Thoughts Without a Thinker

Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective

By: Mark Epstein M.D., His Holiness the Dalai Lama - foreword

Narrated by: Mark Epstein M.D.

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Upon its first publication, this path breaking book launched an explosion of interest in how Eastern spirituality can enhance Western psychology. Since then, the worlds of Buddhism and psychotherapy have been forged into a revolutionary new understanding of what constitutes a healthy emotional life.

In his insightful introduction, Mark Epstein reflects on this revolution and considers how it is likely to evolve in the future.

©2004 Mark Epstein (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Mark Epstein’s book is inspired in its lucidity . . . After Thoughts Without a Thinker, psychotherapy without a Buddhist perspective looks like a diminished thing.” (Adam Phillips, author of On Kissing, Tickling, and Being Bored)

“A groundbreaking work…The book will take its place among the classics of the literature of meditation.” (Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are)

“A marvelous book that is at once scholarly and fresh, informative and personal.” (Stephen A. Mitchell, author of Freud and Beyond)

Buddhism+mindfulness+psychotherapy.

Where does Thoughts Without a Thinker rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

3rd.

Have you listened to any of Mark Epstein’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

He goes deep into Buddhism and how it relates to his current psychotherapy practice and how it can help other psychotherapists with their patients, but also includes a lot of information that's applicable to the every day reader. I thought the connections to Buddhism were quite strong, but I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with that. Overall an enjoyable read.

Content limited by presentation

What did you like best about Thoughts Without a Thinker? What did you like least?

Dr. Epstein's writing is excellent and his skillful account of the topic at hand is obvious. I have no doubt that this would make for a fine traditional book read. As an audiobook, however, his presentation of the material severely diminished its effectiveness. The writer's narration sounded unenthusiastic and dull and I was unable to complete listening to the book.

Would you ever listen to anything by Mark Epstein again?

No.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Mark Epstein?

A professional narrator.

Great Listen

Wonderful insight of the ties between Buddhism and psychotherapy. would recommend to anyone interested in these fields

I've learned so much about myself in this book!

I have listened twice- and will most likely come back to this again. I had so many "that's me" moments, and other times not quite able to grasp it all. I felt this book is brilliant and illuminating.

feeling more confused ...

There were moments of clarity but mostly confusion. I think this would have been an easier book to read. i teredting points but extremely difficult to focus. will try the newer books and hopefully his appeal to a general audience changes.

Permanent reference

I’ve listened to this entire book 4 times and each time integration occurs. This I consider a reference book as a therapist I have thoroughly enjoyed this practice of both faith and the profession of healing.

inspiring and educational

our conscious Thoughts are generated by an unconscious Thinker - problem is... I assume that my Thoughts are accurate and appropriate given the situation in the moment, but what if the Thinker is not in the moment?

Hard to follow

I'm not sure what it was, but something about the narrator or writing made it really difficult to follow this book. It's a shame, really, because the content was so good.

amazing!

If you could sum up Thoughts Without a Thinker in three words, what would they be?

precise, insightful, enlightening

What did you like best about this story?

It is a reminder of the beauty, thoroughness, meticulousness and truthfulness of Buddha dharma.

Which character – as performed by Mark Epstein – was your favorite?

n/a

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

I've been studying and following Buddha's teachings for years. Mark Epstein knows the subject matter thoroughly.

Deep; must be dedicated to get through this

If you love psychology and therapy this is a deep dive. Too much for me but worth the time of this is in your lane.