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

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