Finding Peace: Meditation and Wisdom for Modern Times

by Yeshe Losal Rinpoche

Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, the leading Buddhist monk in the UK, shares his collected wisdom on how we can all overcome negative thoughts and calm our minds with simple meditation practices. His teachings have transformed the lives of people all over the world and, in our modern chaotic world, have never been more pertinent. He teaches us that our minds are infinite like the sky, which can easily become clouded with stress and emotions, but with meditation we are able to clear away these clouds. By freeing our minds of those obstacles we can find peace in every moment and live a truly fulfilled life. With practical steps on breathing, posture, forgiveness, relationships and routine, this is the definitive guide for beginners and experienced meditators alike to learn from the wisdom of a globally revered meditation master.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Buddhism

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2021

Reviews

[Jakub Turan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this book. The writing style is very interesting and from my perspective much different than the motivational / self-help books coming from western authors. It somehow fits what one would expect from a stereotypical eastern monk: straightforward, honest and simple. In my opinion, this added to the book.

Lama Yeshe is looking on the meditation practice, western world and our way of thinking from his own perspective and experience. The text is not going deeply into the Buddhist religion, but it touches on some elements (more specifically those coming from Tibetan Buddhism of Kagyu lineage) which are important in the context of the meditation practice. The text and formulations are oriented on a reader from western civilization and many of the points resonated with me.

If you are searching for a western style text in likes of "5 tips for successful mediation", you might be disappointed. Lama Yeshe stresses that meditation practice is something which takes a long time and regular engagement in it is really the only way to go. Other than that one needs to be patient and persist in implementing the relatively simple guidelines which he suggests throughout the chapters of the book.

When reading I tabbed a lot of parts which I felt a meaningful for me and I plan to return to the text on several occasions in the next months. For me, it was simply the right type of book considering where I am at in my life. Thank you Lama Yeshe!

[Alfie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good review of some basic fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the importance of meditation.

However, a bit condescending at some points and also contradictory. I am noticing some contradictions/issues within Buddhism and am struggling to reconcile them and this book did not help in doing that.

Some good points throughout but nothing special.

[Julie Chamaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is informative and straightforward but hardly transformative. It is good to assist in moving one’s meditation along. It provides basic grounding in some of the origins and values of meditation. The writing style was a bit irritating and somewhat condescending, as if the readers are all little Western children.

Three 🌟 🌟 🌟

[Elsa Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s written by a Buddhist monk but it’s not trying to convert you to a Buddhist. The meditation method and why you should meditate aim at western people and western lifestyle. So it feels very relevant.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a book that I cherish as it’s full of wisdom. I found this book to be amazing !

[Dr Giugiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books you will ever read

[S.N. Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lama Yeshe for this fantastic work.

[Lukas Rossa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to finding out about how meditation (and Buddhism) can better fit into our modern, 21st century lives only to be confronted by a condescending narrative, generalizations about Western culture and pearls of 'wisdom' such as - "How can we ever hope to have a peaceful content mind when our productivity by hand is so small and machines can do everything?"

His percepts on having children and unnecessary attachment were incredibly annoying to me as a father: "What's the use of putting so much effort into bringing up your children properly if it's all wasted as soon as you send them to school...".

There are some interesting sections in the book about loving kindness towards others (bodhicitta), Mahamudra, dealing with emotions, acceptance and letting go through meditation but for me these were overshadowed by the poor connection to my life.

Maybe I was a bit naive thinking that someone coming from Tibetan Buddhism which focuses on monastic life, can meaningfully reflect on the modern world.