Resumo de Going To Pieces Without Falling Apart

Mark Epstein, M.D. is a psychiatrist and a Buddhist and writer of the book, Going To Pieces Without Falling Apart, which is a compilation of essays garnered from what he?s learned from his private psychiatry practice over many years. The book is a gem, in that, it is understandable from both a psychological point of view and as a book on Buddhist practice.

Epstein begins his book, quoting a famous zen koan about a Buddhist master who is approached by a scholar. The master offers tea to the intellectual and continues to pour tea into the tea cup until it is overflowing. In dismay, the professor asks him why he keeps pouring, even though the cup is full. The Buddhist master says that the professor?s mind is full, like the tea cup. He says a full mind cannot take in anything new. To find happiness, he tells him, first you must empty your cup(mind). This koan is representative of Epstein?s excellent collection, whereby common psychological problems are met with a Buddhist reply, to let go or empty our minds. Instead of the common western approach to psychotherapy where the patient is taught to build up their identity--that which makes them stand Apart from the group-- and to strengthen their ego defenses, the Buddhist therapist Epstein, through his essays, guides the reader to let go, and to forget our separate identities which he reminds us, are only an illusion, in order to find happiness and fulfillment.

The chapters are written in the first person narrative and focus on the main elements of Buddhist practice?emptiness, surrender, meditation, tolerance, passion and relief ?within a psychological framework of healing. The reader can never forget that the lessons Epstein has learned come from his direct experiences in life and from his patient?s because he tells many stories throughout. Because of his integration of personal accounts of his own struggle, along with his patient?s stories, the reader understands fully how Buddhist practice and psychological healing go hand in hand.

Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart is a collection of essays written from Dr. Epstein?s personal struggles and those of his patient?s, reminding the reader that control is not what leads to happiness in life. Falling apart or breaking down is an essential element to healing, told by Epstein in his Buddhist lessons on psychotherapy.

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