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The Zen Path Through Depression
Drawing on his own struggle, Philip Martin reveals another path people can travel to get through depression - one that not only eases the pain, but mends the spirit. Extremely accessible to people with little or no Zen experience as well as to longtime students of Buddhism, The Zen Path Through Depression shows how the insights and exercises of Zen offer relief for those suffering from depression.This groundbreaking guide shows how to cope and heal, and even how to see the experience as an opportunity for spiritual growth and learning. Leading readers step-by-step through a recovery process that uses walking meditation and other meditative ways of enhancing awareness, koans, and other Zen teachings, Martin offers true help and spiritual guidance on the path to healing and contentment.
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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514 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 17, 2011
I’m not depressed. I’m not Buddhist. But I love this book.
The Zen Path Through Depression by Philip Martin was a truly meaningful read for me. I received the book as a gift from a friend after meeting with my meditation group one evening. “Here, I thought this might speak to you,� he said caringly as he handed me a small paperback. It was only after I’d gotten home and looked at the book that I realized the very friend who gifted it was also the author.
The format of Martin’s book is welcome, especially for one who may be struggling with depression or another mental disorder. Each of the short chapters begins with a quote of inspiration, touches on a particular aspect of depression, offers insight and often a personal illustration or Zen anecdote, and round out with an elective exploration exercise, all centering around the practices and principles of Zen Buddhism. The arrangement of the book itself is easy-to-digest, non-confrontational, and non-intimidating, which makes it ideal for the audience Martin is aiming to reach.
Martin’s book is written on a foundation of knowing compassion, love, experiential empathy, and caring, and those qualities ooze through his words.
I don’t struggle primarily with depression, though it often becomes a strong side-effect of what I do principally cope with on a daily basis. The topic of Zen as presented by Martin is so accessible that while reading, I was easily able to translate the word “depression� for my own personal inner conflicts.
After sitting practice one evening, Phil and I were discussing study habits and he shared that he has a thing against writing in books…I had to admit and apologize to him that I’d marked up his book quite a lot. There were so many points that spoke to me, and that as I look back and review continue to bring me gently to a place of mindful awareness and acceptance.
This book is recommended for anyone. Depressed, hopeless, confused…unsatisfied, struggling, coping…or simply seeking. It would offer great insight to someone who longs to understand or offer support to a depressed person. There is something for everyone here.
Thank you Phil, for sharing your path through depression, and shining a light for others to follow.
“There are no wrong turns on this journey. Any way you choose provides an opportunity for practice and discovery.� –Philip Martin, describing the Eightfold Path and its offering for depression recovery.
The Zen Path Through Depression by Philip Martin was a truly meaningful read for me. I received the book as a gift from a friend after meeting with my meditation group one evening. “Here, I thought this might speak to you,� he said caringly as he handed me a small paperback. It was only after I’d gotten home and looked at the book that I realized the very friend who gifted it was also the author.
The format of Martin’s book is welcome, especially for one who may be struggling with depression or another mental disorder. Each of the short chapters begins with a quote of inspiration, touches on a particular aspect of depression, offers insight and often a personal illustration or Zen anecdote, and round out with an elective exploration exercise, all centering around the practices and principles of Zen Buddhism. The arrangement of the book itself is easy-to-digest, non-confrontational, and non-intimidating, which makes it ideal for the audience Martin is aiming to reach.
Martin’s book is written on a foundation of knowing compassion, love, experiential empathy, and caring, and those qualities ooze through his words.
I don’t struggle primarily with depression, though it often becomes a strong side-effect of what I do principally cope with on a daily basis. The topic of Zen as presented by Martin is so accessible that while reading, I was easily able to translate the word “depression� for my own personal inner conflicts.
After sitting practice one evening, Phil and I were discussing study habits and he shared that he has a thing against writing in books…I had to admit and apologize to him that I’d marked up his book quite a lot. There were so many points that spoke to me, and that as I look back and review continue to bring me gently to a place of mindful awareness and acceptance.
This book is recommended for anyone. Depressed, hopeless, confused…unsatisfied, struggling, coping…or simply seeking. It would offer great insight to someone who longs to understand or offer support to a depressed person. There is something for everyone here.
Thank you Phil, for sharing your path through depression, and shining a light for others to follow.
“There are no wrong turns on this journey. Any way you choose provides an opportunity for practice and discovery.� –Philip Martin, describing the Eightfold Path and its offering for depression recovery.
August 14, 2022
For such a short book, it packs a powerful punch. The chapters are short and I am in awe of the author’s ability to explain Buddhist concepts so clearly and to connect it to his experience with depression. There is hope in this book. The Further Exploration sections have helped me with my silent meditation practice. It’s the right book at the right time.
July 9, 2012
Do not read if you're depressed or you'll stay that way, but if you read it out of desire to understand a depressed partner then you can help their way through it.
August 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and its message a lot. Coming from someone with a degree in both religious studies and psychology, it hits home with intertwining the message of each area of study. The meditations are very good for someone unfamiliar with them and the knowledge of many great teachers to draw upon inspiring quotes was well done. A very good book for someone more so experiencing depression rather than trying to understand it. I would rec this book to anyone wanting to know how to attain more inner peace and tranquility.
October 30, 2007
this guy has a degree in buddhist psychology! if that's not the coolest thing ever, then i don't know what is.
this book may not contain any new information, but what it says is still important and it does help to refresh one's memory of the basics.
these are things that one should keep in mind with or without depression. they represent the fundamental knowledge that is useful to all human beings. i suggest reading up on buddhist philosophy if you haven't already.
this book may not contain any new information, but what it says is still important and it does help to refresh one's memory of the basics.
these are things that one should keep in mind with or without depression. they represent the fundamental knowledge that is useful to all human beings. i suggest reading up on buddhist philosophy if you haven't already.
June 17, 2007
I don't think I'm zen enough yet to handle this book. Either that or the author was just honestly annoying.
December 12, 2012
The Zen Path for coping with life's trials and tribulations might have been a more suitable title. Very useful.
December 4, 2017
Short, concise chapters most with follow up questions and contemplative exercises. Very enriching.
July 25, 2022
This was a helpful way to ground myself -- I read it a chapter at a time, picking it up several times a day. I didn't do most of the exercises but I did pause to consider the words. I'm not sure it would have helped while I was depressed, but it wouldn't have hurt and it would have least reassured me that other people were also on this dark path.
I've been eyeing this book on my shelves for years and I'm glad I finally read it.
I've been eyeing this book on my shelves for years and I'm glad I finally read it.
February 14, 2019
Engaging, Thoughtful, and Relevant
The Zen Path Through Depression was recommended to me by my therapist I have to say i extend that recommendation to everyone else.
It’s a great read as a novel or as a reference for meditations and reminders.
I find myself referencing the allegories in my life to stay present.
Awesome text.
The Zen Path Through Depression was recommended to me by my therapist I have to say i extend that recommendation to everyone else.
It’s a great read as a novel or as a reference for meditations and reminders.
I find myself referencing the allegories in my life to stay present.
Awesome text.
May 25, 2020
Since zen is basically stoicism but further East, and CBT is essentially a cut-and-paste job of stoicism, it tracks that you can use zen to get through depression, too. Less journaling and self-critique, more listening to birds, roughly the same amount of meditation, but all roads lead to Rome. Or to China, in this case.
September 28, 2019
Helppolukuinen ja monia uusia ajatuksen siemeniä antava kirja, buddhalaisuuden oppeja selkeästi sisältäen.
Suosittelen kenelle tahansa, mutta varsinkin depression keskellä oleville, depression joskus kokeneille tai depressiosta muuten vain kiinnostuneille.
Suosittelen kenelle tahansa, mutta varsinkin depression keskellä oleville, depression joskus kokeneille tai depressiosta muuten vain kiinnostuneille.
October 1, 2020
Loved reading this book. I have gone back to read it at different points in my life, and have always found something meaningful. This man truly practices what he preaches. I might be a little biased with him being my dad, but I highly suggest giving this book a read!
July 29, 2018
Plenty of good ideas and insightful quotes to revisit at a later date. I would recommend this book to someone experiencing depression.
January 22, 2019
Great book.
Helpful and very easy to relate to. Several pharaohs hit home really. I recommend this to others. Took some notes as well.
Helpful and very easy to relate to. Several pharaohs hit home really. I recommend this to others. Took some notes as well.
August 16, 2022
He put depression into words that I’ve never been able to come up with. It was refreshing to relate wholeheartedly.
Read
March 14, 2017Although I love to read, I remember that I don't do well with self-help books. It's not that I don't like them, it's that I don't try any of the exercises. I need to go to classes at the gym to exercise, not watch a video on my couch. Same idea.
January 23, 2021
Zen Light 75% fewer calories. Very repetitious.
March 22, 2016
I got this book from the library and I need to get my own copy! I've read a lot of books about different forms of Buddhism and this is the first to directly address practicing with and for a mental illness. As someone who struggles with depression, the author Philip Martin recognizes that being depressed is a different outlook than most people coming to Buddhism. He offers guided meditations for recognizing depression and using its symptoms for a better Buddhist practice. Overall, I will refer to this book again and again because it's unique and helpful for anyone interested in Buddhism but struggles with mental illness.
October 12, 2016
I did not like this book. I read it over sixteen years ago and it still rankles. Speaking as someone who has dealt with major depression for most of my life, I see books such as these to be a disservice to anyone who is struggling with a serious mental illness. All the homilies are great but useless as yelling at a fire and telling it to extinguish itself. If thinking- or not thinking- could cure depression, no one would be depressed. Such a book might be helpful for those dealing with sadness and other such transient human conditions but not for those in the abyss. It plays into the illusion that one actually has control when one does not.
February 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I found the chapters on Death, Impermanence and Fear to be the hardest (on a personal level) to stomach. It's hopeful, it's personal and it has some great advice and meditation guides. It's a wonderful little book for those dealing with depression or just want to bring more balance into their lives.
October 19, 2008
its OX e Moron., "i aint no ox moron." - renaissance man with Danny Devito
English language needs to be standardized, like chinese written language. there is to much syntax
English language needs to be standardized, like chinese written language. there is to much syntax
December 11, 2010
In short passages the author shares his thoughts regarding various elements of depression. He does so with warmth and wisdom. A belief that we can work our way through this depression is present on every page.
October 28, 2008
I really liked how this book was set up--each exerpt was an idea unto itself--easily accessible & not self-helpy. Wise, interesting thoughts.
not-finished
August 7, 2015I like this book and intend to get back to it at some point. It has helpful meditations and a different way of looking at things. Left of solid reading p. 5, but skimmed a lot of it.
June 16, 2019
Gentle, practical, full of wisdom.
October 16, 2015
3.5. Parts of it were so insightful I wanted to give it a 5, but other parts were so generic or nonsensical that I wanted to give it a 3.
June 14, 2022
A perfect day by day reader that gives helpful info and meditations. I really love how you can read a chapter fairly quickly but each takes time. Excellent book.
June 24, 2017
Ich hab die deutsche Version gelesen und bin zu faul diese bei Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ einzutragen (isbn 3502610541)
Gutes Buch. kurze Kapitel und 'weitere Sondierungen' als Übungen, die ich manchmal übersprungen habe und so gut wie nie durchgeführt habe.
Gibt nette Denkanstöße und Einblick in Zen Buddhismus.
Ich habs gelesen ein halbes Jahr nachdem ich schon aus der klinischen Depression raus war, allerdings noch in Therapie.
Gutes Buch. kurze Kapitel und 'weitere Sondierungen' als Übungen, die ich manchmal übersprungen habe und so gut wie nie durchgeführt habe.
Gibt nette Denkanstöße und Einblick in Zen Buddhismus.
Ich habs gelesen ein halbes Jahr nachdem ich schon aus der klinischen Depression raus war, allerdings noch in Therapie.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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