AS I PUT THIS BOOK together, I was struck by the number of teachers I have had who had nothing to do with my orthodox schooling or training. This comes from someone who has spent the better part of his life in some kind of educational facility. It is to the credit of those institutions that I still had the time and energy to explore outside the established venues. I thank only a fraction of those who made a difference for me, those who most directly influenced my writing of this book.
For his kindness, generosity, and indefatigable wisdom, I would like to thank the late Isadore From, who patiently guided me through my first years as a psychotherapist. I wish he were still here. For their meditation instruction, guidance, and example, I am fortunate to be able to thank Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein. For teaching, encouragement, and discussion over the past twenty years, all of which have figured into this book, I am indebted to Daniel Goleman. For reaching out to me and revealing the life that yet flourishes in psychoanalysis, I am grateful to Emmanuel Ghent, Michael Eigen, and Gerald Fogel. In addition, Helen Tworkov, Jack Engler, Stuart Margulies, Mark Finn, Karen Hopenwasser, Bob and Nena Thurman, Richard Barsky, Anne Edelstein, Scott Martino, and my editor, Jo Ann Miller, have all contributed to my efforts to bring together the often disparate worlds of Buddhism and psychotherapy. Arlene, Sonia, Will, and the rest of my family gave me the peace of mind that I needed to carry this project to completion, while my patients have inspired me with their openness, honesty, and humor. I would like to thank them each by name, but will refrain.
My patients have generously shared themselves with me and provided material for this book; in all cases cited herein I have changed names, as well as other identifying details, or constructed composites, in order to protect privacy.