What People Are Saying about Your Mind Is Your Teacher
A selection of customer reviews from the Amazon website
Unique among self-help books
By Kendra Crossen Burroughs on August 7, 2013
Over a long career as a professional book editor, with more than 25 years of specializing in books on Buddhism, I have read a huge number of books and manuscripts on Tibetan Buddhism, many of them aimed at a self-help readership, but as far as I know there has never been a book like this one, with easy-to-follow instructions for contemplating the four truths of the Buddha Dharma— impermanence, multiplicity, suffering, and emptiness. The practice described in this book, analytical meditation, might sound "mental" to those used to tranquillity or mindfulness meditation, but it simply means thoroughly thinking through a spiritually important topic and then resting, without thought, in the sense of certainty that results from this contemplation. We learn that the actual meditation is the part where you rest without thinking analytically—a very delightful practice. I was the freelance editor who worked on this book for Shambhala Publications, and it was a wonderful experience. I found to my surprise that despite the large number of dharma books I had read and edited, there were certain essential things that had not thoroughly sunk in; yet with this book, I was amazed to "get it" and begin to experience some of that living certainty that is so essential to faith. Thank you, Gawang Rinpoche.
Definite Path to Happiness
By D Burch on July 2, 2013
This is a wonderful book, written by a wonderful teacher, Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche, a Buddhist monk and scholar from Tibet and educated at Namdroling University in India. This book details how individuals can achieve lasting happiness and peace that will ultimately result in the peaceful world we wish for.
For the last nine years, Khenpo Gawang has lived in the United States, learned English, become an American citizen and immersed himself in American culture and the lives of his students so he could communicate the wonders of traditional Buddhist teachings in a way relevant to us. The culmination is this book.
It begins with a discussion of the wish that we all have to be happy and how achieving it seems to elude us. Our habits—even the ones we think make us happy—often lead us to unhappy results. He provides complete instructions for contemplative meditation that allows us to calm our minds so we can look deeply at our habits and patterns. With specific and exact exercises, he gives us the tools to unravel the ideas and concepts that are the root of our dissatisfaction. With daily use of these exercises over time, everyone can live a better life and be happier and more peaceful!
Just like the West has computer and media technologies, Tibet has a technology for cultivating peace. Khenpo Gawang has brought this technology to us in a friendly, accessible and personal way. Anyone of any religion—or none—will benefit from the information and exercises in this book.
Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche has been my teacher for 4 years. He is a warm and compassionate person who is always happy, always has time for his students, and is exemplary in every way. I can attest from my own personal experience that his advice works. If you would like to hear Khenpo's live-streamed meditation instruction and the talks given to his students on Friday nights and Sunday mornings go to www.pemakarpo.org for a link and more information. Ongoing discussion of the topics and practices from this book can be found at www.yourmindisyourteacher.org.
Clear Explanations, Modern Examples, Helpful Practices
By C Ludy on July 9, 2013
Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche's book is about the Four Seals of the Buddha's teachings; impermanence, multiplicity, suffering and emptiness. It is inviting to read with modern examples that make sense. He has presented the clearest explanation of mind and mental factors I have found in my thirty plus years of Buddhist study. For example, he uses driving to explain the three main parts of our mind: thoughts and emotions, mindfulness, and awareness. Throughout the book are stories from his and other people's lives used to illustrate points and keep the hefty amount of information offered from being dry or boring. Your Mind Is Your Teacher calls out for highlighters and sticky notes. It is a book to be used.
I just gave this book to a couple of non-Buddhist friends. They are enjoying reading it and finding the book to be helpful.
A good book which contains great information for meditators and others interested in the Buddhist path, August 13, 2013
By N. L. Poling
I use this book in my Buddhist class. It is well thought out and simple to grasp. The author has taken a very complicated subject and rendered it digestible.
Life changing!, August 4, 2013
By Kymberly L. White
I am starting to read this book for the SECOND time. It is my handbook for dealing with life and my guide to different subjects of meditation. I have never been able to meditate by clearing my mind of all thoughts. Contemplative meditation is perfect for me. It gives my mind something to focus on while helping me deal with different issues that I might have. I love the down to earth, "western" examples that Khenpo Gawang uses to help understand seemingly complex ideas like emptiness, multiplicity, impermanence, consciousness, etc.
Easy to Understand and Follow, July 30, 2013
By Elizabeth Shelley
This is a wonderful book and a concise method to follow along the path to liberation. What makes this book really special is that it explains the practice in ways that are easy to comprehend and follow. His words and examples are right to the point. The insertion of Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche's personal experience throughout the book makes his teachings seem more real and attainable. It is a great tool for those who don't have a Buddhist teacher in their area and want to connect and learn from a great teacher.
A Work of True Spiritual Friendship, July 28, 2013
By Enso
I will agree with His Holiness the Dalai Lama who referred to this book as a work of true spiritual friendship. One does not have to be Buddhist to benefit from the rich philosophical heritage of the Tibetan community which has been beautifully presented in this book. If you are on a great quest to transform your mind and habits, this is the book for you!
"Your Mind Is Your Teacher" Book Review, July 3, 2013
By Kunga TraG
In Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche's book, Your Mind Is Your Teacher, he answers the question of how one brings the Buddhist teachings into one's life directly and straightforwardly.
He has taken the traditional Abhidharma teachings on Buddhist psychology and the practice manual "The Wheel of Analytical Meditation," by Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, and mixed them with his own experience and commentary to make a compelling and easy to understand instruction manual of Contemplative Meditation. He has also included a commentary on the central Buddhist sutra, "The Heart of Transcendent Knowledge," an important text on understanding the nature of reality.
One can recognize throughout Khenpo Gawang's enthusiasm and commitment to helping others realize their own inherent awakened state and happiness. I appreciate what Khenpo Gawang has done in Your Mind Is Your Teacher, and aspire to follow his instructions properly in my own practice. It's a truly uplifting book that I would highly recommend. I have already bought copies for friends!
