Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self Author: Visit Amazon's Anodea Judith Page | Language: English | ISBN:
1587612259 | Format: PDF
Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self Description
Review
Rather than presenting an esoteric borrowing from Indian culture, Judith employs the metaphoric language of the chakra system within the context of modern psychology. Her clear organization and numerous charts make browsing for subjects of personal relevance a breeze, and her comparison of the various maps of psychological development (Freudian, Piagetian, Eriksonian, Reichian, and others) is intriguing. The book provides a useful tool for contemplating our strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate approaches to growth. -
Yoga Journal". . . [S]parkles with insight. Spiritual seeker, client, and therapist alike will find treasures here."-
PanGaia magazine
From the Publisher
* Revised edition of the groundbreaking New Age book that seamlessly integrates Western psychology and the Eastern chakra system, including a new introduction from the author.
* Applies the chakra system to important modern social realities and issues such as addiction, codependence, family dynamics, sexuality, and personal empowerment.
* Previous edition has sold more than 55,000 copies.
See all Editorial Reviews
- Paperback: 504 pages
- Publisher: Celestial Arts; Revised edition (August 1, 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1587612259
- ISBN-13: 978-1587612251
- Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 24 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
I was looking for something that would relate elements of eastern philosophy to more familiar western concepts in order to make the former more accessible, particularly the connection between body/mind/spirit. This is not that book. Instead, it is composed of the author's own elaborate theories on how social influences encountered early in life result in lingering issues that impact specific chakras. She appears to have synthesized her theories by combining her own suppositions with a lot of pop developmental psychology, which is an extremely speculative body of theory unto itself, and many of her claims are in conflict with modern neuroscience concerning the impressionable stages of brain development. It's no secret that despite the profusion of psychological and spiritual theory that has been hatched over the last half-century, most reliable indicators show that Americans are, in fact, less "well" than they were before. This author's theories are spun from those same pop-psych notions, so it's doubtful that there's much real value to the material - other than the sense of relief some might gain from latching onto a convincing excuse for one's problems. In that respect, this book will probably find a willing audience among those suffering hangovers from having grown up in a dysfunctional family, but linking any resolution of those issues to the chakras seems like taking credit for something unearned. Most of us encounter the chakra concept through yoga, meditation, or similar disciplines. Those practices commonly result a sense of improved mental and spiritual well-being, but for reasons that are poorly understood.
Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self Preview
Link
Please Wait...