Byron Katie on Living Without Suffering

Voices of Esalen

Byron Katie was severely depressed in her early thirties. For almost a decade, she spiraled down into rage and self-loathing, battling constant thoughts of suicide. Then one morning in February 1986, she experienced a life-changing realization: "I discovered that when I believed my thoughts, I suffered, but that when I didn't believe them, I didn't suffer. Freedom is as simple as that. I found that suffering is optional." Together we discussed The Work, the philosophy and process of self-inquiry that Byron Katie has brought to millions of people across the world.We also spoke about her new book, "A Mind at Home with Itself," written with her husband Stephen Mitchell. I found her to be a remarkable person to be around, and our conversation as enjoyable and revelatory as any I can remember in recent memory. Please enjoy.