Embracing the Beloved: Relationship as a Path of Awakening

by Stephen Levine, Ondrea Levine

In this groundbreaking book, the authors of the perennial bestseller  Who Dies? demonstrate how to use a relationship as a means for profound inner growth and healing. 

"Stephen and Ondrea's work is among the deepest, most healing and heartfelt contributions to modern spiritual life in America." —Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of a  Path with Heart

Stephen and Ondrea Levine devoted more than eighteen years to investigating the mind/body relationship, particularly as it relates to the states healing, dying, and grieving. Their work has affected healing and medical practices worldwide. In Embracing the Beloved, the Levines turn their attention to what has been "our most significant spiritual commitment — our own relationship." Their insights and anecdotes will benefit all who are drawn to looking inward, and all who seek a relationship as a path for spiritual renewal and merciful awareness of life.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Relationships, Nonfiction, Psychology, How To, Personal Development

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Stephen Levine was an American poet, author, and spiritual teacher best known for his groundbreaking work on death, dying, and grief. A central figure in the conscious dying movement, he helped bring Theravāda Buddhist teachings to Western audiences, alongside contemporaries like Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. His work, however, was uniquely shaped by devotional practices drawn from Bhakti Yoga and his spiritual connection to Neem Karoli Baba, blending Buddhist insight with heart-centered mysticism.
With his wife Ondrea, Stephen spent over three decades offering workshops, counseling, and writings that supported the terminally ill, trauma survivors, and caregivers. Their book Who Dies? remains a foundational text in end-of-life care. Levine’s teachings also explored “everyday grief”—the quiet accumulation of life’s disappointments—and emphasized the healing power of mindfulness and compassion.
A former heroin addict who transformed his life through spiritual practice, Stephen lived his final years in quiet seclusion in New Mexico. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of deep insight and loving presence that continues to influence seekers, caregivers, and teachers around the world.

Reviews

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started to read this book I found it pretty hard to relate to; a little too saccharine around the idea of relationships for me. No doubt conditioned by my own experiences, it all just felt like California mamby pamby to me. My sense of disappointment came from my great enjoyment and learning that resulted from all of Levine's work I had read before this one. It surprised me a bit when either, he cut to the chase or something shifted in me to allow me to see that he was addressing directly the core of my current dilemna. The Beloved is that which is in us all, our reconciliation, the ability for forgiveness and to extend mercy to ourselves; the healing of the primary wound IS the basis for all relationship. While ever we remain disconnected to that deeper part of self, we are incapable of relating intimately to any other human being. All is pretense and delusion.

I now stand at that crossroads and here is a signpost pointing the way. As always I find myself humbled by this man and grateful for his efforts towards the enlightenment of all beings, including me!

[Jerrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much great practice is in this book, individual and relational. As much as this book is about practicing relationship, I feel it is, in a way, teaching us how to put on the oxygen mask in an airplane; we cannot have a great relationship with another without establishing a great relationship with ourselves.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop highlighting.

[James]

Stephen Levine has led an extraordinary fife. One of North America's revered spiritual teachers shares the "heart's hunger" of his troubled youth, his work with the seminal figures of the Beat poetry and jazz scene in New York and the psychedelic sixties in San Francisco, and the seeker's journey that led him to encounters with Ram Dass, Elisabeth K#65533;bler-Ross and the Dalai Lama. In this intimate account of compassion and healing, Levine's narrative turns progressively inward as he describes his life's path toward a deeper understanding of "the way of things." A former drug addict become spiritual teacher, Levine describes how he learned to use his life as a jumping-off point from which to teach healing principles and guided meditations. The author lays bare his own understanding of mindfulness, loving kindness, and service (the fundamental pillars of Buddhism) in an account of a life rich with characters immediately recognizable as leaders of the modern Eastern spirituality movement. Levine, through his life and work, embodies the message that personal peace and transcendence are possible for all.

[Jessica Brodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book and I found it very useful in considering relationship as a spiritual practice.

For some reason I found it very difficult to get through and had to dip in and out. I think it rather has to be read in a state of softness, openness, and perhaps I’ve not had enough of that in my life? Or maybe it’s just complex stuff that requires time! Either way, I would recommend going in with an expectation of needing time for this, perhaps reading very small sections at a time.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too mystical for my tastes.

Started this book, but quit reading it.

[Steve Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

The journey proceeds in its own way at its own pace. This is a very personal account of aspects of that journey as they unfolded for one man. It is almost stream of consciousness in style, not unusual nor unexpected in light of experience; the process itself unfolds in the same way. There were some real gems here for me, especially since I opened this book at a time of spiritual crisis. It certainly offered at points of commonality, reassurance that this is the way for me and its unfolding in me is most certainly well underway. So, I am not so crazy after all and that towards which I have worked for years with dedication and discipline seems to be upon me now. Careful what you wish for!~

[Tierza · Rating 5 out of 5]

To understand oneness.

[Bethany Royer · Rating 1 out of 5]

His message was very profound but the layout of the stories made it very difficult to follow.

[Abigail]

Happiness is a superstition, but joy is our birthright." (244)



RAM RAM RAM

[Sue Harrington]

Great meditations for couples to practice together!

[Ashley Medley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't agree with everything, but it was a good read.

[Sherri]

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