Ego, Attachment and Liberation: Overcoming Your Mental Bureaucracy - A Five-Day Meditation Course

by Thubten Yeshe

In 1975, Lama Yeshe undertook his most extensive international teaching tour, being on the road for nearly nine months. This book contains the teachings and meditations Lama gave at a five-day retreat he led near Melbourne, Australia, which he introduced by saying: "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... 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."

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Katische Haberfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always brings insight each time I am struggling to understand how the mind works.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reread: Another wonderful book by Lama, clearly setting out renunciation, attachment, and, of course, ego. Infinitely re-readable.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Deepak Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple sentences conveying profound truths. Must be read again and again till all the teachings sink in.

[The Sombre Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound Buddhist philosophy delivered via simple words. Such is the iconic beauty of Lama Yeshe's works.

[smschumacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Joe S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Began reading this at the local library late last year (2011). Never quite finished (went onto other books). An introductory book and very informative.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mental Bureaucracy" - I love it. These slim Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive transcriptions pack a big punch.

[Paul Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book of 8 meditations demonstrating mind factors involved in attachment.

[Ashlee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to learn more about conquering the Ego and transforming the mind into more peace & love!

[Max Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read.