Both Wilber and Epstein seem to be most interested in reconciling the different psychologies and systems of thought, in finding similarities, rather than differences. The intent in this essay is to explore the foundations of both Buddhist psychology and the Western psychodynamic approach in order to understand their relationship, both similarities and differences.
The story of Buddhist psychology begins with the Buddha, and his revelation, as the story of Western psychodynamic psychotherapy begins with Freud. However, the origins are quite different, even though part of the revelations are similar.
For the Buddha, the revelation came from his study of internal processes, although it began with his observation of the suffering inevitable to human life. It is through the meditative process, however, the process of observing the operation of his own mind, that he developed his system of thought and practice. That system focused on the scientific observation of the processes of mind by each individual so that each individual could understand the nature of mind and existence for himself or herself. The Buddha recommended to his disciples that they test everything for themselves, rather than take his word for it.
On the other hand, Freud's revelation seemed to come almost totally from observation of other's mental processes. He began as a doctor, concerned with neurological processes and disorders. He, too, observed the suffering inherent in human life, but recommended an entirely different process to deal with it. That process involved an intermediary, an expert, who engaged in certain practices with a patient which enabled the patient to gain insight into neurotic thinking processes in order to change those processes to healthier ones. There seems to be some evidence in the literature that Freud himself was not completely aware of his own mental processes, and neuroses.
Both Buddhism and psychoanalysis can more prop...