How Buddhist Psychology Approaches Romantic Love

A core element of Buddhism and Buddhist psychology is the notion that conditioned, habitual and largely unconscious "attachments" to what is desired inevitably results in suffering. Of all the experiences in life, perhaps no other activates desire and trying to attain what one wants than romantic love. Yet, Buddhism teaches us that human relationship are precisely the context in which non-attachment must be applied. In the next meeting of the "Buddhism and Romantic Love Group" on Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:30 to 10:45 AM, I will present the major ideas and perspectives from Buddhist psychology applicable to the particular challenges of relationships and love. To prepare for this meeting, you may want to review the following material: a podcast/audio presentation on relationships by Ines Freedman (http://www.audiodharma.org/talks/audio_player/4521.html), a description of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path (http://www.school-for-champions.com/religion/buddhism_four_noble_truths.htm#.V_xmtvkrKUk), an article on attachment and "letting go," (http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/letting-go-in-relationships-a-buddhists-view-of-attachment-steve-davies/) an account of romance and non-attachment (http://spokanefavs.com/ask-a-buddhist-balancing-romance-and-non-attachment/), an interview of Khenpo Sonam Gyatso Rinpoche on sexual energy (http://www.drukpa-canaria.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140&Itemid=206&lang=en), and an article from Tricycle on love, relationships, and sexuality. (http://tricycle.org/trikedaily/sex-love-and-buddhism/)

Our next meeting of the Buddhism and Romantic Love Group will be on Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:30 to 10:45 AM, at The Water Garden Business Center, 23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653. The fee is $25.00. If you plan to attend, please RSVP ASAP to Dr. Tobin at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com as space is limited to the first 14 persons who register to attend. Please note that this group is psychoeducational and does not constitute psychotherapy.

James Tobin, Ph.D. | 949-33-4388 | jt@jamestobinphd.com