What do you think?
Rate this book
Open Heart, Clear Mind: An Introduction to the Buddha's Teachings
This practical introduction to Buddhism focuses on the application of Buddhist psychology to modern life. Thubten Chodron, an American Buddhist nun, presents the basic points of this path for understanding ourselves and improving the quality of our lives. In a straightforward style and with warmth and humor, Chodron gives us the fundamental points of the Buddha's teaching on transforming habitual attitudes and realizing our full human potential.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
269 people are currently reading
1107 people want to read
About the author
Dalai Lama XIV
1,553 books6,194 followersJetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.
After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.
Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.
After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.
Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 2, 2012
The first half of this book is a wonderful narrative of the basic Buddist philosophy of how to get along with other people and become a happier self. I liked this part very very much and recommend it to anyone. The second half is still readable but a steeper climb to total acceptance for me. Includes all the mechanics of rebirth and multiple lives. I'm more aligned with Stephen Batchelor in Buddism without Belief, who claims that the pure early Buddist philosophy was great until it was corrupted with human-inserted hierarchy and institutionalism. Why is it that humans find it so necessary to tell themselves they know all the answers? I'm much more comfortable with mystery.
February 3, 2016
Amazing book that breaks down the core beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. Chodron makes wonderful analogies regarding how you can deal with anger, have compassion, and be happy. Her writing style is very easy to read. The book stays with you long after reading it... it is like a breath of fresh air. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 13, 2013
As one of the statements on the back cover of my copy says "A refreshingly straightforward and accessible introduction to the basic principles of Buddhist practice..." and which is pretty much what I thought while reading the book.
I think this is the kind of book that anyone could read and find some tools for being in the world.
You don't have to be a Buddhist to get something of value out of this book.
One of the best books on Buddhism I have ever read!
I think this is the kind of book that anyone could read and find some tools for being in the world.
You don't have to be a Buddhist to get something of value out of this book.
One of the best books on Buddhism I have ever read!
March 26, 2014
Finding this book came as the product of what was a large existential crisis at this point in my life. I felt lost and inexplicably alone one day so I decided to browse the philosophy section of my university's library and found this gem.
It provides a well worded insight into some of the basic teachings of Buddhism and has inspired me to attempt to alter my own perception of life accordingly. Although I'm not totally convinced by the teachings on rebirth and reincarnation, the ideas of compassion and love within us all really struck a chord with me and I have spent many spare hours recently mulling over just what the book it telling me. Open Heart, Clear Mind takes a logical and rational look at many modern issues that has left me re-evaluating everything in my life with a sort of newfound clarity.
In short, definitely worth a read by everyone looking for something more in their life or looking for an introduction to Buddhist thought without having to delve into the world of scripture and ancient texts.
9/10
It provides a well worded insight into some of the basic teachings of Buddhism and has inspired me to attempt to alter my own perception of life accordingly. Although I'm not totally convinced by the teachings on rebirth and reincarnation, the ideas of compassion and love within us all really struck a chord with me and I have spent many spare hours recently mulling over just what the book it telling me. Open Heart, Clear Mind takes a logical and rational look at many modern issues that has left me re-evaluating everything in my life with a sort of newfound clarity.
In short, definitely worth a read by everyone looking for something more in their life or looking for an introduction to Buddhist thought without having to delve into the world of scripture and ancient texts.
9/10
March 25, 2016
Simply put, this book changed/saved my life. The clarity and relatability of the presentation helped me find a way out of a very dark spiritual place and set me on the Dharma path.
October 11, 2024
Its kinda difficult for begginers but I still learned a lo With This book
May 12, 2014
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism or simply learn some new techniques to help live a fulfilled, happy life.
Thubten Chodron does an excellent job providing a thorough, yet simplified, introduction to this beautiful religion. Any and every question that I had prior to reading this was answered by the time I finished the book. Moreover, as I developed new questions as I was reading, sure enough, those questions were addressed, as well.
Whether or not you are considering practicing Buddhism, just want to learn more about the religion, or are simply hoping to gain a new approach to your life, this book is for you. I do not plan to work every day to stay on the path to enlightenment; however, I do plan to use many of the typically-Buddhist traditions I learned from this book to help me gain some perspective and get through the tougher times in my life.
This book was educational, yes, but also very interesting. It provides great insight into the Buddhist practices, but also serves as a sort of self-help book that provides the reader with some great tools to use in everyday life.
This was a beautiful book about what I believe to be a beautiful religion. I am so glad that I took the time to read this. I learned a lot and I took away a lot that I know will help me live my life to the fullest and work every day to be a wiser, more compassionate person.
Highly recommend.
Thubten Chodron does an excellent job providing a thorough, yet simplified, introduction to this beautiful religion. Any and every question that I had prior to reading this was answered by the time I finished the book. Moreover, as I developed new questions as I was reading, sure enough, those questions were addressed, as well.
Whether or not you are considering practicing Buddhism, just want to learn more about the religion, or are simply hoping to gain a new approach to your life, this book is for you. I do not plan to work every day to stay on the path to enlightenment; however, I do plan to use many of the typically-Buddhist traditions I learned from this book to help me gain some perspective and get through the tougher times in my life.
This book was educational, yes, but also very interesting. It provides great insight into the Buddhist practices, but also serves as a sort of self-help book that provides the reader with some great tools to use in everyday life.
This was a beautiful book about what I believe to be a beautiful religion. I am so glad that I took the time to read this. I learned a lot and I took away a lot that I know will help me live my life to the fullest and work every day to be a wiser, more compassionate person.
Highly recommend.
February 8, 2009
You will not find a better introduction into the world of Buddhism than this book. Thubten Chodron does a phenomenal job simply explaining complex concepts in language that the beginner can understand. Her prose style is easy yet full of wonderful metaphor. Her ability to discuss reincarnation, karma, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path to enlightenment in clear and compelling writing is an incredible accomplishment. And those wanting to learn about Buddhism would do well to heed her words.
May 4, 2024
Se trata de un libro de introducción al budismo al que llegué a través de una recomendación. No era lo que buscaba, la verdad. No me pareció un libro demasiado práctico y, a nivel de contenido, yo buscaba una aproximación más laica a la filosofía budista. Los conceptos más tradicionales de la reencarnación y el karma me parecieron difíciles de digerir (ahí es donde, en mi opinión, la parte más religiosa del libro se hace más patente).
August 4, 2011
A descent book about Buddhist philosophy. All part of my spiritual journey.
Want to read
December 9, 2011Got this because the author's other book, Buddhism for Beginners, is probably the best introduction to Buddhism that I've ever gotten my hands on.
March 27, 2015
Good introduction to buddhism and meditation
November 21, 2020
Open Heart, Clear Mind by Thubten Chodron. Simpy the best book on Tibetan Buddhism I've read so far. So simple and clear. Easily digestible. Not overly theological. Highly recommended if you are into spirituality or meaning of life in general.
.
Topics covered are things we already know but may still be ignorant about - happiness, love, attachment, anger, disappointment and a few others. I especially love reading about karma. Even if you do not believe in it, I am sure you believe in the concept of cause-and-effect. Another thing I learnt is that love and attachment are different. Love is genuine and attachment is toxic. The last thing one should do is to be dependent on others in finding happiness.
.
Thubten Chodron is an American Buddhist nun who founded Srasvati Abbey, a monastery in the United States. I loveeee her writing style. Her elaboration is clear and her examples very relatable. A lot of the things she wrote here can be applied in our lives. I felt like listening to a comfortable lecture and was completely mesmerised by her words.
.
Topics covered are things we already know but may still be ignorant about - happiness, love, attachment, anger, disappointment and a few others. I especially love reading about karma. Even if you do not believe in it, I am sure you believe in the concept of cause-and-effect. Another thing I learnt is that love and attachment are different. Love is genuine and attachment is toxic. The last thing one should do is to be dependent on others in finding happiness.
.
Thubten Chodron is an American Buddhist nun who founded Srasvati Abbey, a monastery in the United States. I loveeee her writing style. Her elaboration is clear and her examples very relatable. A lot of the things she wrote here can be applied in our lives. I felt like listening to a comfortable lecture and was completely mesmerised by her words.
May 5, 2021
reading this made me feel peaceful and the beginning chapters were a really good outline of how to view yourself and others in order to do the most good. i am very interested in why people practice the religion they do and i am interested in finding something that i REALLY believe in. i liked the idea Chodron brought up about Buddhism as a buffet: i can take what i want and leave what i want, and i don’t have to have what my friends are having. for now i’ll embrace the philosophy and leave behind the rebirth and metaphysics. maybe i’ll come back to get some of that from the buffet in the future.
this was a bit of a difficult read just bc some of the language is used differently than it would be in english. i.e. i had trouble seeing “emptiness” as a good thing. and it was very repetitive.
this was a bit of a difficult read just bc some of the language is used differently than it would be in english. i.e. i had trouble seeing “emptiness” as a good thing. and it was very repetitive.
August 30, 2023
Beyond some of its spiritual beliefs, wich aren't generally very easy to accept without faith, this book is a good reminder about our ability as human beings to develop a kind and altruistic sense of life. Its best parts, I think, are those that speaks about love, compassion and different ways of meditation to focus on our interdependence and emotions.
June 3, 2025
I strongly recommend Being Nobody, Going Nowhere by Ayya Khema instead of this one if you’re looking for an accessible introduction to buddhism
However, there’s a dharma talk on youtube by Thubten Chodron called “wonderful dharma talk must watch!” on youtube that that’s a great entry point. It’s a good addition to being nobody going nowhere
However, there’s a dharma talk on youtube by Thubten Chodron called “wonderful dharma talk must watch!” on youtube that that’s a great entry point. It’s a good addition to being nobody going nowhere
September 1, 2020
I liked the ideas in the book and got to take a few things out of the book that I’m going to work on, but unfortunately it put me in a reading rut which could potentially not be the books fault, I think it has some good take aways though that have been helping me be better and less reactive!
April 24, 2022
A great book for capturing the ideas of Buddhism and distilling it for the curious. I especially appreciated the explanation for reincarnation which I will have to study and ponder a lot more as it still eludes me as belief worthy.
October 7, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
a book that is an intro to buddhism 🕉️ with accessible language !!! i learned a lot and loved the illustrations
key takeaway were the cycle of rebirth, the concept of emptiness, and having an altruistic attitude in life
a book that is an intro to buddhism 🕉️ with accessible language !!! i learned a lot and loved the illustrations
key takeaway were the cycle of rebirth, the concept of emptiness, and having an altruistic attitude in life
October 16, 2025
Muy buena introducción al budismo, de lectura bastante amena y centrada en lo importante.
Es verdad que la segunda parte del libro, hay muchas cosas que la enfoca al renacimiento, pero tienen sus aplicaciones y racionamientos fuera de él, por lo que si te quieres centrar en la parte filosófica, puedes hacerlo sin problema.
Es verdad que la segunda parte del libro, hay muchas cosas que la enfoca al renacimiento, pero tienen sus aplicaciones y racionamientos fuera de él, por lo que si te quieres centrar en la parte filosófica, puedes hacerlo sin problema.
December 31, 2017
A very useful, mostly jargon-free introduction to Buddhism.
January 28, 2020
Goog
Great book to lesrn the basics gtom buddhism, easy read, will recommend to my friends snd family, thanks for writing this book
Great book to lesrn the basics gtom buddhism, easy read, will recommend to my friends snd family, thanks for writing this book
May 7, 2020
One of my favourite books on how to be a good person.
June 4, 2020
Imprescindible para entender el budismo
August 7, 2020
Some good information on the teachings of Buddha.
December 5, 2020
The best and most concise explanation of Buddhism that I've read so far. Easy to grasp and follow. So many 'aha' moments.
January 8, 2023
Para aprender, pero repetitivo
Read
November 17, 2024Siddhartha war ein cooler Typ 🤠🤠
April 9, 2025
you know I'm going thru it when I pull out buddhist books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews