Embracing the Beloved

by Stephen Levine, Ondrea Levine

The acclaimed leaders of the healing and dying movements follow the natural progression of their work with terminally ill patients, meditation, and dying by examining the realm of the human relationship--both romantic and familial.

Genres: Relationships, Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Psychology, How To, Personal Development

305 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Stephen Levine was an American poet, author, and spiritual teacher best known for his groundbreaking work on death, dying, and grief. A central figure in the conscious dying movement, he helped bring Theravāda Buddhist teachings to Western audiences, alongside contemporaries like Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. His work, however, was uniquely shaped by devotional practices drawn from Bhakti Yoga and his spiritual connection to Neem Karoli Baba, blending Buddhist insight with heart-centered mysticism.
With his wife Ondrea, Stephen spent over three decades offering workshops, counseling, and writings that supported the terminally ill, trauma survivors, and caregivers. Their book Who Dies? remains a foundational text in end-of-life care. Levine’s teachings also explored “everyday grief”—the quiet accumulation of life’s disappointments—and emphasized the healing power of mindfulness and compassion.
A former heroin addict who transformed his life through spiritual practice, Stephen lived his final years in quiet seclusion in New Mexico. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of deep insight and loving presence that continues to influence seekers, caregivers, and teachers around the world.

Reviews

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started to read this book I found it pretty hard to relate to; a little too saccharine around the idea of relationships for me. No doubt conditioned by my own experiences, it all just felt like California mamby pamby to me. My sense of disappointment came from my great enjoyment and learning that resulted from all of Levine's work I had read before this one. It surprised me a bit when either, he cut to the chase or something shifted in me to allow me to see that he was addressing directly the core of my current dilemna. The Beloved is that which is in us all, our reconciliation, the ability for forgiveness and to extend mercy to ourselves; the healing of the primary wound IS the basis for all relationship. While ever we remain disconnected to that deeper part of self, we are incapable of relating intimately to any other human being. All is pretense and delusion.

I now stand at that crossroads and here is a signpost pointing the way. As always I find myself humbled by this man and grateful for his efforts towards the enlightenment of all beings, including me!

[Jerrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much great practice is in this book, individual and relational. As much as this book is about practicing relationship, I feel it is, in a way, teaching us how to put on the oxygen mask in an airplane; we cannot have a great relationship with another without establishing a great relationship with ourselves.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop highlighting.

[Jessica Brodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book and I found it very useful in considering relationship as a spiritual practice.

For some reason I found it very difficult to get through and had to dip in and out. I think it rather has to be read in a state of softness, openness, and perhaps I’ve not had enough of that in my life? Or maybe it’s just complex stuff that requires time! Either way, I would recommend going in with an expectation of needing time for this, perhaps reading very small sections at a time.

[Tierza · Rating 5 out of 5]

To understand oneness.

[Sherri]

BCL 158.2 LEV

[Sue Harrington]

Great meditations for couples to practice together!

[Ashley Medley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't agree with everything, but it was a good read.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too mystical for my tastes.

Started this book, but quit reading it.