Taming the Mind
by Thubten Chodron
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Book Summary Information
Author: Thubten ChodronEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-09-25
ISBN: 1559392215
Number of pages: 230
Publisher: Snow Lion Publications
Book Reviews of Taming the Mind
Book Review: Reviews
Summary: 5 Stars
Thubten Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, has studied and practiced Buddhism in India and Nepal since 1975. She travels worldwide teaching and leading meditation retreats and is the author of Buddhism for Beginners and Working With Anger. We have been especially impressed with the practical nature of her explanations of spiritual practices that can be done on a daily basis as we interact with others.
Chodron begins with an overview of Buddhist philosophy and psychology and ends with the history and development of Buddhism (with explanations of Buddhist temples, centers, ceremonies, and festivals) over the years and today. But for us the most engaging and helpful material comes in two sections on having good relationships and "Taming Bad Habits, Cultivating Good Ones" with pointers on how to practice the Dharma in our daily lives.
Chodron explains equanimity as "remembering that no person is our inherent, ever-lasting friend, enemy or stranger." The result of this practice means that we are not constantly caught up in the confused emotions of attachment, hostility, and indifference. Her simple but elegant example of this really struck home with us: "If we feel hurt or rejected because a dear one hasn't called us in a long time, rather than feel the suffering nature of our own attachment, we criticize our loved one for being unreliable and inconsiderate." By letting this person make or break our day by calling or not calling, we demonstrate that our attachment to that person is far too needy. Equanimity frees us from this constriction and enables us to have an equal feeling of openness toward each and every person.
Chodron hits high stride writing about practices that offset the bad habits of complaining, speaking of the faults of others, and ruminating (living in the past or future). It is possible to generate beneficial habits through positive motivation early in the day. Here is a tip she gives for work: "Think: 'I will use whatever happens at work today as part of my Dharma practice.' Generate the motivation to be open and receptive to whatever you experience that day. If someone praises you, remember that your qualities came due to the kindness of your teachers and others and in that way avoid being arrogant. If someone criticizes you unfairly, realize that he is miserable, and instead of taking the comment personally, care about the suffering of the other person. On the other hand, if someone criticizes you for a mistake you made, acknowledge it, apologize, and learn from the error. There's no need to become defensive or angry." Chodron, as you can see, is a master teacher with many down-to-earth practices to offer. Spirituality and [...]
"This book helps to overcome misconceptions, showing how to find peace and contentment through a practical application of the teachings of the compassionate Buddha."-- H.H. The Dalai Lama
"Ven. Thubten Chodron is someone whose life embodies the virtues of kindness, simplicity and a clarity of vision which lie at the heart of the Buddha's teaching. It is these perennial qualitites that shine through her writings and touch the hearts of readers all over the world."--Thupten Jinpa, translator for H.H. the Dalai Lama
"Thubten Chodron explains in clear, down-to-earth language the essence of Buddhist philosophy and psychology, giving us practical tools to implement immediately in our daily lives. The 'How to have good relationships with others' section grew from requests made by young Westerners being taught meditation by this exemplary teacher... A must-have book you can give to your family members or friends who haven't a clue about Buddhism."-- Mandala: A Tibetan Buddhist Journal
"Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, here offers her second introduction to Buddhism for Western audiences, but unlike Buddhism for Beginners, this book has a practical bent, showing readers how to carry out the practices of Buddhism in daily life. Sections include fine and concise overviews of the history of Buddhist traditions and an overview of Buddhism today. Best of all, perhaps, for the curious reader is a section called 'Taming Bad Habits,' which contains advice on how not to complain, speak of the faults of others, live in the past, or take part in any of the world's other transitory pleasures. Highly recommended."-- Graham Christian, Library Journal
"Offers useful advice... using simple language, in western concepts.... This book will delight the author's many admirers."-- The Middle Way, Journal of the Buddhist Society
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