Rating: 
Summary: The best of East and West
Review: I found this book not only enlightening but very practical. The introduction to the fundamentals of Buddhism in the first section is clear, easy to read, and well-thought-out -- I've read a lot of Buddhist texts and commentary on my own, but this summary pulled it all together for me. His discussion of the practice of meditation was extremely helpful -- although the best way to learn how to meditate is to DO it, this provided some useful guidelines, and was very reassuring for us perfectionists who tend to get hung up in "Am I doing it right?"! While the final section would probably be most useful to those who practice psychotherapy, or to their clients, I found it thought-provoking and fascinating to read. This isn't just a book for specialists; it has something to say to anyone who's interested in human psychology or spiritual development (which, Epstein might say, are fundamentally the same thing).
Rating:
Summary: Embracing the dark
Review: I found this book while struggling with a severe bout of depression. I was stunned in someway and heartened by the intuitive and thorough writings. At some point in our lives it becomes necessary to accept our past and create our futures, with as little pain as possible.I was at a place where loving myself without becoming hugely "egoistic" was necessary and I lived my past on many pages of this book. A sense of acceptance swept through me and tremendous insight into how we become who we think we are was vividly shown. I had the great fortune to attend aclass taught by the author and realized thathis course of study is challenging. Being a Westerner he is expected to adhere to Western thought, but being one who has studied Buddhist Psychology also, I must say he has joined his disparate teachings in a really wonderful way. It is insightful to know that our conditioning on the subtlest realm can be the key to curing our neurosis. If insight into oneself and others is your goal, then read this beautiful, sometimes disturbing book more than once. It is deeper than it appears to be at first glance, but then so is its subject.
Rating:
Summary: a book that keeps on giving
Review: I picked this book off the shelf in 1995, when it was published, and have read it about five times since. Although I have an advanced degree and am used to difficult books, I found it very challenging, though readable and interesting. I don't think I developed a coherent sense of the profound and helpful ideas in "Thoughts Without a Thinker" until my third or fourth read. I'd like to thank Mark Epstein for the 20 years of experience, study, practice, thought, and compassion he put into this book. In our anti-intellectual culture it's a pleasure to read a consummately intellectual book that is packed with feeling, humanity, and a dynamic sense of purpose and discovery. It's reductive to say what I got out of this book, and, in a way, against the spirit of the book. But what I derived from my readings is a profound argument (that has stayed with me, really helped me) for not taking myself, my "tragedies," or, even, anyone else's, too much to heart. To understand that I and my culture burden me with a sense of identity and history that are simply irrationally heavy; to understand that many of my "burdens" can be eased by blending analysis and understanding with a less rational "bare attention" and letting go. Are you berating yourself for anything? Epstein's marvelous quotes from Buddhist texts speak eloquently for him: "Things are not what they seem. Nor are they otherwise. Deeds exist, but no doer can be found." It's amazing how much the reviewers of this book agree with one another. I think this speaks to the tremendous integrity of Mark Epstein's effort in this book. Among other things, "Thoughts Without a Thinker" inspires me to try (as non-neurotically as possible) to create something as excellent in my life.
Rating: 
Summary: Original and Much Needed
Review: If you have an interest in either psychotherapy or Buddhism, this book will be fascinating. The author does an excellent job of integrating the two subjects when possible and also explains when and why the two can never be fully integrated. This is very basic Buddhist theory and very basic psychotherapy and is not meant to be a teaching tool in either subject. Instead, it shows how the integration of Buddhist theory can maximize results in psychotherapy. If you're looking for texts on Buddhist theory alone, look elsewhere. There were far too many "case histories" in the book for my taste, hence the four-star rating, but I do suppose anyone not trained in the two disciplines described needs examples for clarification. While definitely not for everyone, this book is a fascinating look at a subject that needs much more exploration.
Rating:
Summary: Succinct, Lucid, Beautifully Written.
Review: Mark Espstein explains the heart of Buddha and the mind of Freud simultaneously, and with greater clarity than ever I had read about either before. By describing, comparing, and contrasting buddhist and psychological practices, he clearly presents the goals and practices of both. Suffering comes from clinging to a false sense of self, from clinging to a sense of self at all and it is the aim of psychotherapy, buddhism, and this book to free you from your own shackles.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM
Review: Most people have heard of Buddhism, but not everyone understands what its philosophy is all about. Many books have been written on the subject but this is one of the most straight forward, insightful and easy to understand books available. The Dalai Lama has also given many lectures which have been translated into English in book form and all his books are also highly recommended to those who have some pre-existing knowledge on Eastern philosophies. However, for the beginner, his translations are often difficult to understand and one can be easily confused. Perhaps this is due, in part, to the translations itself. However, Mark Epstein, has a writing style that anyone can understand. "Thoughts Without a Thinker" is a blend of Eastern philosophy and psychology, which has been presented in a manner that fits into our modern-day Western World. The book reveals that much of our mental suffering is due to our negative and destructive emotions, repressed memories, and neurotic and compulsive behaviours we adopt as part of the natural life process. It is possible by being "mindful" and using meditation and yoga to rid ourselves of negative energies; to cleanse the emotional garbage of our past and develop new positive energies which will lead to a more peaceful, happy and contented lifestyle. In addition to this book, I highly recommend, "Awakening the Buddha Within," by Lama Durya Das. It is similar in nature to this book; it also presents Buddhist concepts for the Western World. I have read countless numbers of books on Buddhism and have followed its phisosophies for many, many years. These two books still remain my favourite ones on the subject and are highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: nice interface
Review: nice interface between western ( freudian and newer thoughts) psychiatry and meditational practice. Good for both therapists and spiritual seekers. begins to set the boundaries between the two.
Rating: 
Summary: A mixed bag
Review: Still trying to figure it all out? This book does a wonderful job of synthesizing modern psychotherapy with buddhism and buddhist psychology. Its very personal and yet provides a map of sorts of how to heal and blossom emotionally, mentally as well as spiritually using the buddhist tradition.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: Still trying to figure it all out? This book does a wonderful job of synthesizing modern psychotherapy with buddhism and buddhist psychology. Its very personal and yet provides a map of sorts of how to heal and blossom emotionally, mentally as well as spiritually using the buddhist tradition.
Rating:
Summary: Concise and Clear joining of East and West.
Review: Taking two apparently opposite schools of thought, the western psychological approach and the Easter Buddist tradition, and using them to explain each other. Simply amazing.
Does require a small amount of western psychological terms...but a small amount of web research while reading the book will suffice. Examples: Freudian concept of Sublimation, Confluence in Gestalt Therapy, etc. But there is so much useful context around such references that they aren't very difficult.
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