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.

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

“Chasing pigeons was Ziji’s favorite thing”—Book review of Ziji: The Puppy Who Learned to Meditate
Review by Sarah Mist

Ziji is an active little puppy that is taught meditation from his new next-door neighbor in the park below their apartments.

Simple and clear meditation instructions for kids (and adults) framed around a sweet story about a puppy and family. The story has an ordinary, familiar quality that makes it all easy to relate to. My active seven-year-old son likes this book and show more I think it helped him to appreciate meditation in a wider context. The meditating puppy is a lovely analogy for young children.

The authors included four pages at the end entitled, “On Using this Book—A Guide for Parents and Teachers” which includes direct instructions for adults on what meditation is, and what it is not. They speak of how practical and beneficial meditation can be for children in our increasingly stressful world, and that it’s a great time to introduce when their minds are pliable and ready to learn new ideas. These instructions can take what is already an inspiring children’s book if only read aloud to a child, and transform it into a multi-faceted tool for skillfully helping children learn meditation.

★★★★ 4 stars from my seven-year-old son show less