Hidden Mind of Freedom

Nyingma Psychology Series #6

by Tarthang Tulku

Created to encourage readers to explore the liberating potential of mind, this book is a training in how to learn from all manner of experience and gain confidence in our inner resources. It lays out topics and practices in a clear and effective progression that leads the reader to directly experience mind's vital energy. Meditation and self-observation balance emotions, stabilizing concentration and deepening awareness. Awareness makes it possible to counteract laziness and tap the power of breath; breath steadied and vitalized through mantra smooths the flow of thoughts, empowering patience and lessening the grip of self image, allowing love and compassion to flow freely. At ease in the free-flowing energies of body and mind, one surrenders with gratitude to the teachings and rests in natural being. Like other books in the psychology series, it can be used for independent study and meditation, and it can also provide a structure for self-guided or group retreats.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 1981

About the author

Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche (དར་ཐན་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ dar-than sprul-sku rin-po-che) is a Tibetan teacher ("lama") in the Nyingma ("old translation") tradition. Having received a complete Buddhist education in pre-diaspora Tibet, he taught philosophy at Sanskrit University in India from 1962 to 1968, and emigrated to America in 1969, where he settled in Berkeley, CA. He is often credited as having introduced the Tibetan medicine practice of Kum Nye (སྐུ་མཉེ sku mnye་, "subtle-body massage") to the West.

In 1963, he founded Dharma Publishing in Varanasi, India, moving it to California in 1971. The main purpose of the publishing house is to preserve and distribute Tibetan Buddhist teachings and to bring these teachings to the West.

Neither Rinpoche nor Tulku are surnames; the former is an honorific applied to respected teachers meaning "Precious One," while the latter is a title given to those who have be recognized an the reincarnation of a previous lama.

Reviews

[John Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hidden Mind of Freedom" by Tarthang Tulku offers a profound exploration into the intricate relationship between personal liberation and mindfulness. Tulku's teachings are straightforward and accessible, making the book a welcoming guide for individuals at all stages of their mindfulness journey. He eloquently demystifies complex spiritual concepts, presenting them in a manner that resonates with modern readers seeking both understanding and practical application in their daily lives.
 
Tulku acknowledges the challenges inherent in mindfulness practices, emphasising that mastery is a lifelong endeavor. This honesty adds depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to approach their practice with patience and persistence. The text is imbued with wisdom that inspires introspection and continuous growth, making it a valuable companion for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
 
Overall, "Hidden Mind of Freedom" is more than just a book; it's a guide to living with greater awareness and compassion. Tarthang Tulku's clear, insightful, and empathetic approach makes the profound teachings of mindfulness accessible and actionable, offering a pathway to personal freedom that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Whether you're a novice or well into your journey, this book by Tulku is a resource that you'll likely return to, finding new layers of meaning with each read.

[Sarah Lombard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very comforting book. It is about the path of least resistance. About allowing yourself to be with your thoughts and allowing them to hang out with you. The more you resist them, the more pain and less relaxed you become. This book was a treasure trove of lots of relaxing mantras, stories, visulations, small meditations to explore and relax.

[Sjoen]

Published in 1981- just as relevant as ever today. A good introduction to meditation and the mindful life.

[Rebecca Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opened up a lot of questions - beautiful metaphors.