Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness

Of all the books I've read on Buddhist practice, this is the one that I come back to over and over again. Its directness, precision, clarity and immediate usefulness is stunning, profound and impactful. Reading this book for me was like getting kicked in the face, in terms of its powerful call to wake up and just DO what is being suggested, stop playing around with philosophies and start growing up. You don't even have to be a Buddhist in order to do this stuff, because there is no doctrine whatsoever.I somewhat paraphrase the author's own introduction when I say from my own heart, that this book profoundly affected my own understanding of Buddhism, in a way that other texts have not. You find that you can just DO IT and it works. The core teachings here have no frills. No pop psychology, no touchy-feely, bare bones. No esoteric language, no beating around the bush, no stroking your ego. Just straight in to *what you can do right now to train your mind and cultivate loving kindness*.There are some terms that require explanations which are given quite well by Trungpa. Furthermore, this book may not be accessible to somebody with no prior exposure to Buddhism at all. Those individuals may benefit from beginning with some books by the author of the foreword here, who herself was a student of Trungpa, and who incorporates these teachings in all of her many books, each of which is simultaneously accessible to all while being invaluable to even long-time practitioners.In summary, I am VERY grateful that this text exists, and for the expert commentary provided by Trungpa. The first reading changed my life, and I am never disappointed when I return to the book for further study. I honestly don't think that in this lifetime I will ever come to a point where it is less than exquisitely useful.

Perfect

This book has transformed my life, but I was ready for it. I am much more compassionate and loving since I started reading. It’s like reading the truth by someone who has lived the truth — nothing extra, no author ego, just plain instruction. This book is all I need to truly love myself and others without exception. Thank you Trungpa Rinpoche 🙏

I feel inspired to write this review after reading five other lojong training manuals, including Jamgon Kongtrul's classic work. In my opinion, they are all good, but Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's is the best for both thoroughness as well as the directness of writing style. Other lojong manuals either do not cover all of the slogans or take an approach which is overly abstract. The "Traning of the Mind" strikes the right balance between being scholarly and relating to the real world at the same time. I practice with lojong slogans in my daily life and have found them to be invaluable in dealing with many real world situations. Within this context, I find myself always going home to Trungpa Rinpoche and gaining new insight with each reading. I could not more highly recommend this book.

Great introduction and first few chapters! Unfortunately I lost my copy. I wish I would have bought it in hard cover!

For PTSD trauma, War Veterans, Abuse survivors & Mental Health professionals, this small, inexpensive book from Amazon.com is a Jewel! After thirty-four years of extreme abuse and 22 years of recovery programs, these 59 Points of Mind Training provide the most effective, practical tools I've ever encountered for cutting through any ego construct, neurosis or low self-esteem issue. I found it a delightful mix of belly-laugh humor and incredible Discipline. and If I can learn to be totally responsible for & truly LOVE myself . . . to Know myself & have compassion for all, then Anyone can!

This is my second book from Trungpa, and I am not disappointed. Trungpa has a way of rationalizing things that resonates well with me. His perspectives are intelligent and creative, yet not complex and easy to digest. This book is mostly about Slogans. My concept of Slogans is that they are short statements that expound a particular Budhist idea. Since the statements are short, they are easy to remember, and therefore you may use them whenever necessary to calm yourself or gain control. After the slogans are stated, they are discussed by the author. Since most slogans are briefly discussed, you can complete the reading of an idea in a relatively short time. This makes it excellent for mornig readings or for carrying it in your briefcase. I strongly recommend this book.

Until recently, I was unacquainted with the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa, who died in 1987 in his mid-forties. Born in Tibet, educated in England, he came to the United States and was associated with what became Naropa University in Colorado. Since then, many of his followers have translated and disseminated his teachings, and this is one such book. As someone new to Buddhist teachings, I did not realize that every recent book that lists him as author is "translated" and edited by one of his followers, and some are more accessible than others. I loved Smile at Fear: Awakening the True Heart of Bravery, edited by Carolyn Rose Gimian, so I ordered this book and realized right away that the language of the editor made it less accessible. If you are acquainted with the many terms used by Buddhists, I suspect you will have less difficulty with this text than I did. But for now, it's unfinished on my electronic "shelf" and I'll try again when I learn more about meditation and loving-kindness.

A classic text from Trungpa. Clear, direct yet also expressing his unique style of expression. A must read for students of Tibetan Buddhism or anyone interested in learning about this fascinating man and his work.

This book helped me through a very dark time in my life ...This one was for a friend facing a lot of challenges.I'll but it again for the next friend who needs it.

This book by Chögyam Trungpa is a very exact, joyful book that has immense depth in it.The author shows that he has very vast knowledge and understanding about the world. How things works.And yet he puts it very lightly, though accurate. For anyone interested in mind-training, perfect.

Excellent

Excellent product, exactly as described. Arrived well packaged in short order.