Going on Being

Going on Being is psychotherapist Mark Epstein's exploration of the intersection between Buddhism and psychotherapy through personal experience and professional practice. The book traces his path from medical student to practicing psychiatrist while studying Buddhist meditation. Epstein examines core Buddhist concepts like emptiness and non-attachment alongside Western psychological theories, particularly those of D.W. Winnicott. He recounts his encounters with meditation teachers and analyzes case studies from his therapeutic work. Through stories of his patients and his own development, Epstein demonstrates how Buddhist mindfulness practices and psychoanalytic methods can work together. The narrative moves between meditation halls, therapy offices, and personal reflection. The work presents a framework for integrating Eastern spirituality with Western psychology, suggesting that both traditions offer complementary paths toward understanding the self and human consciousness. Its central argument proposes that personal growth emerges from accepting rather than transcending the realities of human experience.

Readers describe this book as a bridge between Buddhist meditation and Western psychotherapy, drawing on Epstein's experiences as both a psychiatrist and meditator. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex Buddhist concepts - Personal stories that illustrate abstract ideas - Practical applications for mental health - Balance between Eastern spirituality and Western psychology What readers disliked: - Too much focus on the author's personal journey - Rambling narrative structure - Repetitive content from Epstein's other books - Some found it less accessible than his previous work "Thoughts Without a Thinker" One reader noted: "His personal anecdotes helped me understand how meditation and therapy can work together." Another said: "Gets lost in autobiographical details when it should focus more on the teachings." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (30+ ratings)

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🧘‍♂️ Mark Epstein was one of the first Western psychotherapists to actively blend Buddhist philosophy with traditional psychoanalysis in his practice 📚 The book's title "Going on Being" comes from psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott's concept of "going-on-being," which describes a state of uninterrupted flow in personal development 🌏 During his college years at Harvard, Epstein traveled to Calcutta where he first encountered Buddhist meditation through meetings with Ram Dass and other spiritual seekers 💭 The author draws parallels between Buddhist concepts of "emptiness" and psychologist Donald Winnicott's theories about the "true self" versus the "false self" 🤝 The book emerged from Epstein's personal experience of reconciling his roles as both a Buddhist practitioner and a Western-trained psychiatrist, showing how these two paths can complement each other