Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

This was one long absolutely amazing Dharma teaching. And here I thought I was just picking up an interesting, inspirational memoir! I took notes, highlighted stuff, read and re-read--sometimes only a paragraph in a day because it was so densely packed. And get this--it only covers the first month of a four-year retreat! I think we all need to pester him for a sequel to cover the rest of it.

The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret & Science of Happiness by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is fascinating. One must be familiar with the tenets of Buddhism to grasp its fullest meanings and benefits. Much of Mingyur’s discussion was focused on understanding how the mind works. As a world-renowned Buddhist, he was able to bring to bear his Tibetan background, and that of the neurosciences practiced at some American universities.
Underlying his framework, this monk taught his followers the show more correct ways to meditate. His teachings were based on Buddha’s philosophy, and years of personal experiences. He stressed “object” and “objectless” meditation. How to quiet one’s mind, and observe the thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and images that arise. Mention was made of an individual’s correct posture, and what it means to experience “emptiness” that doesn’t mean void.
The pictures in our head are unreal. They appear mainly through five senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. The sixth sense proprioceptive sensations are considered a mystery, for people are largely unaware of them. Mingyur stressed that many tend to rely more on a particular sense when they meditate. But regardless, his advice was to take things slowly, and be patient. He wrote that because of individual differences people tend to progress at different rates. The key was to start meditation with brief moments throughout the day, and gradually build up. Its benefits will nurture better health, peace of mind, a greater understanding of sentient beings, lovingkindness, and more compassionate living. show less

A book that may transform your life. If you enjoy works by Eckhart Tolle, this book might be for you. I feel like every buddhist teacher has a unique perspective and can tell you something new. Or maybe just remind you.

Remind you, that you are not the thoughts you think.
Remind you, to free yourself of the illusion that your thoughts are always trustworthy. And your thoughts can be really convincing.
Remind you, to notice the gaps between you and the thoughts and emotions you have.

We are not show more slaves to our thoughts. Everyone wants to be happy and avoid suffering. In that, we are all the same. And we are all the same in much more. I feel more deeply connected and compassionate with all the beings due to the book.

Mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. I gladly embark on this journey.

Thank you, Rinpoche Yongey Mingyur. show less

A masterpiece!

No other introduction to the Buddhist science-of-mind and associated practice of meditation has been so gentle and "forgiving" as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche's "The Joy of Living."

Mind you, I am NOT saying that Buddhists are not forgiving, I am saying that we, ourselves, are often unforgiving of ourselves when practicing meditation for the first time. This book helps the beginner get past one's own unforgiving nature which seems to be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to show more continuing practice.

It is also refreshing to know that one CAN be mindful even when one "loses focus", as long as one is aware of losing focus. This helps one feel successful, even when one is grappling with the "monkey-mind" and even daily interactions of a busy existence.

Though Rinpoche (addressing him by his honorific title) explains that it is impossible (and counterproductive during meditation) to conceptualize regarding Buddhist science of mind, he does a wonderful job of putting the ideas and philosophy into terms that Westerners can make sense of. Coupling that with Western scientific ideas as he does, one gains a direct recipe for attaining happiness.

It is difficult for me to paraphrase or cull the ideas presented in this book, but I can vouch for their resonance with recent discoveries and theories of prominent neuroscientists. (Read "The Mindful Brain" by Dan Siegel, M.D. for an overview and excellent references.)

I will use this book as a guide for my own practice.

Note that the Buddhist "science-of-mind" or "philosophy", as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche describes it here is NON-sectarian, non-religious, and can be applied by anyone and everyone. I recommend this book highly! show less