Open to Desire: The Truth About What the Buddha Taught
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By: Mark Epstein
Format: Paperback
From: Gotham
Pub. Date: December 2005
From: Gotham
Pub. Date: December 2005
Product Details:
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2006-01-05
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 240
Ean: 9781592401857
Isbn: 1592401856
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2006-01-05
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 240
Ean: 9781592401857
Isbn: 1592401856
ABOUT THE BOOK
EDITORIAL REVIEW
Helping readers to reconcile their conflicting thoughts about desire from both a Buddhist and a psychological point of view, Mark Epstein’s well-received book now arrives in trade paperback.
“A masterpiece. . . . It teaches us how not to fear and repress, but to rechannel and harness the most powerful energies of life toward freedom and bliss.” —ROBERT THURMAN
It is common in both Buddhism and Freudian psychoanalysis to treat desire as if it is the root of all suffering and problems, but psychiatrist Mark Epstein believes this to be a grave misunderstanding. In his controversial defense of desire, he makes clear that it is the key to deepening intimacy with ourselves, each other, and our world.
Proposing that spiritual attainment does not have to be detached from intimacy or eroticism, Open to Desire begins with an exploration of the state of dissatisfaction that causes us to cling to irrational habits. Dr. Epstein helps readers overcome their own fears of desire so that they can more readily bridge the gap between self and other, cope with feelings of incompletion, and get past the perception of others as objects. Freed from clinging and shame, desire’s spiritual potential can then be opened up.
Praise for Open to Desire:
“A fascinating look at the urge for pleasure, with the goal of helping readers accept the sensation of wanting into their lives in ways that are helpful both spiritually and psychologically.”
—BODY & SOUL
“A masterpiece. . . . It teaches us how not to fear and repress, but to rechannel and harness the most powerful energies of life toward freedom and bliss.” —ROBERT THURMAN
It is common in both Buddhism and Freudian psychoanalysis to treat desire as if it is the root of all suffering and problems, but psychiatrist Mark Epstein believes this to be a grave misunderstanding. In his controversial defense of desire, he makes clear that it is the key to deepening intimacy with ourselves, each other, and our world.
Proposing that spiritual attainment does not have to be detached from intimacy or eroticism, Open to Desire begins with an exploration of the state of dissatisfaction that causes us to cling to irrational habits. Dr. Epstein helps readers overcome their own fears of desire so that they can more readily bridge the gap between self and other, cope with feelings of incompletion, and get past the perception of others as objects. Freed from clinging and shame, desire’s spiritual potential can then be opened up.
Praise for Open to Desire:
“A fascinating look at the urge for pleasure, with the goal of helping readers accept the sensation of wanting into their lives in ways that are helpful both spiritually and psychologically.”
—BODY & SOUL
USER REVIEWS
"Epstein's latest book argues that, according to both Buddha and Freud, it is not desire that we need to abandon, rather it is attachment that needs to be resolved in our daily lives. He presents this argument in an unabashed and intimate manner, which sets a very different tone from the clinical though spiritual style of his previous books.
Many buddhists believe that desire is an enemy of spiritual growth but Epstein says that not only should we not be afraid of desire, it is actually a good thing and is a possible path toward enlightenment. He says that intimacy is not a barrier to spiritual growth and that desire can be used to experience some of the lessons that Buddhism teaches about bliss and emptiness. To support his case, Epstein uses an impressive range of sources, ranging from the Ramayana to case studies of patients. At times the breadth of the sources, such as clinical case histories juxtaposed with tanta, detract from the clarity of his arguments.
In the buddhist community saying that desire is not the enemy is like wearing a Clinton t-shirt to a republican convention. Well not exactly, but you get the idea. So he is taking a bit of a risk here which adds, dare I say it, passion to his arguments, making this book a more interesting read than typical pedagogical books in the area. Epstein reverts to his usual style at the end of the book by talking about how one can work with desire in a positive way. He suggests we do this by just "being" with the desire and not clinging to it or rejecting it. Overall an excellent book on buddhism and psychology (mainly Freud) and how these two disciplines deal with desire (but be warned it is quite a bit different from my previous books both in style as well as content, if that is what you are looking for)"
~ Written on 2007-02-09
Many buddhists believe that desire is an enemy of spiritual growth but Epstein says that not only should we not be afraid of desire, it is actually a good thing and is a possible path toward enlightenment. He says that intimacy is not a barrier to spiritual growth and that desire can be used to experience some of the lessons that Buddhism teaches about bliss and emptiness. To support his case, Epstein uses an impressive range of sources, ranging from the Ramayana to case studies of patients. At times the breadth of the sources, such as clinical case histories juxtaposed with tanta, detract from the clarity of his arguments.
In the buddhist community saying that desire is not the enemy is like wearing a Clinton t-shirt to a republican convention. Well not exactly, but you get the idea. So he is taking a bit of a risk here which adds, dare I say it, passion to his arguments, making this book a more interesting read than typical pedagogical books in the area. Epstein reverts to his usual style at the end of the book by talking about how one can work with desire in a positive way. He suggests we do this by just "being" with the desire and not clinging to it or rejecting it. Overall an excellent book on buddhism and psychology (mainly Freud) and how these two disciplines deal with desire (but be warned it is quite a bit different from my previous books both in style as well as content, if that is what you are looking for)"
~ Written on 2007-02-09
"Epstein's masterful weaving of western psychology, buddhist and hindu teachings and contemporary relationships yields a sum that is definitely greater than its parts. Without explicitly stating it, he has been able to describe extremely well the impossible circumstances humans find themselves in on this planet. The experience and pursuit of desire leads to the experience of the divine, if ever so brief. However, Epstein successfully points out that we can never possess the divine and unify with it through romantic love. This sets up the inevitable process that leads each individual to love and yet fail to possess the divine experience that is so badly sought. This leads to the birth of the spirtiual impulse or the birth of greater awareness or expanded consciousness which then sets the individual on one of the many paths, Kaballah, Sufi, Zen etc. that will lead to the divine.
It is just a wonderful book as so many people are buried in mythical notions of love and are completely confused by their ongoing troubles in this area. Most people don't understand that the whole process is designed with purposeful flaws to ensure spiritual growth.
I particularly liked Epstein's description of the Stupa and the path surrounding it. A great physical representation of a complex concept."
~ Written on 2007-01-18
It is just a wonderful book as so many people are buried in mythical notions of love and are completely confused by their ongoing troubles in this area. Most people don't understand that the whole process is designed with purposeful flaws to ensure spiritual growth.
I particularly liked Epstein's description of the Stupa and the path surrounding it. A great physical representation of a complex concept."
~ Written on 2007-01-18
"I've read some of Epstein's other books and they are all very good, very thoughtful. He writes with a genuineness that comes from a good heart.
This book intrigued me because it was about desire, sexual desire and lust for "fun," for life-experiences that really "blow us away." Such desires are often denigrated, and I feel that Zen and Theravada masters are as Puritanical as some Christians. So I read Epstein's book with keen interest, and he didn't disappoint, but he did challenge me to learn *WHY* the left-handed path is okay to follow, rather than just give me permission to chase after my own lusts.
Chapter 8, "A Facilitating Environment," was clearly the best part of the book. But the final short chapter, "Jumping In," was wonderfully delicious and surprising. I won't spoil it, but it was truly beautiful. And his very last sentence tied in with a crucial experience eating lobster roll in Manhattan much earlier in the book.
All in all, a truly wonderful book! Thank you, Dr. Epstein!!!!"
~ Written on 2006-12-07
This book intrigued me because it was about desire, sexual desire and lust for "fun," for life-experiences that really "blow us away." Such desires are often denigrated, and I feel that Zen and Theravada masters are as Puritanical as some Christians. So I read Epstein's book with keen interest, and he didn't disappoint, but he did challenge me to learn *WHY* the left-handed path is okay to follow, rather than just give me permission to chase after my own lusts.
Chapter 8, "A Facilitating Environment," was clearly the best part of the book. But the final short chapter, "Jumping In," was wonderfully delicious and surprising. I won't spoil it, but it was truly beautiful. And his very last sentence tied in with a crucial experience eating lobster roll in Manhattan much earlier in the book.
All in all, a truly wonderful book! Thank you, Dr. Epstein!!!!"
~ Written on 2006-12-07
"Open to Desire offers great insight to a novice on clarifying eastern Buddhism's view on non-attachment for the western mindset.
To the west, non-attachment to individuals and things is cold and uncaring. However, Dr. .Epstein makes it clear that desire is acceptable and healthy. It is when you breach that desire to an unhealthy state of clinging that manifest into a negative connotation.
Overall, Dr. Epstein makes it clear that through discipline and restraint that you can fully embrace and accept love--and fully be open to desire.
"
~ Written on 2006-08-20
To the west, non-attachment to individuals and things is cold and uncaring. However, Dr. .Epstein makes it clear that desire is acceptable and healthy. It is when you breach that desire to an unhealthy state of clinging that manifest into a negative connotation.
Overall, Dr. Epstein makes it clear that through discipline and restraint that you can fully embrace and accept love--and fully be open to desire.
"
~ Written on 2006-08-20
"I recommend this book to anyone who has ever desired for something that he or she could never achieve. Though I found this book in Religion/Buddhist section of the bookstore, I will encourage non-Buddhist to read this book as well because this books deals with the basic cause of human suffering.
This book has brought enormous amount of peace to me during a very difficult phase of my life.
I am a neo-Buddhist and for the past two years, I had been working on the "cessation of attachment" to objects. I felt that I was almost there.
Then I met a remarkable woman who simply swept me off my feet with her beauty and intelligence. As it happens in life, I will never be able to "have" her. All my self-training on "cessation of attachment" were forgotten. I was missing her so badly that one evening I developed symptoms of a heart attack and had to be admitted in the hospital.
It was at the time of despair and heartache when I found this book. This book has afforded my the best psychotherapy I could ever imagine. This book has taught me to separate my desire from craving. I have learned to preserve and not feel guilty for my desire and fight, to some extent, defeat the craving I had for my friend. I have learned to acknowledge and respect my friend as "whole person" and not only the perspective of her that I see.
I recommend this book to every man and woman of this earth."
~ Written on 2006-08-19
This book has brought enormous amount of peace to me during a very difficult phase of my life.
I am a neo-Buddhist and for the past two years, I had been working on the "cessation of attachment" to objects. I felt that I was almost there.
Then I met a remarkable woman who simply swept me off my feet with her beauty and intelligence. As it happens in life, I will never be able to "have" her. All my self-training on "cessation of attachment" were forgotten. I was missing her so badly that one evening I developed symptoms of a heart attack and had to be admitted in the hospital.
It was at the time of despair and heartache when I found this book. This book has afforded my the best psychotherapy I could ever imagine. This book has taught me to separate my desire from craving. I have learned to preserve and not feel guilty for my desire and fight, to some extent, defeat the craving I had for my friend. I have learned to acknowledge and respect my friend as "whole person" and not only the perspective of her that I see.
I recommend this book to every man and woman of this earth."
~ Written on 2006-08-19