Zen Therapy

"A potent source of inspiration for anyone interested in the therapeutic potential of Buddhism. David Brazier writes with clarity and authority about the Zen way."—Mark Epstein, M.D. author of Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective.

"Comprehensive and readable . . . should appeal to anyone broadly interested in Buddhism."—Helen Sieroda psychosynthesis psychotherapist.

In this book, psychotherapist David Brazier offers readers in the West a fresh perspective on Buddhist psychology and demonstrates how Zen Buddhist techniques are integrated into psychotherapy. Writing from the viewpoint of a Western psychotherapist, Dr. Brazier successfully demystifies Buddhist psychology, explains the conceptual foundations of Buddhist thought, and with the help of vivid case studies, clearly demonstrates how a Buddhist approach can provide a practical path to personal growth.

Acknowledgments 7

Technical Terms 7

Part 1 Foundations

1 First Steps 11

2 Clean Space 22

3 Buddha Nature 33

4 Core Ethnics 44

5 Tranquility 54

6 Mindfulness 64

Part 2 Buddhist Psychology

7 Introduction to Part Two 77

8 Root Relations 87

9 Perception and Will 95

10 Association 112

11 All Change 124

12 Body Zen 136

13 Support 136

14 Karma 158

15 Feeding 168

16 Dhyana and Path 178

Part 3 Therapy as a Zen Way

17 Compassion 191

18 Love 201

19 Wisdom 212

20 Secret Way 223

21 Loss as Teacher 234

22 Letting Go 244

23 Coming Home 255

Glossary 267

Bibliography 271

Index 277

DAVID BRAZIER is a practicing psychotherapist and Zen Buddhist. He is also the director of an independent training program in the north of England. His previous books include A Guide to Psychodrama and Beyond Carl Rogers: Towards a Psychotherapy for the 21st Century. "A potent source of inspiration for anyone interested in the therapeutic potential of Buddhism. David Brazier writes with clarity and authority about the Zen way."—Mark Epstein, M.D. author of Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective.

"Comprehensive and readable . . . should appeal to anyone broadly interested in Buddhism."—Helen Sieroda psychosynthesis psychotherapist.

In this book, psychotherapist David Brazier offers readers in the West a fresh perspective on Buddhist psychology and demonstrates how Zen Buddhist techniques are integrated into psychotherapy. Writing from the viewpoint of a Western psychotherapist, Dr. Brazier successfully demystifies Buddhist psychology, explains the conceptual foundations of Buddhist thought, and with the help of vivid case studies, clearly demonstrates how a Buddhist approach can provide a practical path to personal growth.