Beth Jacobs on Original Buddhist Psychology

Nov 12, 2021

Beth Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and Soto Zen teacher, delves into the fascinating realm of Original Buddhist Psychology. She discusses her book and the Abhidharma's insights on how we perceive reality through the five skandhas: form, feelings, perceptions, habit formations, and consciousness. Jacob explores the intricate link between emotional responses and conditioned experiences, emphasizing how mindfulness in everyday moments can lead to gradual transformation. Bridging Buddhist principles with modern neuroscience, she unpacks the dynamics of consciousness and interdependence, offering profound paths for personal growth.

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INSIGHT

Internal Battleground

The battleground for our internal good and bad wolves is the mind.
We feed these wolves with our attention and energy.

INSIGHT

Abhidharma's Purpose

The Abhidharma is the structural layout of Buddha's original vision, complementing the sutras' teachings.
It explains the universe's structure, consciousness, and their interactions through lists and matrices.

INSIGHT

Skhandas and Reality

The Skhandas (form, feelings, perceptions, habits, consciousnesses) are materials we use to construct reality.
They're based on our human senses and constantly in motion, influencing our experience.

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Beth Jacobs is a clinical psychologist in private practice and a former faculty member of the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University. She is also a teacher in the Soto Zen tradition and incorporates Buddhist studies and meditation into her work as both a psychologist and a writer.

In this episode, Eric and Beth discuss her book, The Original Buddhist Psychology: What the Abhidharma Tells Us about How We Think, Feel, and Experience Life

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In This Interview, Beth Jacobs and I Discuss Original Buddhist Psychology and …

Her book, The Original Buddhist Psychology: What the Abhidharma Tells Us about How We Think, Feel, and Experience Life
Abhidharma is the structural layout of the Buddha’s original vision of the universe
Understanding the complex laws of how forces move together in the universe
The entity of “me” exists from the arbitrary framework we create for ourselves
The 5 skandhas are what is used to construct our reality: form, feelings, perceptions, habit formations, consciousnesses
Neuropsychology and the 17 steps of perception
Interdependent origination is the idea that everything is in motion and connected
How consciousness is just an interaction
The various lists of lists in the Abhidharma
Energy, mindfulness, and investigation
The idea of gently removing our obstructions
Writing and meditation as powerful tools for awakening

Beth Jacobs Links:

Beth’s Website

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