Psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein, discusses his book The Zen of Therapy, in which he explores how his decades of studying and practicing Buddhism has influenced his work as a therapist.  In this episode, Dan and Mark discuss: the immense value of developing a clear and warm relationship to your own dysfunction; anger; how much people can actually change; how Buddhism has influenced Mark's practice as a psychotherapist; and Mark’s formative relationship with the legendary spiritual teacher and ex-academic Ram Dass [https://www.ramdass.org/about-ram-dass/]. This interview was recorded live as part of an online benefit for New York Insight Meditation Center [https://www.nyimc.org/] and Cambridge Insight Meditation Center [https://cambridgeinsight.org/] – two great institutions, both worth checking out and supporting.  Learn more about Ten Percent Happier podcast at http://www.tenpercent.com. Check out guided meditations alongside practical teachings in the Ten Percent Happier app. Click here [https://10percenthappier.app.link/ins...] to get started. Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/mark-epstein-412 Mon Jan 17 2022 Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris Dan Harris is a fidgety, skeptical journalist who had a panic attack on live national television, which led him to try something he otherwise never would have considered: meditation. He went on to write the bestselling book, 10% Happier. On this show, Dan talks with eminent meditation teachers, top scientists, and even the odd celebrity. Guests include everyone from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Brené Brown to Karamo from Queer Eye. On some episodes, Dan ventures into the deep end of the pool, covering subjects such as enlightenment and psychedelics. On other episodes, it’s science-based techniques for issues such as anxiety, productivity, and relationships. Dan's approach is seemingly modest, but secretly radical: happiness is a skill you can train, just like working your bicep in the gym. Your progress may be incremental at first, but like any good investment, it compounds over time. #dysfunction #therapy #zen #ramdam #buddhism