Customer Reviews

Training the Mind: And Cultivating Loving-Kindness

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It is always amazing to me that more people don't know the wonderful work that Trungpa did in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was a proponent of loving kindness who skillfully assisted thousands in understanding both the basic precepts of Buddhism, and specific traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as they are now practiced in both East and West.

This small format book is a wealth of information -- more than the mere "slogans" which lead each section. It is a careful revelation of principals and practices one usese to train the mind, emphasizing how one can use compassion and intelligence in dealing with everyday situations. A real gem of a book to read and read again.

Bringing Buddhist teachings to a western mind is no easy task. I find that the material in this book clearly allows one to understand Dharma in a crisp and refreshing light. The ability to apply this to the western life is well stated.

What do salty sailors, communists, ad execs, and Tibetan Buddhists have in common? The Power of Slogans! From `Have a Coke and a Smile' to "Be all that you can Be", the brain loves a good saying. This book is Trungpa's translation of the 59 slogans used to instruct Tibetan Buddhists, with his commentary on each. Trungpa is unassailable as an instructor: the 11th generation of a line of chosen Tibetan Trungpas, he went to oxford on a scholarship and then moved to the US in the 1970's where he founded what remain as among the foremost Buddhist/meditative institutions in the country. I tend to believe Buddhism gained a little more than it lost en route to japan, so I prefer the zen stuff, but this book has a lot to offer anyone. Some nitpicking: For a guy who dedicated his life to bringing jargonless Buddhism to the west, the book is a little full of `mystical-sounding foreign words' though thankfully the glossary is very fine. And plenty of important Buddha concepts don't shine through (cause and effect, and the big mirror concepts don't get too much play here) so just make sure this isn't the only book you read on the topic. And some of the slogans are simply not too memorable and consequently lose their force; `always be grateful' is dandy, though `the mahayana instruction for ejection of consciousness at death is the five strengths' seems like an important one that alas probably won't be dancing off too many tongues at the critical moment. Still this is a fine book, a great book for beginners or advanced alike, coming from any tradition whatsoever. & the small format fits well, making it a great book for commutes or travels. Enjoy! (& remember: just because I didn't like the book as much as you doesn't mean you should vindictively vote against my review!)

Have you ever had trouble bringing the Buddhist path into everyday usage? Well this book provides one with the ability to do so. I highly recommend it.

For PTSD trauma, War Veterans, Abuse survivors & Mental Health professionals, this small, inexpensive book from Amazon.com is a Jewel! After thirty-four years of extreme abuse and 22 years of recovery programs, these 59 Points of Mind Training provide the most effective, practical tools I've ever encountered for cutting through any ego construct, neurosis or low self-esteem issue. I found it a delightful mix of belly-laugh humor and incredible Discipline. and If I can learn to be totally responsible for & truly LOVE myself . . . to Know myself & have compassion for all, then Anyone can!

I've worked with this book every day for the last 12 years. I used to keep a copy in my desk at work, as well as passed along copies to other spiritual friends. This book will teach you much about how the world relates to you. It has the potential to erase a lot of negative thinking. It could turn you into a people-pleaser! Therefore, it must be used with meditation, and ideally the assistance of a spiritual master. These teachings have the potential to challenge every bit of strength you have. I think Americans have a tough time with Buddhism, as we are acculturated to conduct ourselves in public with self-worth. Whereas the Heart Slogans, adapted from Atisha, who was a student of Buddha, will rub you raw. So I think these teachings shift our awareness from self-esteem towards being more genuine. These practices can conflict with your personal boundaries. If you're a student of psychology, you would want to think about how the Slogans work for establishing respect with colleagues, family, etc. If you want a healthier, simpler, more honest life, this book will take you there. It will show you how you relate to the three poisons, jealousy, attachment and ignorance. This can be detrimental. It's good to have a support-system of like-minded Buddhist friends and teachers.

this is a bit more how to than it is inspirational. not much that I want to get out of it.