Psychoanalysis and Zen Buddhism

Reviews / Votes

'A valuable exploration of co-nourishing aspects of Zen Buddhism and psychoanalysis, amplifying and adding to this growing field. It at once gives valuable critiques of work already done and opens further possibilities of being and experience. Seiso Cooper mediates and helps expand dimensions of growth that further open life.'

Michael Eigen, author of Contact with the Depths, The Sensitive Self, and The Challenge of Being Human

'Psychoanalysis and Zen Buddhism is in a class by itself within the ever-expanding literature comparing Zen Buddhism and psychoanalytic thought. Cooper succinctly clarifies points of departure. He is consummately equipped to take the reader on a profound yet exciting journey into the depths. The reader comes away with an appreciation of the realizational perspective, while obtaining a nuanced understanding of Bion's and Dogen's inherent theoretical differences.'

Melvin E. Miller, co-editor of Self and No-self: Continuing the Dialogue Between Buddhism and Psychotherapy, psychoanalyst in private practice, Montpelier, Vermont, USA

'Seiso Paul Cooper uses an experiential voice to illuminate how sitting in silence common to both Zen Buddhism and psychoanalysis engenders clarity in the present. He addresses with erudite skill the misunderstanding and misuse of what Zen practice has come to mean in western thought. By returning to the sources of zazen, misconceptions of both theory and practice are reset and contextualized. Here lies the way of "unknowing," an essential state of mind to both awakening and emotional change.'

Robby Stein, Bion videographer, Tavistock-trained child psychotherapist