How to Understand the Mind: The Nature and Power of the Mind

by Kelsang Gyatso

This book offers us deep insight into our mind, and shows how an understanding of its nature and functions can be used practically in everyday experience to improve our lives.
Part 1 is a practical guide to developing and maintaining a light, positive mind - showing how to recognize and abandon states of mind that harm us, and to replace them with peaceful and beneficial ones.
Part 2 describes different types of mind in detail, revealing the depth and profundity of the Buddhist understanding of the mind. It concludes with a detailed explanation of meditation, showing how by controlling and transforming our mind we can attain a lasting state of joy, independent of external conditions.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Psychology, Eastern Philosophy

425 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2014

About the author

*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.

He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.

The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.

To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....

Reviews

[Jamie George-holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to get this book before it even hit the bookstores because it was being sold at the Meditation Center I go to, which was founded by the author, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Wow, such an phenomenal book. Explains the mind in such detail and clarity that you feel certain only a highly realized master could write such a book. I came to study Buddhism because I was having so many problems with anxiety, that it was effecting my entire life. Buddhism helped me understand the process of anxiety and learn how to completely counter it with minds of love, patience, and wisdom. It has been an invaluable tool that has permeated my whole life. This book has given me such a detailed understanding of what the mind is, and how it functions, that anything seams possible. Highly recommended!

[Stoicheia Magest · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author presents things as if he knows them but it is either wrong or pure speculation.

[Blanca Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gueshe es un erudito budista internacionalmente reconocido por la controversia en su pensamiento que no sigue la tradición al pie de la letra. Tiene poco más de 20 obras y más de 1,000 centros por todo el mundo.

Desconozco si los mantras que incluye el libro sean útiles, pues ni los consulté. Mi interés radicaba en conocer su filosofía: que los problemas sólo aparecen cuando reaccionamos con una actitud negativa ante la vida así como sus recomendaciones para cultivar un buen corazón y una mente pacífica (a través de las entender las emociones) para ayudar a los demás.

Rescato como positivo su explicación a ciertos conceptos y emociones, y creo que eso es algo que se puede consultar y seguir interiorizando toda la vida. No disfruté que califica de correcto o incorrecto ciertas creencias y que en varios capítulos lo asocia al Dharma, que son las doctrinas de origen indio (como budismo, sisjismo, hinduismo, jainismo), pero que en realidad lo puedes asociar o traducir a cualquier religión o creencia que practiques.

[Thomas Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most useful books you'll ever read

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slowed down with this one to take it in chunks. I appreciate how there are repeated practices from book to book.

[Mario Isamitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro útil, pero muy complejo

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso ; a Bhuddist who started the Kadampa Tradition in the UK. An excellent insight into a meaningful pathway that illuminates the heart of Bhuddism so far and utterly removed from populist mythologies of Bhuddist concepts that are widespread commercially and thus ideologically in mainstream culture. Utterly fascinating and a treasure to truly behold, even with the notions that I choose to disagree with. Gyatso teaches about gross and subtle mind, states of attachment to object and delusion. An enlightened mind is not one of pure passivity or naive belief in a talismanic presence of spiritual teaching - however golden, alluring and exotic. Kadampa is a form of reality testing and a code of ethics. I will be reading and re-reading this book for a lifetime. It is a lifetimes study along with the teachings and meditations that I am receiving. great stuff.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful exploration of the mind. Very practical and useful, even if the reader isn't a Buddhist.

[Nick Ball · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly written.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm still not much closer to understanding the mind. I guess I wasn't ready for this one yet.

[Christina Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es como sumergirte en un laboratorio de la mente, entender con claridad cómo percibimos, pensamos y discernimos. Comprender la mente para controlarla y guiarla hacia la felicidad ¡gracias Gueshela!