Books on the Intersections of Buddhism, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Psychology
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler
—His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a thoughtful explication of cultivating joy and sitting with suffering. He also shares some personal stories of his own path and struggles.
The Embodied Mind: Cognitive Science and Human Experience by Francisco J. Varela, Evan T. Thompson, and Eleanor Rosch
—Mindfulness is often said to be the leading paradigm in contemporary mental health. Researchers and therapists also often seek to dialogue with Buddhism and Zen. Oddly, very few mental health theorists and clinicians discuss the Pali Cannon, the original ancient texts that first proposed mindfulness and other Buddhist-derived ideas. Drs. Varela, Thompson, and Rosch, professors of cognitive science, philosophy, and psychology (respectively) draw upon the Pali Cannon to discuss ideas about experience and psychology. A powerful and unique book.
Getting Well Again: A Step-By-Step Self-Help Guide to Overcoming Cancer for Patients and Their Families by O. Carl Simonton
—A radiation oncologist, Dr. Simonton was a pioneer in using guided imagery to help his patients during cancer treatment. Much of this book is rooted in research, and it discusses topics like biofeedback, stress, and holistic approaches to healing. And it’s also a book I used many times in my hospice and palliative care work, as it has several, practical, easy-to-adapt, guided meditations. Relevant for many healthcare concerns, in addition to cancer. I used this text with children and adults. It also has a nice guided meditation related to death and grief.
The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being by Daniel J. Siegel
—A popular book discussing some of the research related to neurology and mindfulness.
Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
—I believe this is one of the best books ever written on how to do mindfulness meditation. In very clear, practical terms this wonderful book gives a thorough understanding of mindfulness meditation. A valuable text, for both seasoned practitioners and beginners. I’ve known people from disparate cultural perspectives who have enjoyed this book.
The Positive Psychology of Buddhism and Yoga: Paths to A Mature Happiness by Marvin Levine
—Dr. Levine is a professor of psychology, and refers to himself as a novice in Buddhism and Yoga. His thoughtful beginner’s mind makes this a delightful book to read.
Suffering Is Optional: Three Keys to Freedom and Joy by Cheri Huber
—Huber is a therapist and Buddhist teacher. Therapists often seek to write on Buddhism and mindfulness. Huber’s book offers a practical explication of Buddhist ideas, in a therapeutic way that is also congruent with Buddhism. A great book for people interested in using Buddhist ideas for hard situations.
Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective by Mark Epstein
—Buddhism, and Buddhist-mindfulness, are very popular in psychology. Most attempts at integration conceptualize Buddhism in a cognitive-behavioral framework. Dr. Epstein soundly discusses Buddhist ideas from a psychodynamic perspective. A great book.
Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness by James H. Austin
—A classic. Dr. Austin gives a sound explication of different types of Buddhist meditation and ideas in relation to neurology.
—His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a thoughtful explication of cultivating joy and sitting with suffering. He also shares some personal stories of his own path and struggles.
The Embodied Mind: Cognitive Science and Human Experience by Francisco J. Varela, Evan T. Thompson, and Eleanor Rosch
—Mindfulness is often said to be the leading paradigm in contemporary mental health. Researchers and therapists also often seek to dialogue with Buddhism and Zen. Oddly, very few mental health theorists and clinicians discuss the Pali Cannon, the original ancient texts that first proposed mindfulness and other Buddhist-derived ideas. Drs. Varela, Thompson, and Rosch, professors of cognitive science, philosophy, and psychology (respectively) draw upon the Pali Cannon to discuss ideas about experience and psychology. A powerful and unique book.
Getting Well Again: A Step-By-Step Self-Help Guide to Overcoming Cancer for Patients and Their Families by O. Carl Simonton
—A radiation oncologist, Dr. Simonton was a pioneer in using guided imagery to help his patients during cancer treatment. Much of this book is rooted in research, and it discusses topics like biofeedback, stress, and holistic approaches to healing. And it’s also a book I used many times in my hospice and palliative care work, as it has several, practical, easy-to-adapt, guided meditations. Relevant for many healthcare concerns, in addition to cancer. I used this text with children and adults. It also has a nice guided meditation related to death and grief.
The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being by Daniel J. Siegel
—A popular book discussing some of the research related to neurology and mindfulness.
Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
—I believe this is one of the best books ever written on how to do mindfulness meditation. In very clear, practical terms this wonderful book gives a thorough understanding of mindfulness meditation. A valuable text, for both seasoned practitioners and beginners. I’ve known people from disparate cultural perspectives who have enjoyed this book.
The Positive Psychology of Buddhism and Yoga: Paths to A Mature Happiness by Marvin Levine
—Dr. Levine is a professor of psychology, and refers to himself as a novice in Buddhism and Yoga. His thoughtful beginner’s mind makes this a delightful book to read.
Suffering Is Optional: Three Keys to Freedom and Joy by Cheri Huber
—Huber is a therapist and Buddhist teacher. Therapists often seek to write on Buddhism and mindfulness. Huber’s book offers a practical explication of Buddhist ideas, in a therapeutic way that is also congruent with Buddhism. A great book for people interested in using Buddhist ideas for hard situations.
Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective by Mark Epstein
—Buddhism, and Buddhist-mindfulness, are very popular in psychology. Most attempts at integration conceptualize Buddhism in a cognitive-behavioral framework. Dr. Epstein soundly discusses Buddhist ideas from a psychodynamic perspective. A great book.
Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness by James H. Austin
—A classic. Dr. Austin gives a sound explication of different types of Buddhist meditation and ideas in relation to neurology.