From Publishers Weekly
Is the mind our enemy? It can be, suggests Shambhala International's director Mipham in his first book. The key to peaceful and sane living, says Mipham, is training our minds. Without that training, people live "at the mercy of our moods." Meditation is the tool that can help spiritual seekers master, rather than be mastered by, their own minds. This book blends a philosophically savvy explanation of why meditation is necessary with an artful and accessible introduction to the basics of meditation. Mipham moves elegantly from the prosaic (how to sit with a straight spine) to the profound (why one should bravely contemplate illness, aging and death). Indeed, those practicing spiritual disciplines from any tradition-Christian, Wiccan, and so forth-could benefit from Mipham's commonsense approach to meditation. He acknowledges, for example, that the tyro might get bored, distracted or even hungry for a cookie. New meditators are likely to find a million and one excuses for not meditating. But, says Mipham gently, "at some point you just have to sit down and do it." Mipham's guide is distinguished by its intelligible prose; unlike many fellow travelers, he does not drown his reader in jargon. He defines Buddhist basics, like "samsara" and "karma," clearly. Three useful appendices, outlining meditation postures and giving simple instructions for contemplation, round out the book, and a foreword by Pema Chodron is an added treat. This easy read is one of the best of the Buddhism-for-Westerners genre.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Mipham is director of Shambhala International, an umbrella organization representing over 100 meditation and study centers that was founded by his father, the renowned spiritual leader Chogyam Trungpa. His first book offers basic guidelines to meditation or peaceful abiding for those interested in learning more about Buddhist meditation. His instruction and discussion of the virtues of peaceful abiding are followed by suggestions for thematic contemplative meditations on topics such as birth, old age, and death. Having grown up in the United States but with traditional Tibetan training, Mipham is able to connect the traditional practice with the Western mind-set. He also brings a youthful spirit to his writing, with frequent use of outdoor sports (e.g., horseback riding, archery, golf, and hiking) to embellish his teachings metaphorically. Unfortunately, this work lacks the passion and depth so notable in his father's writings, and the text breaks little new ground. Those new to Tibetan Buddhism will find more inspirational reading in books by the Dalai Lama, and there is more in-depth instruction on Tibetan meditation practices in works such as Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's A Meditation Handbook. Recommended for libraries with large Buddhist collections.--Annette Haines, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
We need a strong, stable mind that can be relied upon as one's closest ally, and Sakyong Mipham delivers a way to achieve one. Having grown up American with a Tibetan influence, he speaks to Westerners as no one can: relating stories and wisdom from American culture and the great Buddhist teachers in idiomatic English. Strengthening, calming, and stabilizing the mind is the essential first step in accomplishing nearly any goal. Turning the Mind Into an Ally makes it possible for anyone to succeed.


About the Author
Sakyong Mipham is one of the most highly respected young incarnate lamas of Tibet. He is the director of Shambhala International, a worldwide organization of more than one hundred meditation and retreat centers. He teaches around the world to thousands, both Western and Asian audiences.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The mind, according to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, is like a monkey. We try to focus it, but it doesn't stay in one place. As it jumps around from place to place, we follow hopelessly behind. Such is the wisdom of this American-born Tibetan Buddhist master. The son of spiritual innovator Chogyam Trungpa, Sakyong Mipham delivers his saffron messages in idiomatic English. Playful, witty, and incisive, his first book instructs as it energizes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The mind is like a wild horse. We try to focus it, but it doesn't stay in one place. Instead, it bucks and runs wildly from one thing to another. We follow it helplessly wherever it goes, unable to accomplish many of our goals at work, in family life, or on a spiritual path. We're unable to rest in any happiness. This mind that works constantly against us is the weak mind. But we can strengthen it. It is meant to be strengthened. Sakyong Mipham shows us how our mind can become our most powerful ally.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Is the mind our enemy? It can be, suggests Shambhala International's director Mipham in his first book. The key to peaceful and sane living, says Mipham, is training our minds. Without that training, people live "at the mercy of our moods." Meditation is the tool that can help spiritual seekers master, rather than be mastered by, their own minds. This book blends a philosophically savvy explanation of why meditation is necessary with an artful and accessible introduction to the basics of meditation. Mipham moves elegantly from the prosaic (how to sit with a straight spine) to the profound (why one should bravely contemplate illness, aging and death). Indeed, those practicing spiritual disciplines from any tradition-Christian, Wiccan, and so forth-could benefit from Mipham's commonsense approach to meditation. He acknowledges, for example, that the tyro might get bored, distracted or even hungry for a cookie. New meditators are likely to find a million and one excuses for not meditating. But, says Mipham gently, "at some point you just have to sit down and do it." Mipham's guide is distinguished by its intelligible prose; unlike many fellow travelers, he does not drown his reader in jargon. He defines Buddhist basics, like "samsara" and "karma," clearly. Three useful appendices, outlining meditation postures and giving simple instructions for contemplation, round out the book, and a foreword by Pema Ch dr n is an added treat. This easy read is one of the best of the Buddhism-for-Westerners genre. (Jan.) Forecast: Mipham's name may not yet be a household one, but his father's certainly is: Mipham is the son of the late Tibetan Buddhist teacher Ch gyam Trungpa, whose books have sold over a million copies. That will help generate interest in this title, which stands on its own considerable merits. Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal