The Abhidharma, one of the three major text collections of the original Buddhist canon, frames the psychological system of Buddhism, explaining the workings of reality and the nature of the human mind. It is composed of detailed matrixes and lists that outline the interaction of consciousness and reality, the essence of perception and experience, and the reasons and methods behind mindfulness and meditation. Because of its complexity, the Abhidharma has traditionally been reserved only for academic or monastic study; now, for the first time, clinical psychologist Beth Jacobs brings this dynamic body of work to general readers, using practical explanation, personal stories, and vivid examples to gently untangle the technical aspects of the Abhidharma. Drawing on decades of experience as both a therapist and a Buddhist, Jacobs illuminates this classic area of Buddhist thought, highlighting the ways it can broaden and deepen our experience of the human psyche and offering profound insights into spiritual practice.

Original Buddhist Psychology: What the Abhidharma Tells Us About How We Think, Feel, and Experience Life, Beth Jacobs, North Atlantic Books, Paperback, 208 pages, $17.95

Beth Jacobs, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and life-time journaler, and the combination has led to a career in therapeutic writing, and several books, including Writing for Emotional Balance (New Harbinger Publishers, 2005), Paper Sky: What Happened After Anne Frank�s Diary Ended (CreateSpace, 2014), Grandparents Rock (edited writings from an expressive writing group, CreateSpace, 2015), The Original Buddhist Psychology (North Atlantic Books, 2017), and A Buddhist Journal: Guided Practices for Writers and Meditators (North Atlantic Books, release date summer, 2018). She is a long-standing member of the National Association for Poetry Therapy and writes a column for NAPT called The Journaler�s Corner. Beth has also served on the faculty of Northwestern University�s Feinberg School of Medicine for over twenty years. Beth has followed where her interests lead in the creative and expressive possibilities for deepening the experience of life. This has resulted in many adventures, workshops, fascinating studies and enriching connections. She is happy to share the love of writing on the IAJW Council.