Buddha Mind

by Sangharakshita

We are what we think. Happiness and suffering arise from the way our mind interprets what we see, hear, touch or imagine. Realizing this, we can develop increasing clarity and creativity - qualities perfected in the mind of the Buddha. Sangharakshita challenges us to look at what holds us back from being truly alive to the present moment and offers practical guidance on how to overcome the barriers of habit with energy and awareness.

80 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Sangharakshita was born Dennis Lingwood in South London, in 1925. Largely self-educated, he developed an interest in the cultures and philosophies of the East early on, and realized that he was a Buddhist at the age of sixteen.

The Second World War took him, as a conscript, to India, where he stayed on to become the Buddhist monk Sangharakshita. After studying for some years under leading teachers from the major Buddhist traditions, he went on to teach and write extensively. He also played a key part in the revival of Buddhism in India, particularly through his work among followers of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

After twenty years in the East, he returned to England to establish the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order in 1967, and the Western Buddhist Order in 1968 (now known as the Triratna Buddhist Community and the Triratna Buddhist Order respectively).

Sangharakshita has always particularly emphasized the decisive significance of commitment in the spiritual life, the paramount value of spiritual friendship and community, the link between religion and art, and the need for a ‘new society’ supportive of spiritual aspirations and ideas.

In recent years Sangharakshita has been handing on most of his responsibilities to his senior disciples in the Order. Based at the Adhisthana retreat centre in Herefordshire UK, he is now focusing on personal contact with people. For more, go to www.sangharakshita.org.

A collection of 27 volumes will represent the definitive edition of his life’s work as a Buddhist writer and teacher. Find out more about The Complete Works of Sangharakshita

A series of talks by Sangharakshita: ‘Launch of The Essential Sangharakshita and Living Ethically’.

Reviews

[Adam Willis]

BUDDHA MIND BY SANGHARAKSHITA NOTES
Breaking Through Into Buddhahood
Breaking through:
- Negative emotions
- Psychological conditionings
- Rational thinking
- Time sense
How one breaks through:
- The way of mindfulness
- A path of regular steps

Mind - Reactive and Creative
- Reactive Mind: Mechanical, repetitive, unaware
- Creative mind: Independent, responsive, aware
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment:
1. Recollection or awareness
2. Investigation of Mental States
3. Energy or vigour
4. Rapture
5. Tension release
6. Concentration
7. Tranquillity
Four levels of awareness:
1. Bodily posture and movements
2. Pleasant, painful or neutral feelings and emotions
3. Thoughts
4. Difference between past mental conditioning and future state of freedom

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring account of breaking through to buddhahood.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in Buddhism.