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Buddhism with an Attitude: The Tibetan Seven-Point Mind Training

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Realize they are two very different books! If you are looking for something to benefit your practice then "Buddhism with an Attitude" is the way to go. Although repetitive at times, this itself is helpful, and it is written in a more instructional tone. If you feel your practice has fully matured (lucky you) and you are simply interested in a concise, more academic exposition of the seven point mind training, then "The Seven-Point Mind Training" is the one for you. Also, for being more condensed, the "The Seven-Point Mind Training", will be the book you will want to carry around once you are familiar with Lojong practice.

As a book lover, I am one of those people who never, ever marks the pages of books. However, after the first few sentences I knew this is not a book you simply read, but one to study, digest, and absorb. It is now marked on every page, highlighted and underlined, and I know I will refer to it again and again. Since I am new to the subject, I have been seeking authentic instructions in a way my Western mind can grasp, without losing the richness of it's source. This is not "New Aged" Buddhism Lite, yet the author presents Lojong in a way that is completely accessable and easy to follow. This wonderful teacher is comforting, reassuring, yet challenging. He encourages an immediate and radical change of "attitude" and offers the tools to do it. We are not all fortunate enough to be able to sit at the feet of a master. Reading this book is the next best thing.

Please don't be thrown off by- what some have considered to be- a less than engaging title. In this book, B. Alan Wallace draws upon his thirty years experience in Tibetan Buddhism and skillfully brings in his own knowledge of physics, cognitive sciences, and other fields of science and psychology to provide for a wonderfully clear, comprehensible, and inspiring elucidation of the Tibetan 7-Point Mind Training.

The first fundamental proposition of this book - that liesure and opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey is indeed a exceptionally rare event - is enough to move one's vacillating spiritual longing off of dead center. Following a long second chapter in which this school of Buddhist theory and practice are lucidly distilled, we find five remaining chapters, each benevolently designed for both fledgling and long-standing students to stay the course through life, and for testing their sure-footedness all along the way.
For me the contraversial title of this book is appropriate: besides providing 'how-to,' Lojong training bestows the 'wish-to'- which, after all, is the prime mover of spiritual progress. I am grateful to Alan Wallace for sharing his deserved wisdom and understanding with us, and hope that a few young and unsuspecting aspirants will be sucked in by the mainstream title.

A truly clear and most interesting dicourse on the Seven-Point Mind Training Method of Buddhism. Compared to HH The Dalai Lama and Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's discourses Chekawa's poem, Mr Wallace truly speaks to the Western mind as a both a philosopher and a teacher. However, the book is highly readable and focused without sacrificing intelligence.

Though this book was only recently published, I surmised that I would find numerous rave reviews here from its earliest readers. Perhaps, as another reviewer suggested, the unfortunate choice of title is slowing the readership of this absolute gem of a book. By the time I was only halfway through it, I had already purchased several copies to distribute as gifts, and intend to purchase more for the people about whom I care most deeply.

Having been familiar with Alan Wallace's writing through some of his earlier titles (notably, The Bridge of Quiescence and Boundless Heart) I was aware of the lucid and penetrating ease which is his particular gift in explaining the conceptual intricacies of Buddhist philosophy and dharma. For those who have not had the pleasure of reading his former works, this book offers his complete array of formidable talent. I know of no other Western Buddhist writer who has the capacity to write with such clear-eyed, targeted, and insightful poise as Wallace. Here is the matured voice of a Western practitioner who has intimate and seasoned understanding of the Tibetan tradition, and whose experience is informed as well by his accomplishments as a student of Western philosophy and physics.

Though there is no lack of titles which have provided commentary on Atisha's gift to Buddhists (The renowned Seven-Point Mind Training, referred to as "lojong"), Wallace's work will be particularly invaluable to the growing number of people attracted to Buddhism in the West. His straightforward, unassuming and articulate exposition here will aid many practitioners in their daily practice and reflection. He provides ample references for those interested in his sources, and pays homage to those whose works he draws on - particularly the esteemed and beloved Tibetan teacher, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

I am grateful for this notable and praiseworthy effort, and have found it to be a book that I will joyfully return to repeatedly. May its merit contribute to the enlightenment of all sentient beings.

The first fundamental proposition of this book - that liesure and opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey is indeed an exceptionally rare event - is enough to move one's vacillating spiritual longing off of dead center. Following a long second chapter in which this school of Buddhist theory and practice are lucidly distilled, we find five remaining chapters, each benevolently designed for both fledgling and long-standing students to stay the course through life, and for testing their sure-footedness all along the way.
For me the contraversial title of this book is appropriate: besides providing 'how-to,' Lojong training bestows the 'wish-to'- which, after all, is the prime mover of spiritual progress. I am grateful to Alan Wallace for sharing his deserved wisdom and understanding with us, and hope that a few young and unsuspecting aspirants will be sucked in by the mainstream title.

B. Alan Wallace's Buddhism With An Attitude provides a different type of examination of Buddhist practice which goes beyond meditation advice to focus on the attitudes which typically need adjusting in the search for spiritual harmony. Common Western beliefs which vie with Buddhist attitudes and goals are examined in chapters which tell how to cultivate a special Buddhist awareness.

Having read many books about Tibetan Buddhist principles and meditation techniques, this book is by far one of the best. Wallace writes for the skeptical, intellectual Westerner. Many Buddhist books written by Westerners either use baby talk or are too sirupy. Because of this, I preferred those written by Tibetan teachers - until I came across this book by Wallace.

A. Heinz, Cape Town

This is a well written book that gives you a lot of in depth information about Buddhism. I think a beginner should start with Rahula's What the Buddha Taught. After that, this would be a great choice. However, for those who have some knowledge of Buddhism and want to learn more, as they travel on the path, this is a wonderful book. Buy it. You'll like it.