The Transformed Mind : Reflections on Truth, Love and Happiness

by Dalai Lama XIV

In his characteristically endearing and informal style, His Holiness the Dalai Lama examines the nature of the human mind and emphasises the need to transform it if we want to lead more fulfilling lives. In the form of several discourses delivered over a period of nine years, he talks about suffering, happiness, love and truth, and imparts practical wisdom on issues ranging from religious tolerance to world economy. Stressing the need for compassion and non-violence, the Dalai Lama reiterates the essential goodness of the human heart and teaches us how to live and die well, reminding us constantly of the responsibility of our actions and thoughts, and the interdependence between action and result. Wise, inspiring and always candid, The Transformed Mind gives us hope and solace in this new millennium.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion, Buddhism

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.

Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.

On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.

After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.

Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.

Reviews

[Nastaran Najafi · Rating 3 out of 5]

امتیاز ۲.۵⭐️
به نظر من كتاب منسجمى نبود.سر فصل ها مرتبط به محتوا نبود و يه سرى مفاهيم نياز به توضيح كامل و جامع ترى داشت كه توى چند پاراگراف خلاصه شده بود.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with another reviewer that this book requires rereading to better understand the philosophy of Buddhism. The six chapters are based on lectures the Dalai Lama has given.

Transforming Mind where the idea is to repeat eight verses when faced with problems. The principle behind the verses is altruism.

A Journey to Happiness discusses how we all want happiness and how to get on the path towards it.

Compassion and nonviolence to me is common sense and how single point and analytical meditation can help.

How to live and die in a better way. Three views on how to do this as a non-believer, general believer and Buddhist practitioner. It is complicated with the subtle mind and grosser mind.

Paths for Spiritual Practice gives an overview of the different types and paths of Buddhist practices such as Mahayana, Hinayana and Tantrayana. Interestingly the Dalai Lama argues the learning, understanding and application of all three.

The Two Truths I struggled with in the acknowledgment of the four noble truths with them split into negative in the first two and the positive in the final two. As I said a rereading is useful.

I did like the question and answer sections at the end f each chapter.

[Wayne Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the kind of book one would need to read a few times to get true value from his teachings.
the Dalai Lama continues his teachings in this book 'the transformed mind' and preaches peace and understanding. I truly envy this man, I envy the look of contentment and his smile, but I also question how easy it is for a man to preach a happy, loving life when he has been waited on hand and foot since he was born, apart from his dealings with the Chinese army and his need to seek refuge in India which would have been trying for him, I find it hard to associate his teachings with day to day western life for your average person who does not have an entourage.

I still admire his teachings and what he wants to achieve for humanity, but the truth of human nature i believe is far from his perception of an attainable peace.

[༺haven_of_an_ambivert༻ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlights:
-We live to serve/help and be good to others;
- Anger is our real enemy;
- Patience is significant to happiness;
- Religion is good as it serves as something that can motivate us to do good and be good;

"If we cannot help one, then do no harm...."

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally purchased this book because out of all the religion I learned about in my World Religions class, Buddhism seemed the most interesting and upstanding. It did take me awhile to get around to reading it, but it was totally worth it, and I wish I had read it earlier. This book taught me much more about Buddhist philosophy, and even some more about the religion itself (which I mostly didn’t fully absorb). Reading this book, I realized that the Buddhist philosophy made incredible sense to me, and fit well with my more logical mindset/outlook in life. While I would not call myself a Buddhist, this book taught me a lot about how I want to live my life, and made me realize many things about the mind, others, and the world around me. This book inspired me to start meditating, and practicing a more mindful daily life. I feel like there have been some level of results, but mostly on a very inner and personal level. I don’t have much, or any, interest in delving deeper into the religion itself, but I would love to read more about the Buddhist philosophy and mindset. This book is the closest I would say a book as came to changing my life.

[Heidi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appeared to me as more of an overview of Buddhist philosophy. Well explained and logical. His Holiness is a huge inspiration to me and I always look to his words for guidance, here there is no exception. Albeit to note, I have read a lot of books on Buddhism so if you’ve heavily researched the topic, there’s not anything outstanding in this book compared to the other ones by the Dalai Lama. My personal favourite of his is ‘The Book Of Joy’ which is more dynamic.

[Neil Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny. Really didn't enjoy this. Just found myself in disagreement with the Dalai Lama. Will have to re-read someday.

[Sean Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will revisit many times. A wonderful overview of the Buddhist way of life. Full of practical advise on how to live in peace and harmony.

[Manoj Kakran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye-opening insights to transform anyone's mind. Great wisdom from Buddha and Buddhahood.

[Husain Aqil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really comforting book. It taught me many Buddhism-related things that lead you to have a tranquil life by learning the Four Noble of Truths.

[Solange Adad · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those interested in the spiritual path, this book teaches us how to deal with our negative emotions (anger, hate, jealousy, greed) that cause us suffering and destroy our peace. It also shows us how to practice and find love, kindness and compassion.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t update this book as I read it. Who runs this app? Is it the Chinese government!

[Hanny Jaimin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and I don't get most of it...the key ideas are compassion..do no harm and meditate...have to reread it..

[Dea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chagtsal tsawey lama khen 🙏🙏🙏
I would 100% recommend this book to everyone
One should read this book at least once in a lifetime

[Sajeev]

Unfathomable

[tskumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different experience reading this book after reading current affairs & politic book all this while.

[Sandi Mann]

couldnt understand a thing! not my cup of chai