Becoming Your Own Therapist

30 years ago, a venerated monk called Lama Yeshe gave public lectures on general aspects of Buddhism to Western audiences.

Yeshe often pointed out that these teachings were "not dry, academic, philosophical discourses but practical, down-to-earth methods for looking within and understanding the mind." Lama spoke through the heart, and when English failed him, facial expressions and physical gestures compensated to convey that which words may not have the power to. As you can see, his warm smile is more than enough to let audiences feel comfortable, and this set the mood for a friendly exchange within a friendly environment. These lectures were recorded and preserved in the book Becoming Your Own Therapist, by Lama Thubten Yeshe.

Becoming Your Own Therapist is an introduction to Buddhist thought that was specifically geared toward the Western mentality. This book introduces the reader to some of Buddhism's most foundational tenants, such as being aware of the mind, emotions, and thoughts. However, this book consistently relates these ideas back within the context of a Western lifestyle.

The first few chapters are dedicated to the skeptical reader, a quality that many Westerners possess (as do I!). Lama quickly communicates that skepticism is a beneficial quality to have, and that the reader should only believe what he finds to be true by reason or experience. Many religions or major belief systems found themselves on faith, sometimes blind faith, and the Western world has a tendency not to appreciate that. Thus from the beginning, Lama Yeshe shows that Buddhism is applicable to Westerners despite seemingly inherent differences between the East and the West.

Lama Yeshe continues to discuss basic Buddhist tenants and shows how they are applicable in a fast-paced Western environment. Lama discusses how a Western lifestyle can be perpetually busy with family obligations, trips to the grocery store, clocking in at the gym, working hard at your job, etc, etc. Lama Yeshe says that practicing Buddhism is feasible and easy, even without disrupting the schedule of a hectic day. For example, it takes less than a minute to have a "self-check," one of the most powerful tools beginners and experienced practitioners alike have to implement Buddhism. In a self-check, you take a moment to observe yourself. How are you? Notice your thoughts, your emotions, your feelings and mood. Then ask yourself why you feel this way, and after a moment of contemplation, accept what you find. If you are mad, recognize that you are mad, and then move on. This is a very effective tool to become familiar with your mind, thoughts, and emotions; once you begin to do this, you are already practicing the life of a Buddhist.

Becoming Your Own Therapist is a special book for my Senior Research Project, for not only does it contain essential ideas of Buddhism, but it contains these ideas in a Western context that is easy for Westerners to understand and incorporate.

If you are interested in this book, below is the citation:

Thubten, Yeshe, and Nicholas Ribush. Becoming Your Own Therapist: An Introduction to the Buddhist Way of Thought. Boston: Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive, 2003. Print.