Open to Desire

December 13, 2004
Psychiatrist Epstein offers a novel reinterpretation of the thinking of both the Buddha and Freud about desire. Contrary to the popular view that these two major figures taught the danger of desire and the necessity of renunciation, Epstein, author of three popular books on Buddhism, argues that it is clinging—holding on to some person, object or experience—rather than desire that causes suffering. Instead, the psychiatrist says, desire is a human urging that offers a path toward enlightenment. When rightly seen, desire can lead to sensing both the bliss and emptiness that Buddhism teaches. In support of his interpretation Epstein ranges from ancient literature to the contemporary psychiatrist's office. He draws on the Ramayana, the Hindu epic of love and adventure; Buddhist tantra, esoteric practices and teachings that harness erotic energy; and case histories of his patients, who are plagued by longings and use what Buddhists would call unskillful means of responding to their human urges. Occasionally the range of material is a stretch. Case histories and other stories more easily illustrate his argument than does his use of psychoanalytic literature with its more technical, abstract concepts. But as a good therapist would, Epstein concludes by offering advice for working with desire. The book contains fresh views on the fertile intersection between contemporary American Buddhism and human psychology.