The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk’s Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge

So much of Buddhist literature-and philosophical literature in general-can seem speculative, academic, and/or analytical but difficult to ground into a practice that is actually applicable and beneficial. This text excels in this particular point, in providing the practitioner a clear set of guidelines to carry the “mind-training” practice laid out in this book, and also establishing a useful framework to help the student understand, and be confident regarding, the application of the overall philosophy available under the umbrella of Buddhist thought.

I am almost finished reading this book, and I would have to say that it has been a journey. Mind training is antithetical to our deeply ingrained habits and views. I found myself flicker with resistance to the simple, but difficult instruction to exchange our happiness for the welfare of others. Clearly, I am not ready to dive into the heart of tonglen, yet I have been moved by the teachings. There have been moments of beauty and awe. I've caught myself thinking and proclaiming "What a beautiful practice!" And, despite my resistance, I have put mind training to practice not only when disturbing emotions prevail, but also in moments of bliss. This way I am making my suffering meaningful and ultimately beneficial, as well as sharing my joy with others. I have experienced a notable effect on my physiological and psychological well being when I practice. It is immediate and transformative. The difficulty for me lies in not always feeling like I have the bandwidth to practice. Mind training requires diligence and effort. If you plan on purchasing this book, buy two. Share the gift and practice with a friend. Or join the Katog community as you will need support. Thank you Khentrul Rinpoche for your kindness and generosity in offering these teachings. Thank you also to his students for the insight to make these teachings readily available in the form of this book. May you continue to cultivate and thrive under your good fortune!

I was heading out on a road trip and looking for a good book on Buddhism to listen to on the drive. I'm SO happy that I chose this book. Life is so complicated and complex these days and Buddhist 'mind training' practices are so helpful in learning to be with the complexities and challenges.Having very specific teachings and instructions on how to train the mind to be happy, to be compassionate, to be kind while living in the overwhelm of life has been so useful and so beneficial, and this book was a great support for learning and improving my capacities. Having listened to the book I discovered how often I thought of it and ended up purchasing the print version also so that I had an easy reference to doing practices and for highlighting sections and being able to quickly go back to what I was thinking about and remembering. Khentrul Rinpoche's personal anecdotes were my favorite part of the book, he has a unique and direct way of communicating even through writing.And now, having benefitted from the book so much, I just purchased four more print books for friends. I recommend it that highly. And I encourage audible and print - I've learned in different ways from each format.

I have both the audio and written book and enjoy both. The audio is great to listen to driving or doing chores and the book is awesome for further study and contemplation. Easily accessible information for non Buddhists, beginners to Buddhism and advanced practitioners. Highly recommend.

Learning how our mind is is the main factor determining our experience is indispensable knowledge. I wish learning about our mind and how to use it were taught as universal criteria in schools. It would reduce so much unnecessary mental suffering in our lives. While this book is based on the Buddhist philosophy of the mind, it has many universal truths that we could all benefit from. I highly recommend it.

An outstanding book to learn how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. I believe I am a better person after reading this book.

i ordered this book as part of a study group. have not read very much, but am impressed with the ability of this writer to make the teachings accesible and applicable to moden daily life.

Easy to understand

This is the most practical and down to earth lojong manual that I’ve found. Other lojong manuals can sometimes seem a bit vague or abstruse. However, this one is does not leave any room for guess work.In particular, I really enjoyed its consistent approach and the constant references to real world situations about how and when specific slogans can be applied.The author is very knowledgeable (apparently he holds the equivalence of 3 PhDs) and seems to understands the challenges that Westerners face in practicing dharma.If you’re serious about integrating lojong into your life then I highly recommend this book.