Buddhist concepts, The Courage to be Present integrates the ideal of the bodhisattva—one who serves others selflessly with generosity, patience, and diligence—with the principles and ethics of the professional therapist.

Before he began training as a psychiatrist, Mark Epstein (author of Thoughts Without a Thinker) immersed himself in Buddhism through influential teachers such as Ram Dass, Joseph Goldstein, and Jack Kornfield.

 Tragically, we seek happiness by struggling against the facts of existence… The sad fact is that the desires and fears which energize human anger, aggression, and violence are more compelling than the desire for peace and harmony. As Shantideva said, “We shrink from suffering, but love its causes.”