Thoughts Without A Thinker, Psychotherapy from a Buddhist perspective. by Mark Epstein.

Publ by Duckworth

The world of Psychotherapy is as varied and as colourful in its different styles and theories as is the world of Buddhism. However, at root, both worlds have one thing in common - the attempt to understand and alleviate suffering.

As a Buddhist practitioner and Freudian Psychotherapist, Epstein has made a valuable contribution to the discussion about the compatibility of the two. Writing in a style which is easy to read, full of heart and humour and littered with illustrations from both his own practices and experience, he is able to present complex ideas simply. He describes the psychological view of the Four Noble Truths and the representations in the Wheel of Life, discussing in detail the real meaning of the word ego and the misuse which has become prevalent, leading to much confusion and miscommunication.

Epstein is open about discussing the shortcomings of Freud and points out how the approach has developed since the latters time and rather narrow view point. However, he also explains the relevance and importance of psychotherapy as an adjunct and support to practice and warns of the danger of using meditation practice as an avoidance of deep psychic pain. Epstein also discusses the correlation's and differences between therapy and meditation practice, in particular the power and value of silence, the effects of a particular quality of attention, the consequences of ignorance, and Psychotherapy as a reconstruction of self, with Buddhism as a method of deconstruction.

That psychotherapy creates dependence and leads to a magnification of a sense of self is a common opinion. Apparently Freud himself had doubts as to how one knew when a therapy had served its purpose and was finished. Epstein suggests that there is a natural progression in the therapeutic journey from integrating the 'I' (disowned pain and feelings) to an investigation of the 'I', a process in which a recognition of the fluidity of our emotions leads to a recognition of the fluidity of 'I' - a process of shifting from habits of 'denying' to 'disidentification ', a subtle but important difference. The former is an act of repression with dangerous consequences, the later a forming of a relationship with an aspect of our inner being which allows a measure of choice about our behaviour.

Whilst I could argue a number of points with Mr Epstein (for example his assertion that one cannot go beyond the ego), I would recommend this book to those both with or without a knowledge of therapy. A book to be read with a critical eye and open heart.

Marijke Acket