Turning the Mind Into an Ally

Written by Sakyong Mipham and Pema Chödrön

Narrated by Neil Hellegers

Strengthening, calming, and stabilizing the mind is the essential first step in accomplishing nearly any goal. Growing up American with a Tibetan twist, Sakyong Mipham talks to Westerners as no one can: in idiomatic English with stories and wisdom from American culture and the great Buddhist teachers. Turning the Mind Into an Ally makes it possible for anyone to achieve peace and clarity in their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Apr 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781977380913

Reviews for Turning the Mind Into an Ally

[Suzanne Anderson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good book. Very choppy editing. Helped me have more compassion.

[sashame-485567 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

the sakyong restates much of shambhala buddhism, but this time makes a central place for the practice of common shamatha. this is helpful for stringing together the gap bw shambhala buddhist meditation practice and the practice of other more traditional tibetan teachers. the "uncommon" shamatha aspect of dzogchen/mahamudra still runs thru the book, and in many ways it also deals w the four thoughts that turn the mind to the dharma. no one topic or chapter has insights that feel new or fresh on their own, but its a highly original presentation of shambhala buddhism in the way it weaves together practice and theory.

[weeksj10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I very good, practical book on meditation. It's takes complex ideas and simplifies them so they are more accessible. Definitely a book to reread many times.

[hoopajoop · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'm sure if I pick this book up again in five or ten years I'll change my opinion of it but I really didn't enjoy this one too much. For me, the author came off a bit snobbish talking about his archery, riding horses, and playing golf -- my impression of him was of a young Siddhartha before leaving the palace. I am confident, however, that he is not a snob and instead a very descent, humble fellow. By the time I had read this book I had read many intro books. So I found a lot of the discussion on dukkha and meditation somewhat of a repeat. I would recommend this as a first, second, or third book to "first-timers" -- but like I said I'm sure I'll change my tune when I go back to revisit it in a couple of years.