Running with the Mind of Meditation: Lessons for Training Body and Mind [Hardcover]

Sakyong Mipham (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 10, 2012

A unique fitness program from a highly respected spiritual leader that blends physical and spiritual practice for everyone - regardless of age, spiritual background, or ability - to great benefits for both body and soul.
 
As a Tibetan lama and leader of Shambhala (an international community of 165 meditation centers), Sakyong Mipham has found physical activity to be essential for spiritual well-being. He's been trained in horsemanship and martial arts but has a special love for running. Here he incorporates his spiritual practice with running, presenting basic meditation instruction and fundamental principles he has developed. Even though both activities can be complicated, the lessons here are simple and designed to show how the melding of internal practice with physical movement can be used by anyone - regardless of age, spiritual background, or ability - to benefit body and soul.

Editorial Reviews

Review

 There is much wisdom to be found in this brilliant yet simple book. The lessons offered by Sakyong Mipham are like spiritual vitamins that will nourish the runner's soul.
–Jerry Lynch, Ph.D, author with Al Huang of Spirit of the Dancing Warrior and the best-seller, Thinking Body, Dancing Mind


Running With the Mind of Meditation is a delightful and welcome addition to contemplative literature.  We often forget that movement is a natural complement to meditative practice, and helps us avoid what has been called the 'stone Buddha' syndrome. This book is a profound guide to the integration of mind and body."
 
 -Larry Dossey, MD, author of Healing Words: the Power of Premonitions and The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things 

About the Author

SAKYONG MIPHAM is the leader of Shambhala, a worldwide network of meditation and retreat centers. He's also an avid marathon runner and golfer, he frequently retreats to study at a Tibetan monastery in India, and he writes a regular column in the Shambhala Sun. The author of the bestselling titles Ruling Your World and Turning the Mind Into an Ally, Sakyong Mipham was named one of the thirty global visionaries of our time by Planet magazine. He spends his time teaching all over the world, using his unique blend of Eastern and Western perspectives to the benefit of his students in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Harmony (April 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307888169
• ISBN-13: 978-0307888167
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this and lose your MP3 player September 24, 2012

By Horacio E. Schwalm

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been running consistently (that is, more than three times per week and for at least twenty miles total) for over thirty years and have completed marathons, ultras, and Ironman triathlon distance races. Until I read this book, I wanted to have inspirational music plugged into my head and constantly searched for new play lists when the current one lost its magic to motivate. After reading this book, instead of seeking a mood created by music in order to have a good run, I now create my own mood or head out looking to see what I can find by being in the moment. There is enough on meditation in this book to quit looking for external stimulus in order to create internal motivation. You can create your own motivation and enjoy running (or any endurance event) without outside assistance beyond what you can perceive from your surroundings, whether in the woods or the city. This book is full of moments when I stopped reading to underline something and nod to myself. Very good read and excellent practical advice.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected, deep, and practical June 17, 2012

By S. Piver

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love Sakyong Mipham's other books and I bought this expecting to also like it for its insights into how our minds work. What I didn't expect was that within 15 minutes of picking it up, I would be lacing up my running shoes and heading out the door. I haven't run for over 6 months and thought, well maybe my running days are over. Now I know that they are--as a form of punishment. This book reopened the door to running as a joy. As I continue to read, the depth of the book continues to unfold. Yes, you can use it as a source of inspiration to take care of your body. You can read it as a primer on mindfulness and awareness. But you can also read it as a guide to creating happiness and peace within yourself. A surprisingly deep--but still quite pragmatic--book. Highly recommended.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Gift May 18, 2012

By Joanne

Format:Hardcover

This is a wonderful book for anyone who loves physical activity - and also for those of us learning to love it. It gives very practical instruction on how to expand awareness while going more deeply into synchronizing mind and body. I have bought 3 for friends already and they have all really enjoyed it.