Zen beyond Mindfulness: Using Buddhist and Modern Psychology for Transformational Practice

by Jules Shuzen Harris, Pat Enkyo O'Hara (Foreword)

An effective new approach to Buddhist practice that combines the rigor of traditional meditation and study with the psychological support necessary for practice in modern life. Zen teacher Jules Shuzen Harris argues that contemporary American Buddhists face two primary (1) “spiritual bypassing,” which means avoiding or repressing psychological problems in favor of “pretend Enlightenment,” and (2) settling for secularized forms of Buddhism or mindfulness that have lost touch with the deeper philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the religion.Drawing on his decades of experience as a Zen practitioner, teacher, and psychotherapist, Harris writes that both of these challenges can be met through the combination of a committed meditation practice, a deep study of Buddhist psychological models, and tools from a psychotherapeutic method known as “Mind-Body Bridging.” Using this unique approach, students can do the real work of awakening without either denying their embodied emotional life or missing out on the rich array of insights offered by Buddhist psychology and the Zen practice tradition.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Zen, Spirituality, Philosophy, Psychology

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2019

Reviews

[Miriam Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating combination of deep dharma and a whole psychological system I was previously unaware of. Also he has a real knack for breaking down complex abhi dharma teachings without dumbing them down.

In the end I wasn’t that taken with the I-system, thus the 4 and not 5.

[Jason Aylsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent appeal to more fully embrace the ethical and spiritual base of Buddhist practices. In an age of technocratic commodification, we see these teachings (necessarily) modified to make them more palatable for a general audience. Practitioners must take care to preserve the "backbone" of the practice, including facing the unpleasant and identifying the unquestioned attachments we harbor, particularly to ease, speed, and comfort, that frequently serve to exacerbate our own suffering.

Highly recommended.

[Jannat Bey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen through the Heart of Awakening

I discovered after reading and doing the mind maps that there are to selves. One that we create holding all the aspects of how others see us; and the true self that is hidden and innate that we never explore. Knowing that to be true for me, the self I project is through the lens of society and family. Both exist, and practicing zazen reveals the duality and challenging these demystify the duality and frees me from suffering and allows me to be happier with life.

[Lorne Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the right level of Zen guidance for me at this time. It folds discussion of Buddhist basics like the Eightfold Path in with “Mind-Body Bridging” from psychology. I wasn’t familiar with the latter, though the approach (encouraging awareness of body sensations that accompany thoughts and emotions) is one I have encountered elsewhere. This book is clear, and it calmly guides the reader toward skills that can improve your self-awareness, whether you are a practicing Buddhist or not.

[kiik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise, and highly actionable practices for gaining familiarity with and examining various everyday mental processes, for people with or without a current sitting practice. A great introduction to concepts in Buddhist psychology that can serve as a gateway to demystify the practices of the various meditation schools and lineages for those curious about the dharma or interested in cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and insight.

[Ommiolgi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was off put at first but this book won me over and I should check out again to take some notes.
Great summary of Buddhist view of psychology as well as the functioning of the mind. Also some western psychology in the context of the ego creating a storied foundation of self, through personal mythology.

Great dense book, could reread several times.

[OGEE Substack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written book that lists several techniques I found instantaneously useful and will integrate into my daily practice. Highly recommended. I would read whatever else Mr. Harris has written.

[Mikhail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book about being aware of one's self.

[Tiffany Zwinge Barger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used techniques with coworkers.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the author's perspective on meditation, and how this may be, not enhanced, but deepened? by modern approaches therapy and psychology. This feels like one to revisit every year or two.

[Devyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Impenetrable and full of misinformation (the “dangers” of mindfulness, for one).