Zen in the art of helping

A succinct, uncompromising study of what it means to "help other people," Zen in the Art of Helping examines the helping process in the light of the principles of Zen Buddhism. The author demonstrates that a real unity between helper and helped is possible by viewing helping as "a way of living and being rather than as a particular job or career." Emphasizing the Zen precepts of true compassion, nowness, and Taoistic change, he explains how a helper can break down the artificial barriers that serve to separate people and hinder the helping process. As the teachings of Zen demonstrate, real compassion involves a selflessness and respect that can bring helper and helped together. At a time when medical, psychological, and social services of all kinds are being characterized as "the helping professions," it is particularly important to analyze what helping really means.