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. - from Amzon