The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk's Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge

by Khentrul Lodro T'haye

A modern guide to lojong—ancient Buddhist techniques for transforming all circumstances, including pain, anxiety, and stress, into mental well-being that benefits us and the people around us.

We’ve all heard platitudes about cultivating love and compassion, but how can we actually develop these qualities in ourselves and—crucially—share them in our world? The Power of Mind provides the proven path of lojong, or mind training, for changing our experience from the inside out.

Regardless of what’s happening in our lives, Khentrul Rinpoche teaches that our route to freedom lies in our minds. A thousand years ago, the Indian saint Atisha risked his life to seek out lojong teachings in Indonesia, and then brought them to Tibet, where they flourished and spread to the rest of the world. This book introduces those teachings—the Seven Key Points of Mind Training—which have been passed down from teacher to student for centuries. Khentrul Rinpoche was inspired by his own teachers, who like alchemists, were able to follow these techniques during the Cultural Revolution and transform their immense suffering into something positive.

The Power of Mind guides the reader through these transformative practices one by one—from recognizing the value of our human life to overcoming the sources of suffering, together with meditation advice for incorporating these insights into our daily lives. This wisdom is accessible to everyone—whether Buddhist or not. As Khentrul Rinpoche states, “Peace and happiness can be attained, but not by searching for something in the outside world. They start within us then extend out to the entire globe.”

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Mental Health

296 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2022

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for giving me this ARC.

Sometimes we pick up books at certain points in our lives that we didn't realize we needed. This week has been a terrible week and this book really helped me in changing my mindset and giving me new ideas for how to deal with situations. I am planning on rereading this in the future and taking more detailed notes as I think this book has some concepts I would like to apply to my everyday life.

[Sarah Ehinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I would call this book one part meditation guide and one part philisophical guide. If you haven't been exposed to introductions to meditation in other formats, this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but if you are interested in learning more about how to reframe your mind to have a more healthy approach to life's challenges, then this book is probably exactly what you are looking for.

[Dalla carta allo schermo · Rating 3 out of 5]

L'allenamento mentale è antitetico alle nostre abitudini. Si può dissentire al semplice, ma difficile insegnamento di scambiare la nostra felicità con il benessere degli altri. Eppure sono insegnamenti che toccano le corde del cuore oltre che della mente. Mettendo in pratica i suggerimenti contenuti nel libro, si può sicuramente sperimentare un effetto beneficio sul piano fisiologico e psicologico.
La difficoltà riguarda la costanza; l'allenamento mentale richiede diligenza e impegno.
Nonostante ciò, imparare come funziona la nostra mente è il fattore principale che determina la nostra esperienza ed è una conoscenza indispensabile. Sarebbe interessante che imparare a conoscere la nostra mente e a usarla fosse insegnato nelle scuole. Ridurrebbe così tanta sofferenza mentale inutile nelle nostre vite. Sebbene questo libro si basi sulla filosofia buddista della mente, contiene molte verità universali da cui tutti potremmo trarre beneficio.

Recensione completa nel blog www.dallacartalloschermo.com

[Juan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that come into your life just at the right time. Just when you are in a crisis and you are afraid that everything will fall apart, you realize that everything is "Maya" and that you are simply passing a test, and that your mind can help you overcome the obstacle.

This book left me many lessons and above all a peace and desire to live even in these complicated moments. It is very worth it because they are not only words, but they come with exercises that you can do quite well described.

[Tsetsen Dashtseren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the explanation of the Toglen practice fascinating. As soon as I began reading, I had the thought that the essence of Mongolian Buddhist tradition might have been lost during the communist time. This book provides a clear explanation of that essence. I am thrilled to have come across this book, as it has helped me understand the underlying reasons behind many of the religious practices that exist in Mongolia. This isn't a book to be read just once. I will definitely follow the author's advice and read it again.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t speak about others' defects. Don’t concern yourself with others' affairs.

Refrain from harmful thoughts, words and actions.

Meditate on the great kindness of all.

Focus on your reality positively and reinforce this during all activities by using sayings specific to your growth.

Give up all hope for a result. Enjoy the journey, not the destination.

Always keep a joyful mind.

[Matt Galindez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read more than once and practice, it's a great source of knowledge and tools to benefit your whole mind to living a free happier life.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is informative regarding the teachings for training the mind. It includes exercises to follow for this training during one’s life and during the transition of death.

[Roselin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can just say it is really helpful to get a mental clarity and have a joyful life.. Great guidance 🙂