Taming the Mind - by Thubten Chodron (Paperback)

About the Book

A book for the complete beginner, new to Buddhism, "Taming the Mind" offers practical techniques to help gain a more spacious perspective on relations and describes how mind/heart, not the external world, is the ultimate source of happiness.

Book Synopsis

We all wish to gain greater understanding of ourselves. This ideal follow-up to the author's extremely popular Buddhism for Beginners explains in clear and simple language the essence of Buddhist philosophy and psychology together with practical tools for immediate implementation in our daily lives.We all want to have good relationships with others. Chodron offers practical techniques to help us gain a more spacious perspective on relationships, whether they be between lovers, parent and child, employer and employee, friends, or spiritual teacher and student. Guidelines are given for how to practice freeing ourselves from habitually blaming others for our problems and learning to be on the spot and take responsibility for our lives. This book describes how our mind/heart, not the external world, is the ultimate source of our happiness. We learn how to look at people and situations in an entirely new light. The book concludes with a discussion of common misconceptions about Buddhism. The author's down-to-earth language and examples invite us not only to engage the material but to implement it in our own lives. The author's open-minded approach makes this book suitable for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Review Quotes

"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

"Venerable 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 qualities that shine through her writings and touch the hearts of readers all over the world."--Thupten Jinpa, translator for H. H. the Dalai Lama

"A highly useful manual to start one's journey on the path of Dharma."--Tibet Journal

"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."--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

About the Author

Thubten Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, travels worldwide, teaching and leading meditation retreats. Known for her clear and practical explanations of the Buddha's teachings, she is the author of Buddhism for Beginners; Working with Anger; How to Free Your Mind; Open Heart, Clear Mind; and Taming the Mind. She lives in Seattle, Washington.