Subtitled ‘Tantric teachings to transform neurosis into sanity’, this book draws on four decades of Buddhist study and practice along with the author’s clinical experience to provide a comprehensive guide to the five interdependent mandala elements or wisdom energies of this teaching: space, water, earth, fire and the wind. The process involves deep psychospiritual work involving many layers, aspects and dimensions over the self. Each part characterises the key qualities of the element and how these can be distorted as well as transmuted into its enlightened form. A final part suggests what the Buddha might recommend on experiential terms as a reflection over the life of the senses ‘through which we experience our body and the body of the natural world as sacred and worthy of veneration’, reaching an expanded sense of personhood beyond what the author calls pathological individualism and self- preserving egolessness whereby we can become fully present in the world. ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

I would recommend What Was in Buddha’s Left Hand?: Tantric Teachings To Transform Neurosis Into Sanity, by Ira Rechtshaffer, to anyone who would like to see the elements under a different light. It broadens the reader’s perception of them and could be particularly helpful to anyone who works with any form of healing. It’s a book that should be read little by little, without haste, to assimilate the teachings it expresses. ~ Lightworkreview.com, Review

Using a Tibetan Buddhist tantric lens, Rechtshaffer’s What Was in the Buddha’s Left Hand? invites us to intimately explore our direct sensory experience, see through our neurotic distortions, and discover our natural sanity, compassion, and openness. An eloquent, insightful, and practical guide for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. ~ John J. Prendergast, Ph.D., author of The Deep Heart and In Touch

Dr. Ira Rechtshaffer offers us a deep, personal, and illuminating exploration of the Five Wisdoms as they arise at the heart of all human experience. His presentation is fresh and engaging, with methods to incorporate these dimensions of experience in helpful ways in our complex human lives. I recommend this book for all who are interested in more in-depth understanding of Buddhism and its application to life, but also for those engaged in inner exploration from other traditions. ~ James Sacamano, MD, author of Getting Back to Wholeness

I love and deeply respect What Was in Buddha's Left Hand?. This is an exquisitely wise, and down to earth book that unifies heart & mind, body and spirit. That all experiences in life, the 10,000 joys and sorrows,  are the greatest of teachers. This book is not about spiritually or psychologically bypassing life, instead it offers us guidance for how to embrace it all to discover the awakened heart (Buddha) within. ~ Bob Stahl, Ph.D, co-author of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook

In What was in Buddha’s Left Hand? Dr. Rechtshaffer brings together four decades of Buddhist study and practice, alongside depth psychological and clinical experience, to share these timeless teachings in a way that is enjoyable, vivid, practical, and accessible to the Western psyche. Readers new to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions, as well as seasoned practitioners, will find nuggets of insight and relevant perspectives from this timeless tradition as conveyed though contemporary and everyday examples. ~ Mariana Caplan, PhD, MFT, author of Yoga & Psyche: Integrating the Paths of Yoga

What Was in Buddha’s Left Hand? builds on your many years as a psychotherapist and is a fruitful doorway to bring the elements from Tibetan Buddhist psychology into modern understanding. ~ Jack Kornfield

It gives me great pleasure to endorse this book on the vast vision and minute particulars of the mandala principle. This important and comprehensive work illuminates the many aspects—psychological, elemental and sensory—of the five wisdom energies. We are indebted to Ira Rechtshaffer for contributing to our understanding of these profound teachings to bring about an embodied wholeness as well as a cosmic understanding. ~ Irini Rockwell, author of The Five Wisdom Energies, a Buddhist Understanding of Personalities, Emotions and Relationships

Those who have progressed along their spiritual journey will find in this book a fresh path: a road less travelled, now open to them. Reading it, I felt like the proverbial goldfish, plucked out of his bowl. Suddenly, everything looked different!  When I plopped myself back inside, gasping, I realized I had been swimming the water made of my own mind. But now when I look out though the glass, my mind seems clearer. And because of that, the world seems clearer too. Absolutely! Beautiful and illuminating it is! ~ Tim Ward, author of What the Buddha Never Taught and Indestructible You