Conquest of Mind

by Eknath Easwaran

Eknath Easwaran shows readers how to choose the way they think, feel, aspire, and desire.

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

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) is the originator of passage meditation and the author of more than 30 books on spiritual living.

Easwaran is a recognized authority on the Indian spiritual classics. His translations of The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The Dhammapada are the best-selling editions in the USA, and over 1.5 million copies of his books are in print.

Easwaran was a professor of English literature and well known in India as a writer and speaker before coming to the United States in 1959 on the Fulbright exchange program. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, based in Tomales, California, which continues his work today through publications and retreats.

His 1968 class on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is believed to be the first accredited course on meditation at any Western university. For those who seek him as a personal spiritual guide, Easwaran assured us that he lives on through his eight-point program of passage meditation.

"I am with you always”, he said. “It does not require my physical presence; it requires your open heart."

Please visit bmcm.org for a fuller biography.

Reviews

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eknath Easwaran discusses the topic of mind control in this book. He tells us how to break free from the vicious cycle of unwanted thoughts and emotions. He depicts the importance of meditation in our lives and how mindfulness and making simple yet wise decisions in our day-to-day lives makes it more productive.

“Mysticism is the conviction, born of personal experience, that there is a divine core in human personality which each of us can realize directly, and that making this discovery is the real goal of our lives.”

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[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simple concepts of mindfulness, awareness and detachment are so easy to understand yet can be so difficult to achieve. How do we truly separate ourselves from the ego and not just make it some grand idea? Easwaran promises a lot of hard (but extremely worthwhile) work to get us there but also a lot of hope along the way.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to start a meditation practice for some time, but haven't been quite certain of how to do it. This book was pivotal in helping me 'make the leap'. I've read many books by Eastern authors and Easwaran is, by far, the clearest to understand. He is actually renown for his translation of some of the Eastern scriptures. This book is instructional, inspirational and enjoyable to read. I actually read it twice, I found it so useful. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in meditation, or even anyone curious about it's benefits.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being is defined by thinking. Stillness through a focal point of profound inspiration is our native state of being. Mysticism is through personal experience, the discovery of the divine core within oneself. Making this discovery is the actual purpose of existence. The purpose of meditation is not in the act itself, but rather following meditation, there’s a peaceful clarity present facing the challenges of daily life. Since all that we are is a result of what we’ve thought, our destiny is in our own control. We cannot change the world nor manipulate the future, but we can control how we respond to external circumstances. If we can learn to intimately control our responses, that mastery of life. We say that we think our thoughts, but more seemingly our thoughts tend to think us. Thinking is often a passive process in modern life, yet active acts of freedom define the marvel of human existence. An untrained mind is always moving, unable to understand nor control how it responds. We lose interest in things when the mind becomes restless. Boredom only exists through the mind’s inability to dwell single-pointedly. Making the mind like a laser is the key to genius. Creative spontaneity only comes after disciplined and dedicated practice. The truly great individuals throughout history were great through their gift of dedication, apart from that, various skills simply take different forms. We can always solve our own problems by working on our mind.

The trick of the mind is being able to use it when we want to, and quiet its noise when we don’t. Artistry in living is learning to be flexible with those around you. The mind is like a muscle that needs strengthening and exercise in the same way others do. Obstacles in daily life are opportunities to increase the mind’s strength.

The basic pleasure-principle explains much of our conditioned behavior. We do what feels good, and avoid what doesn’t. Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between meaningful progress and immediate pleasure. Likes and dislikes are incepted at the thresholds of sense-organs. However, we often make rational explanations and decisions that revolve around our desires, without seeing them clearly as unproductive and/or counterproductive in their actual function. The immature do as they like, the mature like what they do. The more we focus on our own private ego life, the stronger form it takes control over attention and awareness, whereas meditation brings focus to others and shared experiences. Less self-centered thinking means fewer distractions. In this way, we can perceptually convert any negative into a positive.

Often it’s what we want to change in others, that is what we need to change about ourselves. To treat others as equals is to treat everyone like they are you, too. Discrimination is all about giving up immediate pleasures for greater joy. Every choice is an opportunity to change and train one’s mind. The purpose of training the mind is to prevent immediate reactions. The point here is to put negative emotions and responses on-hold until we can see through them clearly in their true light.

Our inner tension is our evolutionary heritage. It reflects the divided nature of the human dualistic condition, constantly being pulled in two oppositional directions. The inner drive we feel is a result of being dissatisfied with living at one’s lowest level. Some inner evolutionary impetus is always encouraging us to grow, whether we like it or not and for better or worse, there’s an uncontrollable drive toward conceptualized frameworks for human progress. Those unable to abstain from personal desires will never be at peace in their heart-mind.

What we seek as our highest goal is what we believe ourselves to be. To a surprising extent, we live to please our body, instead of vise versa. Most of our suffering comes from an attachment to pleasure, and the desire for happiness within that transitory pleasurable sensation. Conditioning is a repetitive response to the same situation, causing it to fade out of conscious awareness via contact over time.

We train our senses to be our friends and allies when we maintain a level of balance with them - by not overstimulating a certain sense. Overstimulating our senses keeps us attached outwardly, whereas, meditation is about getting in touch with what’s inward. The middle path is all about understanding the mind’s relation to sensations. The dynamics of physical indulgence is always the same. Every time we allow ourselves to get upset, we are actually training our mind to become upset more easily.

Never ask anyone: why did you make that mistake? Ask only, what did you learn from that mistake? Detachment brings confidence and clarity of vision. Detachment means withdrawing your personal energy from secondary reactivity. Discrimination is seeing where to focus that energy. Anxiety is typically and in a sense, signaling a kind of learning problem that can be resolved if properly understood. This anxiety comes from not being able to be who we want to be, which in turn is a result of not knowing who we really are.

The Buddha has outlined five strategies for mind-training: 1. The mind has the ability to exchange one thought for another, in this way, we can drive out a negative thought with a positive one. 2. Pause before reacting. This is often described as reflective thinking, and should regard our thoughts as well as actions. 3. Train the mind to remain in states of undistracted attention. Succumbing to distractions regularly fragments both our attention and experience of life. Undistracted attention enables us to see the miracle of life everywhere. Life is a continuous miracle. Our native state as humans is in peace and equanimity. These first 3 strategies are preliminary, the fourth is about going to the root. Comparing oneself to others is the root cause of jealously and the stimulus for competition. 4. Self-will is the root cause of our inability to distinguish desperate thoughts and behaviors. We must learn to love without an object. Every obstacle in life can be understood as a precious opportunity to grow. The final 5. Is to eliminate the source of all difficulties: the ego. When we realize we cannot drive out the ego on our own, this is where a spiritual teacher comes into play.

8-point program: 1. Meditation; 2. Mantra; 3. Slow down; 4. One-pointed attention; 5. Training senses (we inevitably become, in part, what our senses take in); 6. Putting others, first; 7. Reading in world mysticism; 8. Spiritual association

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It helped tame my mind to some extent. I probably will re-read it in the near future.

[SaraJuvee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful. I’ve wanted to read a meditation book for a while. I’d highly recommend this one if you are looking to broaden your horizons and learn about exercises towards taking charge of your own thoughts.

[Priyadarshi Ranjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind opener.

[Frank · Rating 1 out of 5]

The practical parts of this book could have been reduced to 2 pages. Relax the body and then repeat a phrase from a holy book. Everything else was about changing our attitude.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer and reference on starting mediation and how to train the mind to actualize your true Self.

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[Max Rohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conquest of Mind by Eknath Easwaran is a thoughtful exploration of spirituality, suggesting that real success and happiness emerge from looking beyond material appearances. It draws on various traditions—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christian mysticism—yet ultimately stays firmly grounded in Eastern philosophy, particularly Hindu teachings.

Here some of the ideas that I found most interesting:

The power of thinking:

All that we are as a result of what we have thought.

This underscores the idea that we cannot change the world itself but can transform our thinking. Relates to one of my favourite subjects: Thinking as a skill.


Practising self-control:

[Wise is] who will gladly give up the smaller pressure to gain a greater joy.

A reminder that exercising restraint can pave the way to deeper fulfilment.


Embracing selflessness and charity:

In the river of life, two currents flow in opposite directions. One on the surface flows towards sorrow, towards sickness, towards bondage. The other beneath it flows towards happiness, health, and freedom.

Suggests that selfish desires and negative emotions lead us one way, while compassion and generosity guide us to greater peace, see also the Buddha's Four Immeasurable Minds.


Channelling negative emotions: Acknowledges that so-called "negative" feelings, such as desire, can become a source of energy if properly directed.


Simplicity and contentment:

To lead a simple life in reasonable comfort with a minimum of possessions ranks high amongst the arts of living. It leaves us the time, resources, and freedom of mind we need for the things that give life value. Loving, helping, serving, and giving

Demonstrates the value of living with fewer possessions and attachments can lead to greater happiness.


Mantrams and passage meditation: Easwaran advocates reciting a favourite passage to gain spiritual strength (though personally, that feels a bit dreary to me).

While I would not rank it alongside some of my favourite spiritual books - such as Awareness by Anthony de Mello or Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Art of Living - it is still a worthwhile read for some uplifting inspiration.

[Sumit Dhamija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading “Conquering the Mind” by Eknath Easwaran. Bhagavad Gita says, controlling the mind is like taming the wind.

Feeling trapped by unwanted thoughts and emotions can seem an inevitable part of life. But, Easwaran, who taught meditation for nearly forty years, shows a way to break free. Just as a fitness routine can create a strong, supple body, spiritual disciplines can shape a secure personality and a resilient, loving mind.

Writing as an experienced, friendly coach, Easwaran explains how we can train the mind not just during meditation but throughout the day. Easwaran affirms that you do not have to change your religion in order to bring these changeless values into your own daily life. The method of meditation he teaches is universal.

The secret of meditation is simple: we become what we meditate on. When you use an inspiring passage from any holy scripture in meditation, you are driving the words deep into your consciousness. Eventually they become an integral part of your personality, which means they will find constant expression in what you do, what you say and what you think.

Easwaran shows how training the mind is a glorious challenge – one that brings joy and purpose to life.

[Jules Iavarone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate Eknath Easwaran's writing style, it’s clear, humble, and spiritually grounded. Conquest of Mind offers some great insights on managing thoughts and gaining inner peace through discipline and self-awareness. His approach is gentle yet practical, and there were definitely moments that made me pause and reflect.

That said, while I enjoyed the book and respect the message, it didn’t feel like a life-altering read for me personally. I wouldn’t call it a “must-read” or something I’d be rushing to recommend to everyone, but I do think it’s a solid resource if you’re on a path of inner growth or want to deepen your meditation practice.

If you’re already familiar with Easwaran’s teachings, this book is a comforting extension of his core ideas. It just may not blow your mind… but it will help you quiet it. ✨☺️

[Sol Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, though brief, look at Easwaran’s own teachings, based closely on the traditions that we was brought up with. He is articulate and clear, and a much more patient person than most of us. His method of meditation really adds to your understanding of what it really means to sit. Still, this isn’t his best book (that, I think, goes to “Essence of the Upanishads”), though it’s provides a broad overview.

[Edvardas Garbenis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like, because:
1. Author offers to fight the mind with the mind. Change negative thoughts to positive ones. This ia not the way.
2. Fight boredom and loneliness by helping the poor. This is also not the right way.
Both of these offer temporary solutions.

That is not the way of a wise man. Seek eternal peace. Dont be satisfied with fleeting contentment.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conquest of the Mind

I am very partial to Easwaran books. They are very concrete with specific steps. Full of insight with suggestions. This book especially motivates as well as provides hope to bring ones thoughts to a one point focus & in control.

[Carolyn Burhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

[Hill Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talks about how to achieve enlightenment through focusing on the reading of sutras. Not my style. Some good nuggets.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easwaran's method of meditation; while his method isn't what I do, I can see why some students (esp beginners) would embrace.

[Franta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, valuable, entertaining. True gem.

[Srinivasan Nanduri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be in the top 5 reads as you embark on the journey of spirituality

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, any book from Easwaran is inspiring, I love his teachings.

[Ina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visiškas meditacijos ABC. Labai "cute" knygutė.

[Ødegård Solveig · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sandra Sparkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Highly recommended.

[Courtney Diec · Rating 5 out of 5]

V good. Would probably suggest reading this every 6 months

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easwaran's commentary on the Buddha's teaching is very straight forward and he does a great job of making them very easy to understand. There is something, however, that is very unpolished about this collection of writing with a ramble in tangential examples from his life in California. I felt like some of the chapters were simply transcriptions of speeches that he had given. He also writes as Guru who has it all figured out. For example, he talks about how he no longer gets angry because he is so dispatched from his own emotions. I did not find those parts of the book helpful, although there were chapters embedded that were worthy of your time.

[Brian Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book written by an equally amazing man.

“But we can change. No one need ever feel resigned and say, “There is nothing I can do.” There is everything we can do. That is the purpose and the power of that persistent upward force within us: if we turn inward we can remake ourselves completely, modeling ourselves in the image of the loftiest spiritual ideal we can conceive.”

~ Eknath Easwaran from Conquest of Mind

Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite teachers and this book is incredible.

Reading his books and watching his videos, you can tell he was an extraordinary human being and he kinda reminds me of an Indian Joseph Campbell–so full of life and wisdom and passion to inspire people to fully live.

To put his awesomeness in perspective, Huston Smith, the preeminent religious scholar, says this about Easwaran and his translations of the Bhagavad Gita and The Dhammapada : “No one in modern times is more qualified – no, make that ‘as qualified’ – to translate the epochal Classics of Indian Spirituality than Eknath Easwaran. And the reason is clear. It is impossible to get to the heart of those classics unless you live them, and he did live them. My admiration of the man and his works is boundless.”

To say Conquest of the Mind is packed with wisdom would be an understatement. It’s *amazing* and I think I highlighted pretty close to the whole thing on my Kindle. Seriously. If Easwaran’s beautiful, powerful and inspiring words resonate with you like they do for me, I think you’ll *really* enjoy this book (and his translations of the Gita and Dhammapada!).

Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:

1. Meditation Training And its rewards.
2. Stick-to-itiveness - It’s a good quality to have.
3. Effort, Energy & Stamina - Hard-working peeps plz apply.
4. All Life is Yoga - Tear down the temple walls!
5. A Panorama of Goodness - See it in people who bug you.
6. Miracles - Created by hard work.
7. The War Within - We’re in it till we win it.
8. The Capacity to Change - We have it. Let’s rock it.
9. Consistently Rocks - Seriously.
10. Heroes at the Beginning... And the ending, please.
11. Love the Whole World - Make *that* your challenge.
12. The Challenge - You up for it?

I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here.

And I’ve added Conquest of Mind by Eknath Easwaran to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at heroic.us.