In 1975, Lama Yeshe undertook his most extensive international teaching tour, being on the road for nearly nine months. During this time he gave many and varied teachings, a few of which have already been published in Becoming Your Own Therapist, Make Your Mind an Ocean and The Peaceful Stillness of the Silent Mind.
This book contains the teachings and meditations Lama gave at a five-day retreat he led near Melbourne, Australia, which he introduced by
"Whether or not this five-day meditation course becomes beneficial is up to you; it depends on your own mind. It’s not a lama thing; I’m not going to bring you to enlightenment in this short time. Instead of having too many expectations of the lama, it’s better that you generate a pure motivation for being here. Expectations cause mental problems; instead of being positive, they become negative...
"If over the next five days you can begin to recognize the reality of your own nature, this meditation course will have been worthwhile. Therefore, dedicate your actions during this time to discovering inner freedom through recognizing the negative characteristics of your own uncontrolled mind."
In line with Lama’s intentions, this book is dedicated to the awakening of inner freedom within the minds of its readers and all other sentient beings.
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Lama Thubten Yeshe was a monastic teacher of Tibetan Buddhism most closely associated with the Gelug school of the Dalai Lamas. He established the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), and was succeeded in leadership of that organization by his heart-disciple Lama Thubten Zopa in 1984.
Lama Yeshe has a way of cutting straight to the point in his teachings and this book is no different. I find his writing, shakes me up from my daze- of a material world where I think I have time.
Lama Yeshe brings it home that we do not know when we will die and that as human's we have been born with an intelligence to develop our mind and reach enlightenment. We should use that intelligence he suggests, and start now. He also reassures us that it is never too late to start.
Lama Yeshe explores all the ways our ego brings suffering to our lives and how we can reduce such suffering by freeing ourselves though ego and attachment.
He also offers meditative techniques throughout the book.
Requires a second reading I think. Not particularly organized or structured - clearly a transcribed version of a 5 day talk. Some good nuggets in here though.
Began reading this at the local library late last year (2011). Never quite finished (went onto other books). An introductory book and very informative.