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The Restful Mind
The restless mind is frightened of silence, easily bored, and busy, busy, busy.The restful mind is creative and alert, relaxed and confident. The step from one to the other is all in the way we think.His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa has a real understanding of the pressures of modern life and how our crowded minds have left us too little space to stretch and grow.He shows us new ways to calm body and mind, become more aware, better able to deal with problems and appreciate the moment. It is with our mind that we create our world. Here's how to open it up and let the world in.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
46 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 23, 2019
Easy to read, every few pages there is usually really nice quotes or examples that make author's ideas easier to understand. It describes a handful of mediation techniques which were helpful to read. I personally found it even more useful when it comes to learning new approaches to philosophy or psychology
June 4, 2023
The restful mind is truly the remedy for a restless mind which is so present in most of us today.
While on a yoga retreat in Bhutan I had the privilege of attending a speak of His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa a truly compassionate and knowledgeable human being at the service of humanity and so being able to have access to his book and read each line with patience was like meditating on a beautiful day I just happen to have where I am right now.
The simplicity of his talking and writing will captivate you from the beginning to end and I urge you to make room for this priceless reading but take your time (specially when it comes to our relation to the environment) you might not want to finish it until you have not only digested the last teaching but that you have truly understood how to rest your mind and live at peace with yourself.
The appreciation and contemplation meditation presented on this book (along with many other precious teachings) are tools for a more compassionate, kind and intelligent living not only to yourself but to humanity. Once you learn, you teach.
I initially thought "forget about any self-help book you've read" but perhaps I'd say "remember all the good teachings" and give yourself the chance to immerse on this simple yet profound teachings of His Eminence. Even if English isn't your first language the simplicity of the words will reach the deepest in your heart where all changes can take place.
"As long as space endures,
as long as sentient being remain,
until then, may I too remain
and dispel the miseries of the world." ( HHDL)
My deepest gratitude to my teacher, guru, mentor who walk the path of liberation and make that accessible to those she comes across with...not missing a single one of us!
While on a yoga retreat in Bhutan I had the privilege of attending a speak of His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa a truly compassionate and knowledgeable human being at the service of humanity and so being able to have access to his book and read each line with patience was like meditating on a beautiful day I just happen to have where I am right now.
The simplicity of his talking and writing will captivate you from the beginning to end and I urge you to make room for this priceless reading but take your time (specially when it comes to our relation to the environment) you might not want to finish it until you have not only digested the last teaching but that you have truly understood how to rest your mind and live at peace with yourself.
The appreciation and contemplation meditation presented on this book (along with many other precious teachings) are tools for a more compassionate, kind and intelligent living not only to yourself but to humanity. Once you learn, you teach.
I initially thought "forget about any self-help book you've read" but perhaps I'd say "remember all the good teachings" and give yourself the chance to immerse on this simple yet profound teachings of His Eminence. Even if English isn't your first language the simplicity of the words will reach the deepest in your heart where all changes can take place.
"As long as space endures,
as long as sentient being remain,
until then, may I too remain
and dispel the miseries of the world." ( HHDL)
My deepest gratitude to my teacher, guru, mentor who walk the path of liberation and make that accessible to those she comes across with...not missing a single one of us!
September 30, 2015
Tôi luôn ngạc nhiên, bất ngờ, và tri ân những lời giáo huấn uyên thâm mà giản dị, rõ ràng và sáng sủa của Đức Nhiếp Chính Vương, một sư thầy mà tuổi đời còn trẻ, nhưng đã có được một trí tuệ uyên bác.
"Chấp nhận cuộc sống đem lại tự do vì nó cho phép bạn tập trung vào những gì mình có thể thay đổi. Lấy ví dụ về vấn đề môi trường. Nhiều người rất bất bình vì chính phủ của họ dường như không mấy quan tâm và có quá ít hoạt động về môi trường. Họ cảm thấy bất lực vì không thể thay đổi được cách làm việc của chính phủ. Nhưng thay vào đó, nếu họ tập trung vào những việc mình có khả năng thực hiện, họ sẽ thấy rằng mỗi người trong chúng ta đều có thể tạo ra thay đổi, và từ đó đem lại khác biệt.
Chấp nhận không có nghĩa là từ bỏ; ngược lại, chấp nhận khiến bạn thấy được mình cần nỗ lực vào việc gì và nên chú tâm vào đâu là tốt nhất." - Đức Nhiếp Chính Vương Gyalwa Dokhampa
"Chấp nhận cuộc sống đem lại tự do vì nó cho phép bạn tập trung vào những gì mình có thể thay đổi. Lấy ví dụ về vấn đề môi trường. Nhiều người rất bất bình vì chính phủ của họ dường như không mấy quan tâm và có quá ít hoạt động về môi trường. Họ cảm thấy bất lực vì không thể thay đổi được cách làm việc của chính phủ. Nhưng thay vào đó, nếu họ tập trung vào những việc mình có khả năng thực hiện, họ sẽ thấy rằng mỗi người trong chúng ta đều có thể tạo ra thay đổi, và từ đó đem lại khác biệt.
Chấp nhận không có nghĩa là từ bỏ; ngược lại, chấp nhận khiến bạn thấy được mình cần nỗ lực vào việc gì và nên chú tâm vào đâu là tốt nhất." - Đức Nhiếp Chính Vương Gyalwa Dokhampa
December 23, 2019
Great book.
November 18, 2016
The restful mind is a guide. I like the way it is easy to read and to understand. You feel the book is written by a restful mind. By a teacher who masters what he is preaching about ;-) It helps you to understand the mind and go to peace for your self and your surroundings. I read it and go back to it. It is within my reach...
September 30, 2025
Year 2025 | Book 25/52
Book Review - The Restful Mind by Gyalwa Dokhampa
This book is a gentle guide to finding peace in a noisy world. It reminds us that the faults we see in others are often reflections of what we carry inside. Through simple practices—like sitting quietly, walking mindfully, laughing, and listening—we can return to the present moment and calm our restless mind.
The author explains how our thoughts, speech, and actions shape who we are. Gratitude, compassion, and patience are not just spiritual ideas but practical tools for everyday happiness. He stresses that true rest is not about running away from life but about living fully in the present, without being trapped by attachments, labels, or constant comparisons.
One of the strongest messages is simplicity: life may be uncertain, but when we approach it with patience, awareness, and kindness, our mind naturally finds rest. This is not a book of theory—it offers small, everyday steps to cultivate a lighter, freer state of mind.
Book Review - The Restful Mind by Gyalwa Dokhampa
This book is a gentle guide to finding peace in a noisy world. It reminds us that the faults we see in others are often reflections of what we carry inside. Through simple practices—like sitting quietly, walking mindfully, laughing, and listening—we can return to the present moment and calm our restless mind.
The author explains how our thoughts, speech, and actions shape who we are. Gratitude, compassion, and patience are not just spiritual ideas but practical tools for everyday happiness. He stresses that true rest is not about running away from life but about living fully in the present, without being trapped by attachments, labels, or constant comparisons.
One of the strongest messages is simplicity: life may be uncertain, but when we approach it with patience, awareness, and kindness, our mind naturally finds rest. This is not a book of theory—it offers small, everyday steps to cultivate a lighter, freer state of mind.
December 19, 2023
Really good book
Restless Mind is frightened of the quiet and is easily bored... signs include being reactive, fearful, rushed under pressure, highly critical of others, (I am angry, emotions are personal)
The Restful Mind is playful, creative and alert... and is a special gift in a modern society.... signs include being peaceful, tolerant, eat healthily, spontaneous, open, motivated, accept highs and lows of life etc (I feel anger, emotions are not personal)
Meditation important for the Restful Mind ( in morning or/and at night)
Tools for Restful Mind
My Acronoym- Pauls Kol
P - Come to Present often
a - appreciate
u - ups and down will end
l - laugh
s - embrace simplicity
K - be kind
0 - one thing at a time
l- -love
Restless Mind is frightened of the quiet and is easily bored... signs include being reactive, fearful, rushed under pressure, highly critical of others, (I am angry, emotions are personal)
The Restful Mind is playful, creative and alert... and is a special gift in a modern society.... signs include being peaceful, tolerant, eat healthily, spontaneous, open, motivated, accept highs and lows of life etc (I feel anger, emotions are not personal)
Meditation important for the Restful Mind ( in morning or/and at night)
Tools for Restful Mind
My Acronoym- Pauls Kol
P - Come to Present often
a - appreciate
u - ups and down will end
l - laugh
s - embrace simplicity
K - be kind
0 - one thing at a time
l- -love
August 31, 2022
Good as an introductory piece to get into meditation and mindful awareness. I love the parts which triggered emotional reaction in me, like the chapter on ego and greed and jealousy etc. Im guilty of all of them and immediately while reading those chapters, my brain started finding all those occasions to shame me :) but thats why I think this book is great. There's bound to be more 'technical' or 'philosophical' books on meditation and mindfulness out there (and you should read them too) but this book makes it personal. You are made aware of your own position and why this practice can be relevant to you too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
Many of important topic mention in ' The Restful Mind'
We people desire to life become happy but we lack of knowledge we fail to create make a happy life. In my understand, through this book we will know the how make to happy life. Such a precious topic mentioned in there which is people were doing daily life but people didn't gave the pay attention on it. At the same time some educated people are give such a focus on it. Some situation ordinary people can't control it because of lack of knowledge I think so. Hence, we should give focus on daily activity.
We people desire to life become happy but we lack of knowledge we fail to create make a happy life. In my understand, through this book we will know the how make to happy life. Such a precious topic mentioned in there which is people were doing daily life but people didn't gave the pay attention on it. At the same time some educated people are give such a focus on it. Some situation ordinary people can't control it because of lack of knowledge I think so. Hence, we should give focus on daily activity.
December 23, 2024
“A Mente Serena” é um livro incrível, principalmente para quem está começando no budismo ou na prática de mindfulness. Ele explica de forma simples como a mente funciona e como podemos aprender a nos acalmar. É uma leitura que recomendo para quem sente ansiedade ou está buscando viver de forma mais tranquila e equilibrada.
É um livro introdutório, mas muito valioso, e eu sempre indico para minhas consulentes, porque sei que pode ajudar a dar os primeiros passos nessa jornada de autoconhecimento e serenidade. Se você está nessa busca por mais calma na vida, vale muito a pena.
É um livro introdutório, mas muito valioso, e eu sempre indico para minhas consulentes, porque sei que pode ajudar a dar os primeiros passos nessa jornada de autoconhecimento e serenidade. Se você está nessa busca por mais calma na vida, vale muito a pena.
July 27, 2020
This book have been changing my life. It taught me how to let things go and how to be myself to enjoy the present. It is like a door to this new world where I am always calm and ready to face the obstacles. Absolutely love it.
December 9, 2021
I would say that the book was truly healing, calm and pertinent. You get to reflect on yourself as you read this book, at the same time realize the precious time you having at the present moment.
January 7, 2022
Brilliant book. Definitely one I will come back to and keep nearby.
November 7, 2023
Grateful for this book. It flows with simple language and elegance.
April 8, 2025
Must read, magnifico
February 14, 2024
The book was extremely interesting and full of wisdom for me. As I read through the book, my mindfulness was expanded and the feeling of present moment got enhanced. We forget that the world we live in is full of distraction and being busy doesn’t mean happiness. A restful mind as enormous strength than a restless mind. We get carried away by thinking of the future too much that we forget to feel the present moment. It made me to reflect on my daily habits and personally it made me realize the importance of being contended with what and how we have and are. Meditation is the key factor for mindfulness and discovering the various ways to meditate was one great takeaway for me from this book.
Totally a recommended book from me. 🤗
Totally a recommended book from me. 🤗
January 12, 2019
why do i sip my coffee and thinking of the unread mails in my inbox? who to call and what items in my to do list i need to work on first. why do i swallow my lunch thinking what and where i’m going to have for dinner? something comes along and reminds me of the beauty of being in the present. to let my mind rest. to enjoy. to pause. this is the book.
March 9, 2021
Livre très intéressant qui permet de ramener l'esprit à l'essentiel. Aborde certains types de méditation facile d'application. Livre qui fait du bien à lire.
February 8, 2014
perfect guide to achieve a restful mind, comprehensive and very practical :)
changed my outlook towards life :)
changed my outlook towards life :)
November 9, 2015
A great little book full of profound wisdom, highly applicable to modern life.
August 14, 2016
Much like every other mindfulness book but next to useless without three-dimensional resources that demonstrate the techniques, a CD, website, YouTube links... anything is better than nothing.
May 31, 2021
Absolutely the very best book on meditation. Simple and clear and explanatory. Written by a Buddhist Master but from the perspective of the modern mind and modern life.
February 22, 2014
Lots of food for thoughts
Read
August 4, 2018Mind restful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews