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The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness
For millennia, Buddhists have enjoyed the limitless benefits of meditation. But how does it work? And why? The principles behind this ancient practice have long eluded some of the best minds in modern science. Until now.
In this groundbreaking work, world-renowned Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche invites us to join him in unlocking the secrets behind the practice of meditation. Working with neuroscientists at the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, Yongey Mingyur provides clear insights into modern research indicating that systematic training in meditation can enhance activity in areas of the brain associated with happiness and compassion. He has also worked with physicists across the country to develop a fresh, scientifically based interpretation of the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality.
With an infectious joy and insatiable curiosity, Yongey Mingyur weaves together the principles of Tibetan Buddhism, neuroscience, and quantum physics in a way that will forever change the way we understand the human experience. Using the basic meditation practices he provides, we can discover paths through everyday problems, transforming obstacles into opportunities to recognize the unlimited potential of our
own minds.
With a foreword by bestselling author Daniel Goleman, The Joy of Living is a stunning breakthrough, an illuminating vision of the science of Buddhism and a handbook for transforming our minds, bodies, and lives.
In this groundbreaking work, world-renowned Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche invites us to join him in unlocking the secrets behind the practice of meditation. Working with neuroscientists at the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, Yongey Mingyur provides clear insights into modern research indicating that systematic training in meditation can enhance activity in areas of the brain associated with happiness and compassion. He has also worked with physicists across the country to develop a fresh, scientifically based interpretation of the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality.
With an infectious joy and insatiable curiosity, Yongey Mingyur weaves together the principles of Tibetan Buddhism, neuroscience, and quantum physics in a way that will forever change the way we understand the human experience. Using the basic meditation practices he provides, we can discover paths through everyday problems, transforming obstacles into opportunities to recognize the unlimited potential of our
own minds.
With a foreword by bestselling author Daniel Goleman, The Joy of Living is a stunning breakthrough, an illuminating vision of the science of Buddhism and a handbook for transforming our minds, bodies, and lives.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
1287 people are currently reading
12309 people want to read
About the author
Yongey Mingyur
17 books467 followersYongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a lama and monk of the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and the youngest son of Tulku Urgyen—his elder brothers are Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, and Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Mingyur Rinpoche serves as abbot of both Tergar Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Tergar Rigzin Khachö Targyé Ling Monastery in Bodhgaya, India, in addition to teaching throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
March 26, 2011
Buddhism is not a religion. To a trained Buddhist, "it is a type of science, a method of exploring your own experience through techniques that enable you to examine your actions and reactions in a nonjudgmental way" (11). This book was a good intro in training to achieve a "natural mind" or Enlightenment, a mind in its natural state, free from conceptual limitations. Supposedly, "the experience of natural peace is so far beyond what we normally consider relaxation that it defies description...beyond our capacity to express in words" (51), just like Fight Club. Yep. The book I read before this was Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club. I think this whole Enlightenment thing is like fight club. "You aren't alive anywhere like you're alive at fight club....Fight club isn't about words" (Palahniuk 51).
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on nothingness and emptiness as source for infinite possibilities.
"it's only after you've lost everything, that you're free to do anything" (70)
on impermanence.
fight club: "nothing is static. even the mona lisa is falling apart" (49), "nothing is static. everything is falling part" (108)
recognition that everyone and everything is a reflection of everyone and everything else.
fight club: "everything is a copy of a copy of a copy. (21), "you are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. you are the same decaying organic matter" (134)
on suffering. The Four Noble Truths
1. Ordinary life is conditioned by suffering
2. Suffering results from causes
3. The causes of suffering can be extinguished.
4. There is a simple path through which the causes of suffering can be extinguished.
fight club: "disaster is a natural part of my evolution. toward tragedy and dissolution" (110)
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The book did taught me to be a little bit mindful. Sometimes I think "emo" and I become emo. I often find myself living in the past or projecting the future that has not happened yet which limits me from living the "now." It was my mind projecting limitations. It was my thoughts, my Tyler projecting a reality, a world to existence. I forgot to live in the present, which “exists only in the hours between when fight club starts and when fight club ends” (Palahniuk 48).
It's a great book to read with Fight Club.
-------
on nothingness and emptiness as source for infinite possibilities.
"it's only after you've lost everything, that you're free to do anything" (70)
on impermanence.
fight club: "nothing is static. even the mona lisa is falling apart" (49), "nothing is static. everything is falling part" (108)
recognition that everyone and everything is a reflection of everyone and everything else.
fight club: "everything is a copy of a copy of a copy. (21), "you are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. you are the same decaying organic matter" (134)
on suffering. The Four Noble Truths
1. Ordinary life is conditioned by suffering
2. Suffering results from causes
3. The causes of suffering can be extinguished.
4. There is a simple path through which the causes of suffering can be extinguished.
fight club: "disaster is a natural part of my evolution. toward tragedy and dissolution" (110)
---------
The book did taught me to be a little bit mindful. Sometimes I think "emo" and I become emo. I often find myself living in the past or projecting the future that has not happened yet which limits me from living the "now." It was my mind projecting limitations. It was my thoughts, my Tyler projecting a reality, a world to existence. I forgot to live in the present, which “exists only in the hours between when fight club starts and when fight club ends” (Palahniuk 48).
It's a great book to read with Fight Club.
August 9, 2007
I wish every foray into religion was this enjoyable. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a powerful writer with a gentle sense of humor, most noticably about himself.
To any westerner looking to explore Buddhism, READ THIS BOOK. To any person who is feeling less than enthusiastic about getting up in the morning, ditto. To those who know they're missing something, but they can't quite... well, you get the point. Read the book.
Mingyur makes Buddhism conceptually accessible to Western readers. After being declared the reincarnation of several stellar Tibetan monks, he went to a monestary, which he lead after only three years. Now, he could have stopped there. After all, enlightenment was right in front of him. Nope. He chose to go across the pond to visit with our nation's finest quantum physicists and neurologists. He learned that the sharpest edge of science often folds neatly into Buddhism.
In the early chapters, you will find yourself turning constantly to the glossary to look up terms like "space foam" and "samsara." However, Mingyur emphasizes that the only true way to understand the mind-boggling tenets of his faith is to practice meditation. The second half of the book provides a down-to-earth description of how to do just that.
Please read this book. And then call me. We'll hang out in silence for a while together.
To any westerner looking to explore Buddhism, READ THIS BOOK. To any person who is feeling less than enthusiastic about getting up in the morning, ditto. To those who know they're missing something, but they can't quite... well, you get the point. Read the book.
Mingyur makes Buddhism conceptually accessible to Western readers. After being declared the reincarnation of several stellar Tibetan monks, he went to a monestary, which he lead after only three years. Now, he could have stopped there. After all, enlightenment was right in front of him. Nope. He chose to go across the pond to visit with our nation's finest quantum physicists and neurologists. He learned that the sharpest edge of science often folds neatly into Buddhism.
In the early chapters, you will find yourself turning constantly to the glossary to look up terms like "space foam" and "samsara." However, Mingyur emphasizes that the only true way to understand the mind-boggling tenets of his faith is to practice meditation. The second half of the book provides a down-to-earth description of how to do just that.
Please read this book. And then call me. We'll hang out in silence for a while together.
October 6, 2022
Buddhism often claims to be science —"science of the mind"— and this author and Buddhist teacher is keen to explore the overlap between modern neuroscience and traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
And Buddhism welcomes science. There is no need to be afraid of science. The more there is light, the more scrutiny— the more there will be understanding. It’s all good.
Knowledge is power. And self-knowledge is the ultimate achievement. See your mind, observe your thoughts, and watch how you construct your emotional irrational world.
And Buddhism welcomes science. There is no need to be afraid of science. The more there is light, the more scrutiny— the more there will be understanding. It’s all good.
Knowledge is power. And self-knowledge is the ultimate achievement. See your mind, observe your thoughts, and watch how you construct your emotional irrational world.
February 4, 2022
I have to split this book into two parts: what it’s about, and the way it’s written.
It’s about meditation, how to do it, and the benefits it offers.
It’s written like a university thesis, with incomprehensible words and sentences lasting whole pages, and hardly any punctuation. If I hadn’t snatched a breath or two here and there while ploughing through some of these bloated sentences, I would have died of asphyxiation. Can somebody please explain what nonconceptuality means?
Yongey Mingur Rinpoche is a Tibetan meditation teacher. He devoted large sections of the book to science and physics, using modern findings to endorse the teachings of Buddha. I found this part boring, like reading a lengthy academic paper. He devoted the rest of the book to meditation and where it can lead. I found this part fascinating. Who doesn’t want a life overflowing with happiness and compassion?
2 stars for the writing style. 5 stars for the content on mediation. Average=3,5 rounded down to 3.
It’s about meditation, how to do it, and the benefits it offers.
It’s written like a university thesis, with incomprehensible words and sentences lasting whole pages, and hardly any punctuation. If I hadn’t snatched a breath or two here and there while ploughing through some of these bloated sentences, I would have died of asphyxiation. Can somebody please explain what nonconceptuality means?
Yongey Mingur Rinpoche is a Tibetan meditation teacher. He devoted large sections of the book to science and physics, using modern findings to endorse the teachings of Buddha. I found this part boring, like reading a lengthy academic paper. He devoted the rest of the book to meditation and where it can lead. I found this part fascinating. Who doesn’t want a life overflowing with happiness and compassion?
2 stars for the writing style. 5 stars for the content on mediation. Average=3,5 rounded down to 3.
November 6, 2008
There are probably as many books about meditation as there are meditators, so what makes this book different and why does it earn five stars?
Mingyur Rinpoche is most unusual for many reasons, starting with his youth (b. 1975) and that he was already recognized as a Meditation Master while only a young teen. But he also has an insatiable curiosity and interest in Western studies in neurology, psychology, and philosophy, and he tries to synthesize what he learns with what he knows from his Buddhist tradition.
The first part of the book is an explanation (perhaps oversimplified) of what the West knows about the brain and the elusive "mind" and how it related to meditation. The second part of the book is about meditation and the techniques used. And the final is kind of "over to you" to the reader, encouraging her/him to engage in meditation, either formally and informally, and watch the transformation in her.him and the society around.
This may not sound like much, but the text reads almost like the transcription of pod-casts. It is informal, colloquial, and especially, funny. Not knee-slapping funny, but the kind of smile-giggle I associate with HH the Dalai Lama.
Spoiler alert: After reading and mulling it over, I believe that one can conclude that Rinpoche is saying that in the end meditation might be anything you want it to be, so long as it is done consistantly and with compassion.
Mingyur Rinpoche is most unusual for many reasons, starting with his youth (b. 1975) and that he was already recognized as a Meditation Master while only a young teen. But he also has an insatiable curiosity and interest in Western studies in neurology, psychology, and philosophy, and he tries to synthesize what he learns with what he knows from his Buddhist tradition.
The first part of the book is an explanation (perhaps oversimplified) of what the West knows about the brain and the elusive "mind" and how it related to meditation. The second part of the book is about meditation and the techniques used. And the final is kind of "over to you" to the reader, encouraging her/him to engage in meditation, either formally and informally, and watch the transformation in her.him and the society around.
This may not sound like much, but the text reads almost like the transcription of pod-casts. It is informal, colloquial, and especially, funny. Not knee-slapping funny, but the kind of smile-giggle I associate with HH the Dalai Lama.
Spoiler alert: After reading and mulling it over, I believe that one can conclude that Rinpoche is saying that in the end meditation might be anything you want it to be, so long as it is done consistantly and with compassion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2021
I have been following Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche in Youtube for some time now. I like the way he explains the Buddhist mindfulness meditation techniques in simple language.I am a big fan of his sense of humor. If you are like me , you will enjoy this book a lot. This book tries to give scientific explanation to the Buddhist meditation and its benefits which is new. On top of that he summarizes his teachings and methods which is very helpful if you want to get into mindfulness practice.
April 6, 2021
Very insightful and helpful - it opened my eyes to the power of meditation. It is not a book about becoming a Buddhist, but more about how the human brain responds to meditation. If you're interested in how Buddhism and Western Neurobiology mirror each other, this is a great reference. The author describes his own experiences with significant anxiety growing up in Nepal, and shares how meditation helped him. The book also details his experience at the University of Wisconsin in the brain imaging department where he meditates in an MRI machine and shows his brain during meditation where scientists saw a 700 percent increase in certain brain centers. It was fascinating to see modern science prove something that Buddhists have been doing for thousands of years.
From the book jacket: "A beautiful tapestry of Buddhist insight woven together with modern science, this book is a landmark in the development of a contemplative neuroscience. Written by a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master with a deep and abiding interest in science, this book is a must read for anyone interested in the causes and consequences of happiness." --Richard J. Davidson, William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Director, W.M. Keck Laboratory for Functional Brain Imaging and Behavior, Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience, Wisconsin Center for Affective Science, and Center for Mind-Body Interaction, University of Wisconsin-Madison
From the book jacket: "A beautiful tapestry of Buddhist insight woven together with modern science, this book is a landmark in the development of a contemplative neuroscience. Written by a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master with a deep and abiding interest in science, this book is a must read for anyone interested in the causes and consequences of happiness." --Richard J. Davidson, William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Director, W.M. Keck Laboratory for Functional Brain Imaging and Behavior, Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience, Wisconsin Center for Affective Science, and Center for Mind-Body Interaction, University of Wisconsin-Madison
February 4, 2014
This book was too many feel-good things at once. Pseudo-science meets religion justified by populist self-improving individualist crap equates to boring-ass writing. It took too long to read simply because it was so detestably practical I couldn't get myself to move through it. I don't care if he's a Rinpoche - he's catering to the all-consuming self-absorbed yuppy who would freak if you put milk in his/her latte but probably run you over with his/her Prius if you were jay-walking. He cited literature that was actually notably Buddhist (Words of My Perfect Teacher) and relatively known in psychiatry (A General Theory of Love) and many scientific studies but the writing felt like a watered down syndicate. I couldn't trust anything I read I felt like I had to double-check all of his notes.
August 25, 2009
This book does several nifty things. First, it shows how concepts from Buddhism and contemporary scientific studies agree with each other. Then, it discusses some studies on people in meditation. It turns out that meditation, when done by people who have done it for a long time and are good at it, makes people incredibly happy and peaceful. (This isn't big news, but it's cool to hear how science has proven this.)
Then, the book discusses meditation techniques with a level of detail and clarity that is unsurpassed in...well, in the five or six books on meditation that I've read. I'd never been given permission to meditate for two or three minutes before; I was always under the impression that meditation needed to be a half hour or so in order for it to be valid. According to Yongey, that's not true.
The Joy of Living is a quick, easy to read book that's highly informative. If the subject matter interests you, I'd recommend it.
Then, the book discusses meditation techniques with a level of detail and clarity that is unsurpassed in...well, in the five or six books on meditation that I've read. I'd never been given permission to meditate for two or three minutes before; I was always under the impression that meditation needed to be a half hour or so in order for it to be valid. According to Yongey, that's not true.
The Joy of Living is a quick, easy to read book that's highly informative. If the subject matter interests you, I'd recommend it.
February 7, 2017
Some interesting parables here and good meditation techniques. I also enjoyed the author's references to Western science and research on meditation. Overall, though, not a lot of new material for me. Well written and engaging.
January 27, 2013
Read this book casually, quietly and you will walk away with the clearest ideas about what makes you happy and how to practice happiness. It's really that simple.
March 28, 2013
I was surprised by how much this book floored me. I hadn't thought of the intersections between Buddhism and scientific discoveries, but he made me see it. And he demystified a lot of what I find hard about meditating. The idea of meditating in shorter bursts; the notion of just relaxing your mind (instead of straining for focus); the making contemporary of ancient teachings - all of it made Buddhist teachings and meditation practice more vivid for me. And I needed to read it. I think this is one of those rare books I will dip into again and again for something new or rediscovered. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn about Buddhist teachings or meditation practice.
April 15, 2009
I spent 2008 studying joyfulness as a practice and a discipline (like practicing the violin, only quieter). This was one of the most instructive, useful, practical, and successful books I found. Yongey Mingyur grew up in an environment that intersected Tibetan Buddhist meditation training and research into how the brain works, so he presents information about the theory and practice of joyfulness from a universal perspective.
The key to joyfulness, like anything else, is practice. This is a great book for learning how to do it.
The key to joyfulness, like anything else, is practice. This is a great book for learning how to do it.
January 3, 2012
There's some really interesting stuff here, about Buddhism and neuroscience and the brain's functioning etc. But I just found the "self help" aspects boring. Not intellectually interesting. Insipid. More's the pity, I know I could use it. Sorry. Maybe some time I'll want to meditate instead of drink tea and read books. Maybe.
June 9, 2023
Interesting and goes deep into the working of the mind. He covers the science and the Buddhist philosophy of mind, emptiness, matter and so on. I found it a little boring but it was detailed and he gives meditation techniques.
June 23, 2012
This has been the most meaningful book I've read so far on Buddhism. There were a few times when tries at humor didn't work of rme, but they were so sweet in their intention I almost blushed. Other than that it was just what I needed. Just enough over my head to make me want to read it again in a year or so and I'll read more by this author.
September 24, 2009
There are parts of this book that are a bit complex, but overall it reads like mentoring from a friend. The author puts a lot of importance into being mindful, "living in the now", and compassion toward all living things.
December 2, 2015
This book opened my mind to the possibility of living in happiness. It is the perfect starter book for beginners who are exploring buddhism and mindfulness, explained in a way that we occidentals can understand and relate to.
October 21, 2017
Took me forever to finish this book...almost a year. I just couldn't get into it, and his voice was very difficult for me to pay attention to. My mind would wander while reading this. Guess I missed the point of the book. :(
March 26, 2018
Looking for detailed meditation instructions? This book provides the best I've seen. Confused about the multitude techniques? This book provides an enlightening taxonomy.
I just wish the author didn't into magical claims -- flying, telepathy -- at the end of the book!
I just wish the author didn't into magical claims -- flying, telepathy -- at the end of the book!
January 11, 2011
Very interesting and spiritually uplifting book. Does a great job uniting Eastern philosophy with principles of psychology and mental health. Can get a bit repetitive towards the end but great ideas.
July 1, 2017
I wrote this before, where did it go? This book is a keeper. I'm either going to re-read it right away for purchase a copy. (I borrow ebooks from the library).
October 23, 2019
No puedo recomendar lo suficiente este libro. Alegre, exhaustivamente investigado, responsable y generoso en sus enseñanzas. Mingyur Rinponche es uno de los grandes maestros de este siglo.
February 17, 2025
A waste of time and improperly titled. Should've been more aptly titled along the lines of: "Mindful Meditation" or something llike that.
Half of this book falls into similar traps that so many of these kinds of fall into and that's going into an exhaustive explanation as to how something works; in this case, the brain. Maybe it's because I've read similar books on the subject before, but I immediately went to chapter nine when the application began. I figured mediation would be a part of the book, but I never realized it is the only application provided here.
In all seriousness, this shouldn't have even come close to being as long as it is. Time is too short to be wasting on something that, theoretically, is claiming to provide you with solutions. This book, along with so many other self-help-type books, need to get to the point. In the case of this particular book. It should've been no more than a pamphlet on how to meditate. The other sections basically talking about changing your focus as you meditate and, yet, he's able to get quite a few pages out of each chapter.
A deeply disappointing and time-wasting read.
Half of this book falls into similar traps that so many of these kinds of fall into and that's going into an exhaustive explanation as to how something works; in this case, the brain. Maybe it's because I've read similar books on the subject before, but I immediately went to chapter nine when the application began. I figured mediation would be a part of the book, but I never realized it is the only application provided here.
In all seriousness, this shouldn't have even come close to being as long as it is. Time is too short to be wasting on something that, theoretically, is claiming to provide you with solutions. This book, along with so many other self-help-type books, need to get to the point. In the case of this particular book. It should've been no more than a pamphlet on how to meditate. The other sections basically talking about changing your focus as you meditate and, yet, he's able to get quite a few pages out of each chapter.
A deeply disappointing and time-wasting read.
September 15, 2021
If you are a fan of mindfulness practices, this book will give you more insights about the formal pratice of meditation techniques. The part which I liked most is the author's curiosity in explaining the science behind mindfulness.
As a science enthusiast and a meditation practitioner myself, I feel elated to know about the benefits of mindfulness methods to our human psyche. This book reveals an important fact, meditation is not only about sitting tensed with your back straight and legs crossed, it's all about feeling present and mindful while doing our daily chores.
I always felt that Buddhism as a practical philosophy can provide real solutions to the most pressing problems of our modern world. This book proves my opinion to some extent. Finally, what it means to feel the joy of living? Just breathe, let it go, feel the power of now.
As a science enthusiast and a meditation practitioner myself, I feel elated to know about the benefits of mindfulness methods to our human psyche. This book reveals an important fact, meditation is not only about sitting tensed with your back straight and legs crossed, it's all about feeling present and mindful while doing our daily chores.
I always felt that Buddhism as a practical philosophy can provide real solutions to the most pressing problems of our modern world. This book proves my opinion to some extent. Finally, what it means to feel the joy of living? Just breathe, let it go, feel the power of now.
April 25, 2025
I really love this book. It really masters the art of meditation easily, for beginners and I would even say for advanced meditators that just want to review the different meditation styles, all together merged with science and the reasons why meditation can change your life and the lives of others, in a neuroscientific way.
There is such much love in this book, that it is difficult not to reflect on yourself and others and take into account that every sentient being is looking for happiness and to avoid suffering. Being compassionate towards others, is an open door to self love. I truly recommend this book. The way that it is written helps a lot. You can notice that Yongey Mingyur talks to you honestly, without feeling superior to you.
It is a ray of hope for humankind that shakes your natural mind to awaken.
There is such much love in this book, that it is difficult not to reflect on yourself and others and take into account that every sentient being is looking for happiness and to avoid suffering. Being compassionate towards others, is an open door to self love. I truly recommend this book. The way that it is written helps a lot. You can notice that Yongey Mingyur talks to you honestly, without feeling superior to you.
It is a ray of hope for humankind that shakes your natural mind to awaken.
June 22, 2021
I've heard a lot about meditation, and tried different apps and tutorials for it, but this book completely changed the way I see it and offered plenty of ways to meditate -- not just sitting for a long time following your breath and clearing your mind. It also helped me understand Buddhism better. I would definitely recommend it :)
September 24, 2024
Very good book dealings with Buddhism, its concepts and practices. It is written in very clear and accessible way including Buddhism relation to science. I will be returning to this book also in the future. It is worth reading.
June 30, 2019
introduction
laughing at yourself is essential
p1-the ground
all sentient beings, possess the primary cause for enlightment
c1-the journey begins
after start, begin recognize something didn't notice before,
bacome more "distracted"
4 schools of tibet buda
see the author of your thought
c2-the inner symphony
body/speech/mind
3 parts of brain work together, though no conductor found
observing thought stream frame by frame, self appears
confusion is the beginning of understanding
c3-beyond the mind beyond the brain
natural mind or buddha nature
in natural mind there's natural peace
when out of words, in the progress
all homesick for our true nature
just observe the thought is meditation
c4-emptiness the reality beyond reality
emptiness as unlimited potential for anything to appear and
disappear
don't confuse emptiness with nothingness
there's emptiness, then there's phenomenon
let the thought move freely
theory and practice as two wings of buhdda
c5-the relativity of perception
dissolve subject and object, distinction as conceptual,
whatever you experiences is not seperate from the mind that
experiences it
mental habits shape thoughts
eon is instant, instant is eon
infinite possibility
nothing ever lasts, absorb thoughts' passage as univers'
infinite possibilities
c6-the gift of clarity
emptiness is inseperable with awareness
aware all thoughts exhausting/observe all agitation/total
blank
essence as let go all illusions you cherish
c7-compassion survival of the kindest
biology base for compassion
satient beings long for happiness
c8-why are we unhappy
conditional factor, how we response
ignorance/attachment/aversion inhibit us to see through
just rest your mind, you'll be free
p2-the path
c9-finding your balance
try best without focusing too much on results
bare awareness let go of others
the physical posture
the mental posture-intention to meditate, is enough
c10-simply resting the first step
analytical as advance looking at mind/nonanalytical as resting
first many times a day
c11-next steps resting on objects
observe perceptions in meditation way, to receive nondefensive
to respond with integrity
meditating on physical sensations
focusing on breadth is helpful to distress and distraction
c12-workingwith thoughts and feelings
oops wonderful
meditation as watching movie
deal unpleasant thought, observe and relax
when Posi, on object and emo/when neg, on emo only observe
c13-compassion opening the heart of the mind
all beings want joy and freedom
3 levels compassion-self and close/all beings/bodhictta
absolute bod-all already enlightened/relative-disire all free
of sufferring
compassion toward oneself
begin using yourself as object of your meditative focus,
how fortunate to have body and mind, each practice no
more than several minutes
then extend this thought to all beings, all desire happy,
but at first imagine them being in pain, or from me free
of pain to others free of pain
practicing compa meditation like charging battery
next imagine "bad" people do bad to you, if they mean hurt?
or imagine someone hurt and you know why, build compassi
compassion towards all beings
first imagine all happy others want, then extend to all
ex\inhale to suck all suffering and spread happiness
bodhicitta
crocodile lose too much, worth compassion
c14-the how when and where of practice
find what's best for you
switch between object and objectless meditation
best to practice in morning/short period, many times
dedicating merit:Gewa di yee che wo kun/Sanam ye shay tsok
dsok nay/S6nam ye shay lay jung wa/Tampa ku nyee top par
shok.
anytime, anywhere do informal practice
practice is to produce calmness, clarity, confidence, peace
p3-the fruit
c15-problems and possibilities
wonderful exp as bliss clarity nonconceptuality
join the awareness of distraction as practice
let go of attempt of artificial calmness: rest on regret/
focus on present thought
rivers of flow-next phase, enjoy the gaps between thoughts
lakes-next pha-the lotus metaphor
experience against realization-sky as background glaze
clouds-forgo bliss, clarity, nonconceptualization exps
stop medita when experience 3 exps
c16-an inside job
permanant happiness comes from treatment of underlying cause
of suffering
compassion towards whole brain function
c17-the biology of happiness
whatever is the cause than binds is the path that liberates
c18-moving on
intention is the karma of your mind
laughing at yourself is essential
p1-the ground
all sentient beings, possess the primary cause for enlightment
c1-the journey begins
after start, begin recognize something didn't notice before,
bacome more "distracted"
4 schools of tibet buda
see the author of your thought
c2-the inner symphony
body/speech/mind
3 parts of brain work together, though no conductor found
observing thought stream frame by frame, self appears
confusion is the beginning of understanding
c3-beyond the mind beyond the brain
natural mind or buddha nature
in natural mind there's natural peace
when out of words, in the progress
all homesick for our true nature
just observe the thought is meditation
c4-emptiness the reality beyond reality
emptiness as unlimited potential for anything to appear and
disappear
don't confuse emptiness with nothingness
there's emptiness, then there's phenomenon
let the thought move freely
theory and practice as two wings of buhdda
c5-the relativity of perception
dissolve subject and object, distinction as conceptual,
whatever you experiences is not seperate from the mind that
experiences it
mental habits shape thoughts
eon is instant, instant is eon
infinite possibility
nothing ever lasts, absorb thoughts' passage as univers'
infinite possibilities
c6-the gift of clarity
emptiness is inseperable with awareness
aware all thoughts exhausting/observe all agitation/total
blank
essence as let go all illusions you cherish
c7-compassion survival of the kindest
biology base for compassion
satient beings long for happiness
c8-why are we unhappy
conditional factor, how we response
ignorance/attachment/aversion inhibit us to see through
just rest your mind, you'll be free
p2-the path
c9-finding your balance
try best without focusing too much on results
bare awareness let go of others
the physical posture
the mental posture-intention to meditate, is enough
c10-simply resting the first step
analytical as advance looking at mind/nonanalytical as resting
first many times a day
c11-next steps resting on objects
observe perceptions in meditation way, to receive nondefensive
to respond with integrity
meditating on physical sensations
focusing on breadth is helpful to distress and distraction
c12-workingwith thoughts and feelings
oops wonderful
meditation as watching movie
deal unpleasant thought, observe and relax
when Posi, on object and emo/when neg, on emo only observe
c13-compassion opening the heart of the mind
all beings want joy and freedom
3 levels compassion-self and close/all beings/bodhictta
absolute bod-all already enlightened/relative-disire all free
of sufferring
compassion toward oneself
begin using yourself as object of your meditative focus,
how fortunate to have body and mind, each practice no
more than several minutes
then extend this thought to all beings, all desire happy,
but at first imagine them being in pain, or from me free
of pain to others free of pain
practicing compa meditation like charging battery
next imagine "bad" people do bad to you, if they mean hurt?
or imagine someone hurt and you know why, build compassi
compassion towards all beings
first imagine all happy others want, then extend to all
ex\inhale to suck all suffering and spread happiness
bodhicitta
crocodile lose too much, worth compassion
c14-the how when and where of practice
find what's best for you
switch between object and objectless meditation
best to practice in morning/short period, many times
dedicating merit:Gewa di yee che wo kun/Sanam ye shay tsok
dsok nay/S6nam ye shay lay jung wa/Tampa ku nyee top par
shok.
anytime, anywhere do informal practice
practice is to produce calmness, clarity, confidence, peace
p3-the fruit
c15-problems and possibilities
wonderful exp as bliss clarity nonconceptuality
join the awareness of distraction as practice
let go of attempt of artificial calmness: rest on regret/
focus on present thought
rivers of flow-next phase, enjoy the gaps between thoughts
lakes-next pha-the lotus metaphor
experience against realization-sky as background glaze
clouds-forgo bliss, clarity, nonconceptualization exps
stop medita when experience 3 exps
c16-an inside job
permanant happiness comes from treatment of underlying cause
of suffering
compassion towards whole brain function
c17-the biology of happiness
whatever is the cause than binds is the path that liberates
c18-moving on
intention is the karma of your mind
December 24, 2021
A great book about the connections between meditation and the brain, backed by both Buddhist teachings and science. This is a very encouraging book for those daunted by forming their own meditation practice, as the Rinpoche goes into great detail just how powerful meditation is in small doses. He draws on many entertaining stories from his own life and travels, as well as classic stories from the Buddha. I would recommend this to anyone who is either interested in learning more about meditation or wants information connecting Buddhism to the science of neurology.
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