From Publishers Weekly
Psychiatrist Epstein offers a novel reinterpretation of the thinking of both the Buddha and Freud about desire. Contrary to the popular view that these two major figures taught the danger of desire and the necessity of renunciation, Epstein, author of three popular books on Buddhism, argues that it is clinging—holding on to some person, object or experience—rather than desire that causes suffering. Instead, the psychiatrist says, desire is a human urging that offers a path toward enlightenment. When rightly seen, desire can lead to sensing both the bliss and emptiness that Buddhism teaches. In support of his interpretation Epstein ranges from ancient literature to the contemporary psychiatrist's office. He draws on the Ramayana, the Hindu epic of love and adventure; Buddhist tantra, esoteric practices and teachings that harness erotic energy; and case histories of his patients, who are plagued by longings and use what Buddhists would call unskillful means of responding to their human urges. Occasionally the range of material is a stretch. Case histories and other stories more easily illustrate his argument than does his use of psychoanalytic literature with its more technical, abstract concepts. But as a good therapist would, Epstein concludes by offering advice for working with desire. The book contains fresh views on the fertile intersection between contemporary American Buddhism and human psychology. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description
Bringing wisdom to a fresh and compelling topic, Mark Epstein shows how desire can be a teacher in its own right, helping us to reconcile our conflicting thoughts about it from both a Buddhist and a psychological point of view. It is common in both Buddhism and Freudian psychoanalysis to treat desire as the root of all suffering and problems, but psychiatrist Mark Epstein believes this to be a grave misunderstanding. In his defense of desire, he makes clear that it is the key to deepening intimacy with ourselves, one another, and our world. An enlightening tapestry of psychotherapeutic practice, contemporary case studies, Buddhist insight, and narratives as diverse as the Ramayana and Sufi parables, Open to Desire brings a refreshing new perspective to humanity’s most paradoxical emotion. Proposing that spiritual attainment does not have to be detached from intimacy or eroticism, Open to Desire begins with an exploration of the dissatisfaction that causes us to both cling to, and fear, desire. Offering a new path for traversing this ambivalence, Dr. Epstein shows us how we can overcome these obstacles, not by indulgence or suppression, but by learning a new way to be with desire. Full of practical advice, this is a lasting guide for finding peace both in ourselves and in our most highly charged interactions.

From the Back Cover
Advance Praise for OPEN TO DESIRE "Mark Epstein's Open to Desire is a masterpiece in his unique genre of combined Buddhist, psychological, and poetical insight. It teaches us how not just to fear and repress, but to re-channel and harness the most powerful energies of life toward freedom and bliss. I heartily recommend this work."--Robert Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Buddhist studies, Columbia University; President, Tibet House, US; author of Infinite Life "Open to Desire shines a bright beam of wisdom into an ever-confusing, ever- seductive realm. Mark Epstein, using his rare gifts of insight, brilliantly shows us a way through the confusion of craving to the treasures of intimacy and clarity hidden within our yearnings. The Buddha and Freud meet the Kama Sutra in this essential guidebook for anyone with a healthy lust for life."-- Daniel Goleman, author, Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama "Mark Epstein writes with the keen insight of a skilled psychotherapist, the compassion of a long-term meditator, and the gift of a compelling storyteller. He courageously explores the true nature and potential of desire, which we depend on for our very connection to life. This book is an outstanding new view of an emotion at the core of our being.."--Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience "At last a book that doesn’t shy away from the troubled topic of desire. Mark Epstein has written a beautifully crafted, intimate account of the struggle to come to terms with the contradictory yearnings within us. An illuminating, original and provocative work." -- Stephen Batchelor, author of Living with the Devil "A beautiful book. Heals the split between psychotherapy and spirituality by showing positive aspects of desire common to both. Mark Epstein's portrayals of the goodness of desire and its gaps move us in ways that heal and enlighten, always sensitive to who we are and who we can be."--Michael Eigen, author of The Sensitive Self and Emotional Storm

About the Author
Mark Epstein, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City who lectures frequently about the value of Buddhist meditation for psychotherapy. His previous books include Thoughts Without a Thinker, Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart, and Going on Being. He is a contributing editor to Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and has written many articles for Yoga Journal and O: The Oprah Magazine.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mark Epstein shows how desire can be a teacher in its own right, helping us reconcile our conflicting thoughts about desire from both a Buddhist and a psychological point of view.

SYNOPSIS

Advance Praise for OPEN TO DESIRE"Mark Epstein's Open to Desire is a masterpiece in his unique genre of combined Buddhist, psychological, and poetical insight. It teaches us how not just to fear and repress, but to re-channel and harness the most powerful energies of life toward freedom and bliss. I heartily recommend this work."—Robert Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Buddhist studies, Columbia University; President, Tibet House, US; author of Infinite Life ￯﾿ﾽOpen to Desire shines a bright beam of wisdom into an ever-confusing, ever- seductive realm. Mark Epstein, using his rare gifts of insight, brilliantly shows us a way through the confusion of craving to the treasures of intimacy and clarity hidden within our yearnings. The Buddha and Freud meet the Kama Sutra in this essential guidebook for anyone with a healthy lust for life."— Daniel Goleman, author, Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama ￯﾿ﾽMark Epstein writes with the keen insight of a skilled psychotherapist, the compassion of a long-term meditator, and the gift of a compelling storyteller. He courageously explores the true nature and potential of desire, which we depend on for our very connection to life. This book is an outstanding new view of an emotion at the core of our being..￯﾿ﾽ—Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience ￯﾿ﾽAt last a book that doesn't shy away from the troubled topic of desire. Mark Epstein has written a beautifully crafted, intimate account of the struggle to come to terms with the contradictory yearnings within us. An illuminating, original and provocative work.￯﾿ﾽ — Stephen Batchelor, author of Living with the Devil "A beautiful book. Heals the split between psychotherapy and spirituality by showing positive aspects of desire common to both. Mark Epstein's portrayals of the goodness of desire and its gaps move us in ways that heal and enlighten, always sensitive to who we are and who we can be."—Michael Eigen, author of The Sensitive Self and Emotional Storm

Author Biography: Mark Epstein, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City who lectures frequently about the value of Buddhist meditation for psychotherapy. His previous books include Thoughts Without a Thinker, Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart, and Going on Being. He is a contributing editor to Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and has written many articles for Yoga Journal and O: The Oprah Magazine.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly