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From Publishers Weekly
Is the mind our enemy? It can be, suggests Shambhala International's director Mipham in his first book. The key to peaceful and sane living, says Mipham, is training our minds. Without that training, people live "at the mercy of our moods." Meditation is the tool that can help spiritual seekers master, rather than be mastered by, their own minds. This book blends a philosophically savvy explanation of why meditation is necessary with an artful and accessible introduction to the basics of meditation. Mipham moves elegantly from the prosaic (how to sit with a straight spine) to the profound (why one should bravely contemplate illness, aging and death). Indeed, those practicing spiritual disciplines from any tradition-Christian, Wiccan, and so forth-could benefit from Mipham's commonsense approach to meditation. He acknowledges, for example, that the tyro might get bored, distracted or even hungry for a cookie. New meditators are likely to find a million and one excuses for not meditating. But, says Mipham gently, "at some point you just have to sit down and do it." Mipham's guide is distinguished by its intelligible prose; unlike many fellow travelers, he does not drown his reader in jargon. He defines Buddhist basics, like "samsara" and "karma," clearly. Three useful appendices, outlining meditation postures and giving simple instructions for contemplation, round out the book, and a foreword by Pema Chodron is an added treat. This easy read is one of the best of the Buddhism-for-Westerners genre.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Library Journal
Mipham is director of Shambhala International, an umbrella organization representing over 100 meditation and study centers that was founded by his father, the renowned spiritual leader Chogyam Trungpa. His first book offers basic guidelines to meditation or peaceful abiding for those interested in learning more about Buddhist meditation. His instruction and discussion of the virtues of peaceful abiding are followed by suggestions for thematic contemplative meditations on topics such as birth, old age, and death. Having grown up in the United States but with traditional Tibetan training, Mipham is able to connect the traditional practice with the Western mind-set. He also brings a youthful spirit to his writing, with frequent use of outdoor sports (e.g., horseback riding, archery, golf, and hiking) to embellish his teachings metaphorically. Unfortunately, this work lacks the passion and depth so notable in his father's writings, and the text breaks little new ground. Those new to Tibetan Buddhism will find more inspirational reading in books by the Dalai Lama, and there is more in-depth instruction on Tibetan meditation practices in works such as Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's A Meditation Handbook. Recommended for libraries with large Buddhist collections.
--Annette Haines, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
--Annette Haines, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Many of us are slaves to our minds. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Many of us are slaves to our minds. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is like a guide and has everything I was looking for.,
By Eeve (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Turning the Mind Into an Ally (Paperback)
As someone just beginning my meditation practice, this book had everything I was looking for:-A discussion on why people meditate. -The benefits of meditating. -How to meditate (instruction). -The stages of meditation as you improve & what they feel like. -Difficulties you will encounter and how to overcome them. -Teachings of people who know what they're talking about. -Real life analogies to horse back riding and golf.(very helpful) -Motivation to get you inspired to start and keep going. -It does not preach the religion side of Buddhism for those who don't believe in that. -No tacky cover art (I like books to look good on my shelf! haha). The book is clearly written for a beginner and goes in-depth for someone experienced, without becoming too long winded. It is never dry, and is somehow uplifting and inspiring to keep me from losing focus. I will be referring back to relevant sections throughout my efforts. I can tell this will be a book I'll read many times. By far, the best non-fiction book I've ever purchased.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meditation A to Z,
By Thomas Joyce (West Long Branch, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Turning The Mind Into An Ally (Hardcover)
Sakyong Mipham has written an excellent A to Z primer on basic meditation techniques. I will keep my copy in an accessible place, because I intend to read it again and again. I recommend this book to both experienced meditation practitioners as well as to those who are interested in exploring the benefits of meditation.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent for all religions and all levels of meditation.,
By Gavin Newsum (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Turning the Mind Into an Ally (Paperback)
This book was written by the son of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He distills the wisdom of his father in a simple and easy to understand style of writing. After reading a few pages you will realize that the greatest enemy is your mind; the only obstacle that is making you unhappy. This book will show you how to turn your mind into your ally. A good book for anyone pursing peace of mind and harmony with others.
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