In 'One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism', Joseph Goldstein explores the creation of an integrated framework for various Buddhist traditions. The book provides a brief historical overview of early Buddhism and delves into the mind-changing reflections that bring one to the Dharma path. Goldstein emphasizes that all Buddhist teachings are skillful means for liberating the mind, rather than statements of absolute truth. He concludes that the method of mindfulness, the expression of compassion, and the essence of wisdom are the core elements of the emerging Western Buddhism. The book covers topics such as non-clinging, selflessness, and Nirvana, and suggests that the various traditions of Buddhism are all paths leading to the cessation of suffering through the attainment of wisdom[2][3][5].
In this book, Mark Epstein argues that happiness does not come from material or psychological acquisitiveness but from letting go. He weaves together the wisdom of Buddhism and Western psychotherapy to illustrate how balancing the ego's need to do with our inherent capacity to be is crucial for achieving happiness. Epstein encourages readers to relax the ever-vigilant mind and relinquish control to experience freedom and a more peaceful, spiritually satisfying life. The book draws on events from his own life and stories from his patients to teach the importance of self-acceptance and the benefits of meditation in achieving this balance[2][3][5].
In 'The Trauma of Everyday Life', Mark Epstein discusses how trauma, whether from significant events or everyday sufferings like loneliness and fear, is a universal and inevitable part of human experience. Epstein argues that both Western psychology and Eastern practices often fail to recognize the potential of trauma for personal growth. He draws on the life of Buddha, his own experiences, and those of his patients to illustrate how trauma can awaken us to our own mental capacities and the suffering of others, making us more human, caring, and wise.
In this deeply personal inquiry, Dr. Mark Epstein reflects on a year's worth of selected therapy sessions to illustrate how his training in Western psychotherapy and his long investigation into Buddhism have influenced his work. He discusses how the divisions between the psychological, emotional, and spiritual are not as distinct as one might think. Epstein emphasizes how Western therapy can be considered a two-person meditation and how mindfulness can 'hold' awareness, creating conditions for inner peace. The book highlights the therapy relationship as a spiritual friendship and reveals how a therapist can help patients realize there is something magical and trustworthy running through their lives, even in difficult times.
Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective by Mark Epstein delves into the intersection of psychology and spirituality. The book describes how Buddhist teachings have reshaped understandings of the mind and behavior, and it outlines a path to meditation-inspired healing. Epstein draws on his experiences as a psychotherapist and meditator to provide a revolutionary understanding of what constitutes a healthy emotional life. The book emphasizes the importance of inner development and the potential for mutual benefit between Buddhist assertions and modern psychotherapeutic findings.
In 'Advice Not Given,' Mark Epstein explores the concept of the ego and its accompanying sense of self-doubt. He argues that while our ego claims to have our best interests at heart, it often hinders our true growth. Epstein draws on both Buddhist teachings and Western psychotherapy to provide practical advice on how to transcend the limitations of the ego and achieve a more authentic and fulfilling life.
In '10% Happier,' Dan Harris shares his personal journey of discovering the benefits of meditation. Initially a skeptic, Harris, a news anchor, found himself on a path of self-discovery after a nationally televised panic attack. He delves into the world of spirituality and self-help, encountering various figures including brain scientists, CEOs, and spiritual leaders. The book explores how meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being without compromising one's ambition or edge. Harris emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in making one more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges, though it does not eliminate problems entirely[2][4][5].
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Buddhist megastars in conversation.
Today, we’re dropping a recording of a live event we held earlier this year, during which Joseph Goldstein and Dr. Mark Epstein came on stage for a fascinating set of conversations. We did this event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Dan’s first book, also called 10% Happier.
The night was structured like a late night show, so there was a monologue, and live music with the band Mates of State.
Dr. Mark Epstein is a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, and is the author of a number of books about the interface of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including Thoughts without a Thinker, Going to Pieces without Falling Apart, Going on Being, Open to Desire, Psychotherapy without the Self, The Trauma of Everyday Life and Advice Not Given: A Guide to Getting Over Yourself, and The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University. He has been a student of vipassana meditation since 1974.
Joseph Goldstein is a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, both in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, A Heart Full of Peace, One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism, Insight Meditation and The Experience of Insight: A Simple and Direct Guide to Buddhist Meditation. Joseph has studied and practiced meditation since 1967 under the guidance of eminent teachers from India, Burma, and Tibet and he leads Insight Meditation retreats around the world.
In this episode we talk about:
- The three month solo silent meditation retreat Joseph had just finished
- How to not suffer in the face of unwanted experiences
- Three exercises for slowing down
- Pragmatic applications of retreat practice for life in the real world
- How to see outside yourself
- How Mark came to Buddhism 50 years ago
- The relationship between Buddhism and psychotherapy
- The Buddhist concept of the two levels of reality
- And a guided meditation from a surprise guest
Related Episodes:
Nirvana | Joseph Goldstein
Dr. Mark Epstein On: How To Transform Your Neuroses Into “Little Shmoos”
I Just Did A 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreat With Joseph Goldstein. Here’s What I Learned
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Full Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/joseph-mark-live
Additional Resources:
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
