The Zen Path Through Depression (Plus: Insights, Interviews, and More)

Depression carries a stigma both by those who have it and those who don't. Medication and Therapy help, but those with depression also need to have an approach, a reframing of thought that changes what at times seems like a demon we have to wrestle with daily into something less scary. Mr. Martin's book uses his own experiences with depression, his practice of Zen principles, and story to do just that. Can we learn from our depression? What are those thoughts and feelings that cause our suffering calling attention to? The author asks readers in a kind, gentle way to look those feeling in the face and examine them. Shining the light of attention on what our depression mind builds up to be overwhelming helps cut it down to a manageable size (or at least tolerable). You don't need to change your faith or be a meditation master to use the techniques in this book. I found it a helpful resource in dealing with my own depression.

Life changing book. I was so ready for this. I actually owned a copy a number of years ago but sold it. When I knew I needed it again, I purchased again, and so glad I did. In working with this book, I completely "got" what depression was about for me, for my entire life, and I've let go of all that now. I might need antidepressants for the rest of my life, because of what depression does to your biology. But I will never be depressed again. If you're depressed and have suffered with it for eons, my advice is to follow this book's lead and really embrace and befriend the depression to find out what it's been trying to say to you about your life. You won't regret it.

Philip Martin takes his time explaining the value of acknowledging and accepting moments of depression with out self criticism. These moments can serve as an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and to offer kindness and compassion to ourselves an others.

Excellent work. This book is a standard in my professional practice as a therapist. It is very helpful in guiding and teaching about both meditation and emotional awareness and understanding for my clients. More Americans really should read this as it helps to understand the role of emotion in life and that our perspectives and responses to our experiences can change. This can change our life journey. I recommend that my clients read only one chapter per week and keep notes on how they apply its lesson in that week and re-read the chapter at least once during that week. We discuss their experience in session and how they are making new efforts due to new perspectives and choices. I am grateful to the author for their ability to be precise, concise, and expressive. Shibumi indeed.

This is a book to keep on hand forever in order to get through the ups and downs of life. I have used this book many times to get through hard times and bouts of depression. It isn't a substitute for therapy but supports the work you may do during those times.

This is an excellent book. The descriptions of depression and the suggestions for dealing with it are accurate and do not contradict or try to replace medication or medical advice. Any person attempting to deal with depression through this book should probably already be aware of basic meditation techniques as well as having some Buddhist perspective. It will also help if the person reading it is self-aware to the point that he or she knows their own level of depression. That is difficult to determine through the printed word. Other than these caveats, I found this book to be helpful, clear and a very good read.

This book is very helpful, each topic is a short one to two page length, followed by a meditation exercise. I haven't really gotten into meditation but I'm working on it. For now what I do is read the meditation part too and think about it. I usually only read one topic a night before retiring. The topics are very relevant for people who are depressed, and the basic message is: we are not perfect and our daily lives can be a discouraging struggle, but we can survive, even thrive if we slowly work at it and learn to accept. I'm very pleased to have this book and will read it again and again.

I admire but don't understand the mildness of the reviews of "The Zen Path Through Depression." Replace "depression" with "existence" and you've got it about right. This is the most challenging, compassionate tough minded work I have ever gotten to really know. Yeah, it is written in gentle language, but it is a firm, direct call to nothing less than the toughest kind of anonymous heroism. Both of my copies are underlined extensively. A message I have gotten that I find most helpful, "If you are afraid the best thing you can do to find safety through effectiveness is stay absolutely present."Also: Love your "self", if you get lucky it might get bored and go away.

An uplifting read. I've studied Zen since I was 15 years old, and have suffered all my life with bouts of depression and anxiety. There are some beautiful passages in this book that are truly inspiring and helpful. You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate them, even though the author often quotes Buddha's words. If you follow other faiths, and are broad minded and secure enough in your faith, you should have no problem appreciating that what the Buddha taught can be found in all faiths, albeit put in different ways. What it means is that if you're looking for something to help you through a bad period in your life, then this book will guide you. It won't solve the problem for you, but it will give you little signposts to point the way.

Having practised Buddhism for over 15 years and suffered from depression for most of my adult life I read this book with anticipation. I was not disappointed - it is an extremely wise, helpful book. There are practical 'further exploration' suggestions at the end of each chapter. Probably helps if you know a little about Buddhism to begin with but may also encourage depressives to look for a spiritual explanation to their condition. Highly recommended.

Excited to see that finally got a Zen teacher who has gone through depression. His descriptions match with my feelings.. Unbiased.. Presented things as they are..

This book, in its tone, doesn't challenge, judge or advise, but is accepting of the reader's experience, and gently guides the reader toward a possibility of hope. Philip Martin writes with sensitivity and compassion, from the perspective of someone who's experienced depression first hand. In clear and straightforward words, using short, anecdotal stories and offering simple exercises, he shows us that beyond fighting depression or giving ourselves up to it, there is another way we can choose.

Book purchased for personal spiritual growth. Good resource.