Understanding the Mind: An Explanation of the Nature and Functions of the Mind [Paperback]

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1992

What is the mind and how does it work?; which types of mind lead to joy and freedom, and which do not?; how can an understanding of our mind be applied to our everyday life? This book provides a practical explanation of the mind in a combination of profound philosophical exploration and practical psychology. Part 1 of the book explains what the mind is and how it works. Contrary to the modern materialistic view, Buddhist psychology is based on an understanding of the mind as a formless continuum that is related to yet separate from the physical body. Through understanding the nature of the mind and the process of cognition, we can attain a lasting state of inner peace and happiness that is independent of internal circumstances. In part 2 the many types of mind are explained from the standpoint of those that are virtuous and lead to joy and freedom, and those that are non-virtuous and are therefore to be abandoned. Throughout the book Geshe Kelsang shows how this understanding of the mindcan be applied in transforming all life situations into a dynamic spiritual path. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was born in Tibet and is a fully accomplished meditation Master and Spiritual Guide. Resident in England since 1977, he is the author of a number of acclaimed books which bridge the ancient wisdom of the Buddhist faith with contemporary life. He has also founded many Buddhist centres throughout the world.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Astonishingly, what has been produced here is actually a new and self-explanatory Buddhist commentarial text composed in English'. - Buddhist Studies Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was born in Tibet and is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. Living in the West since 1977, he is the author of a series of highly acclaimed books that transmit perfectly the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to our contemporary life. He has also founded over 300 Centres throughout the world for the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Tharpa Publications (July 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0948006250
• ISBN-13: 978-0948006258
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,511,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was ordained as a Buddhist monk in Tibet at the age of eight. He is a fully accomplished meditation master, prolific author, and international teacher who has lived in the West since 1977 and has founded over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist meditation centers and branches around the world. His 20 acclaimed books reveal the entire Buddhist path to enlightenment, including Buddha's Sutra and Tantra teachings.

For more information on his books, audio, artwork, meditation supplies, and cards visit www.tharpa.com/us

For more information on his meditation centers across the US and around the world visit www.kadampa.org

For books in Spanish see www.amazon.com/author/gueshe_kelsang_gyatso

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the unafraid, May 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Understanding the Mind: An Explanation of the Nature and Functions of the Mind (Hardcover)

This is a book for those unafraid to look into their minds, those who seek to know what is unknowable for most people. If it isn't unknowable then it is surely never contemplated. The"mind" is shown for what it is with such clarity. Not a single nuance is overlooked...Western psychology is light years behind as it heals the splits, soothes the rips and mends the tears of existence. One sees everything one is, was and can be in the text of this compact "Wisdom" teaching.

Tremendous insight and understanding of the mind, our thoughts and how they produce the world we experience. Tedious for those who won't explore their minds and enlightening for those who will!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN INPIRING, POWERFUL, IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF THE MIND, June 24, 2006

By 

Rebecca A. Gauther (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding the Mind: The Nature and Power of the Mind (Paperback)

Understanding the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso provides spiritual practioners with an accessible, insightful, detailed "manual to the mind" where different types of minds are broken down and dissected helping the reader determine what minds are beneficial to possess and what minds are harmful.
The second half of the book is particularly helpful in showing us how to nurture positive states of mind such as faith, love, effort, and patience that are of immense benefit to ourselves and others.

Understanding the Mind is a truly wonderful book that I refer to again and again for inspiration and insight into the inner workings of the mind.

32 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book lays out the inner workings of the mind, January 21, 2001

By 

Kelsang Atisha (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding the Mind: An Explanation of the Nature and Functions of the Mind (Paperback)

"Understanding the Mind" shows clearly the different functions and aspects of the mind. For one seeking liberation or enlightenment this book is like a treasure.

I am extremely thankful to have found this book.