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Quote by Mark Epstein

Work

Open to Desire: The Truth About What the Buddha Taught

This work delves into the complex relationship between desire and Buddhist teachings, challenging common assumptions about whether the Buddha advocated for the complete elimination of desire. The book likely examines original Buddhist texts and teachings to present a more nuanced understanding of desire in the Buddhist tradition, perhaps suggesting that certain forms of desire or longing may be integral to the spiritual path rather than obstacles to it. Through careful analysis of ancient teachings, the author invites readers to reconsider the traditional interpretation of desire as something inherently negative in Buddhist philosophy, offering a fresh perspective on what the Buddha truly taught about engaging with desire in daily life and meditation practice. more

Author

Mark Epstein
Mark Epstein

Mark Epstein is a renowned author born in 1953. His works primarily explore the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and psychology, as well as the application of these ideas in contemporary life. more

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“In building a path through the self to the far shore of awareness, we have to carefully pick our way through our own wilderness. If we can put our minds into a place of surrender, we will have an easier time feeling the contours of the land. We do not have to break our way through as much as we have to find our way around the major obstacles. We do not have to cure every neurosis, we just have to learn how not to be caught by them.”

“We are born into a realm of constant change. Everything is decaying. We are continually losing all that we come in contact with. Our tendency to get attached to impermanent experiences causes sorrow, lamentation and grief, because eventually we are separated from everything and everyone we love. Our lack of acceptance and understanding of this fact makes life unsatisfactory.”