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Turning the Mind Into an Ally
"In language totally fresh and jargon-free, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche distills the wisdom of many centuries. Simple as it is profound, his book bears reading many times."—Peter Conradi, author ofÌý Iris A Life and Going Buddhist
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 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.
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 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.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
480 people are currently reading
3,977 people want to read
About the author
Sakyong Mipham
41Ìýbooks178ÌýfollowersSakyong Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, The Kongma Sakyong II Jampal Trinley Dradül (born Osel Rangdrol Mukpo in 1962), most commonly known as Sakyong Mipham, is the head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage and Shambhala International, a worldwide network of urban Buddhist meditation centers, retreat centers, monasteries, a university, and other enterprises, founded by his father, the Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (XI Trungpa Tulku). Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is a high lama in the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. He is believed to be the second incarnation of Mipham the Great, who is revered in Tibet as an emanation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Rinpoche is an honorific (meaning "precious one" in Tibetan) commonly afforded to tulkus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
February 23, 2010
"My father often taught about 'cutting through spiritual materialism." this means cutting through our attemtps to use spirituality to feed our solid self. The Buddha also taught that stability, the peace that comes through meditation, can become just as much a trap as any old desire. . . so much of what passes as spirituality these days is really about pleasure seeking, getting high. This self absorption disguised as spirituality only leads to more suffering." Oprah, anyone? Nah, I guess that's a low blow, but I like this quote because it reminds me that spirituality is ultimately about service, not about getting what "I" want. I need to be reminded of that.
There's a lot of wisdom to be found in this book and I don't have the time to quote the whole thing. What I like about meditation is that all this wisdom is available to anyone who is willing to take 15 or 20 minutes a day and sit in silence and just breathe. It's an extremely simple thing to do, and yet in today's world it's an extremely radical thing to do. But the good that flows from it seems boundless to me.
There's a lot of wisdom to be found in this book and I don't have the time to quote the whole thing. What I like about meditation is that all this wisdom is available to anyone who is willing to take 15 or 20 minutes a day and sit in silence and just breathe. It's an extremely simple thing to do, and yet in today's world it's an extremely radical thing to do. But the good that flows from it seems boundless to me.
February 24, 2011
Simple, elegant, and very adept at poking holes in the modern mindset. I've heard it discussed as a "Buddhism for Dummies" book, but really it's more about where you are, mentally: who do you think you are? what do you value? what suffering does it bring you? is one worth the other? and, of course: how can we be better, both internally and as citizens of the world?
This book really gave me some good thinking points. I always seem to pick up things piecemeal from books like this (this time it was the image of the fearful mind as closed and curled up in a ball, not letting anything else in, as well as the perennial reminder that it is our own expectations that create our suffering.) This is a book that I'll want to reread every now and then, to see what else I can squeeze out of it.
This book really gave me some good thinking points. I always seem to pick up things piecemeal from books like this (this time it was the image of the fearful mind as closed and curled up in a ball, not letting anything else in, as well as the perennial reminder that it is our own expectations that create our suffering.) This is a book that I'll want to reread every now and then, to see what else I can squeeze out of it.
December 24, 2007
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone curious about meditation, specifically the Buddhist approach. The advice is very practical and the author lays it out beautifully.
Already quite familiar with Buddhism and had read two books on mediation (including "How to Meditate" by Lawrence LeShan) so there wasn't much new stuff for me here.
However, each page was very inspiring. I read this during my 4 hour bus ride into Seattle. Before I started reading that day, I was feeling a little sad and antsy, after only a few pages I was smiling like a cheese ball.
I've gifted 2 copies.
Already quite familiar with Buddhism and had read two books on mediation (including "How to Meditate" by Lawrence LeShan) so there wasn't much new stuff for me here.
However, each page was very inspiring. I read this during my 4 hour bus ride into Seattle. Before I started reading that day, I was feeling a little sad and antsy, after only a few pages I was smiling like a cheese ball.
I've gifted 2 copies.
October 14, 2018
If you are interested in meditation as I am, then Sakyong Mipham’s book is an incredible blessing to have as you continue on your meditation journey. Very often, even if you meditate every day, you find that you often get lost in the wily ways of the mind. Books like these serve as refreshing reminders on what really makes you hunker down and face up to that wild mind of ours.
Although this is intended to be a beginner’s guide to starting a meditation practice, I would not advise this for those who have never meditated. Some of the practices he describes are for the more seasoned meditator. Brilliantly written with Pema Chodron, this is an essential companion.
Although this is intended to be a beginner’s guide to starting a meditation practice, I would not advise this for those who have never meditated. Some of the practices he describes are for the more seasoned meditator. Brilliantly written with Pema Chodron, this is an essential companion.
August 9, 2009
This book says everything you tend to forget you knew. What you should be doing. How you can get there. In the end you know that you can feel comfortable in your own skin.
It's a Buddhist approach involving meditation and compassion. It's work but if we keep referring to this book we'll get there!
General consensus: Elegantly powerful.
July 21, 2009
I am rereading this, now. I have bought and given to friends more copies of this book than any other. I met him once, and that was a life-changing experience also.
June 15, 2019
Great book - unfortunately the man behind the book completely ruins the message.
February 18, 2021
Overhyped. I probably fell for the hype trap again, which is why I was vaguely disappointed in it? It's true he's more accessible to Westerners than other Tibetan Buddhists like Hanh, but I was expecting something a bit more...more?
I read a bunch of reviews that rave about how much he loves horses and honestly...they're overselling that. He uses horse training as a metaphor. And it's a nice metaphor but trying to extrapolate from that he's a huge animal lover is a big stretch. I don't hate the metaphor, I just think trying to bond with him because you both like horses is a bit desperate.
That said, he does have some useful perspective about meditation. He states that we're really good in the West with discursive thought--having a thought and running it down, and down and down the rabbit holes, and that's great and all...but meditation is different work. So, not only should we expect this unfamiliar new work to be a little tricksy at first, we need to understand that it's not about NOT thinking as much as NOT CHASING the thoughts that do arise. Considering most people bail on meditation because they despair of never being able to stop the thoughts, it's nice to have someone say not only is that not the goal, that's not even a particularly good goal.
He also teaches a meditation where you contemplate great universal truths, which is a nice thing for the repertoire, I suppose. I think my objection or resistance with both him and Chodron is this idea of meditation as a warrior thing. Like they keep almost boasting about how it's going to suck and be miserable and uncomfortable at times and raawwrr just power through it. It's like this weird no pain no gain of the 1980s, except applied to meditation. I don't buy it. Yeah, there are some grody times I've had on my cushion, but by and large a meditation practice should be something you want to do, and enjoy, like a nice walk outside in nature, and not like...a mental colonoscopy.
Two more books to go for my meditation course: I am hoping the others offer a slightly less white knuckle perspective.
I read a bunch of reviews that rave about how much he loves horses and honestly...they're overselling that. He uses horse training as a metaphor. And it's a nice metaphor but trying to extrapolate from that he's a huge animal lover is a big stretch. I don't hate the metaphor, I just think trying to bond with him because you both like horses is a bit desperate.
That said, he does have some useful perspective about meditation. He states that we're really good in the West with discursive thought--having a thought and running it down, and down and down the rabbit holes, and that's great and all...but meditation is different work. So, not only should we expect this unfamiliar new work to be a little tricksy at first, we need to understand that it's not about NOT thinking as much as NOT CHASING the thoughts that do arise. Considering most people bail on meditation because they despair of never being able to stop the thoughts, it's nice to have someone say not only is that not the goal, that's not even a particularly good goal.
He also teaches a meditation where you contemplate great universal truths, which is a nice thing for the repertoire, I suppose. I think my objection or resistance with both him and Chodron is this idea of meditation as a warrior thing. Like they keep almost boasting about how it's going to suck and be miserable and uncomfortable at times and raawwrr just power through it. It's like this weird no pain no gain of the 1980s, except applied to meditation. I don't buy it. Yeah, there are some grody times I've had on my cushion, but by and large a meditation practice should be something you want to do, and enjoy, like a nice walk outside in nature, and not like...a mental colonoscopy.
Two more books to go for my meditation course: I am hoping the others offer a slightly less white knuckle perspective.
December 21, 2017
There are many books about meditation, but this one is particularly important because of the tone and the detailed explanations. Sakyong describes the mind as a horse that we need to tame. The author loves horses, and that love is the same he shows about the mind. Instead of treating it as an enemy that is always tricking us, the author uses patience and tenderness to transform our mind into a clean pool that will help us in anything we want to achieve. Also, it explains in a clear way, adapted to a western mind, what are the basics of Tibetan meditation. First, how to do it. Anybody who has gone to a place to meditate probably will know it, but it is always good to be reminded. Second, the main obstacles: procrastination, laziness, and other obstacles are described and the reader is provided with a number of tips to improve meditation. Then, Sakyong Miphan describes the kind of thoughts that can disturb us, with detailed advice on how to deal with all of them. If you follow his advice, you will start to achieve a deeper kind of mindfulness and awareness. I really enjoyed this description, because basic meditation has always left me with the idea that there is no way to advance. You try and try, but you are always at the same point, distracted once and again. Sakyong makes the difficult easy: To transform our mind into our ally is something anybody who practices regularly can achieve. And the last part of the book is a great addendum because it goes into the different virtues that we can develop with a clear mind to improve the world we live in. For anybody who tries to master its mind, this is a must-have book.
September 7, 2007
A- This terrific book, written by Trungpa Rinpoche's son, focuses a lot on engaging your mind fully, especially for meditation principles. Already knowing heaps about Trungpa, it's interesting to see the combination of Buddhist-Eastern/Western world and how it has affected his upbringing and Buddhism. A breath of fresh air, really thought-provoking. He's a marathoner, too, though he doesn't mention that here.
April 6, 2020
I've been meditating for a while now, but I kinda suck at it. I listened to this on audiobook and I never do this but I think I'm gonna buy a hard copy of this to refer back to. super helpful, especially right now during the covid 19 pandemic.
May 31, 2024
This is an excellent book for someone who is contemplating starting a meditation practise, in the Buddhist tradition, or who would just like to know more about it.
This book concerns itself with shamatha, (or peaceful abiding and contemplation, meditation). It talks about how to begin, how to sit and what to expect. Also with developing bodichitta (metta), the dukkha of attachment, the paramitas, some reference to vipassana or insight meditation, and what emptiness really means, and much more. This is all done in a very down to earth and easily understood way.
As a daily meditator for many years there was not anything new here for me, but I enjoyed the review nonetheless. Highly recommend this for any beginner starting on the path.
This book concerns itself with shamatha, (or peaceful abiding and contemplation, meditation). It talks about how to begin, how to sit and what to expect. Also with developing bodichitta (metta), the dukkha of attachment, the paramitas, some reference to vipassana or insight meditation, and what emptiness really means, and much more. This is all done in a very down to earth and easily understood way.
As a daily meditator for many years there was not anything new here for me, but I enjoyed the review nonetheless. Highly recommend this for any beginner starting on the path.
December 31, 2024
~2.5 stars rounded up
I read this book very mindfully over the course of several weeks. I took my time and annotated as well. I really feel like I got a lot out of this book, I learned a lot that I would like to hold onto for my own mental wellbeing.
However, I unfortunately had the all-too-familiar feeling of searching for more information on the author just to discover that he is not a good person. I hope that the people he has hurt are able to heal from the pain that he has caused them. So disheartening and in the future I am going to try to research authors ahead of time.
I read this book very mindfully over the course of several weeks. I took my time and annotated as well. I really feel like I got a lot out of this book, I learned a lot that I would like to hold onto for my own mental wellbeing.
However, I unfortunately had the all-too-familiar feeling of searching for more information on the author just to discover that he is not a good person. I hope that the people he has hurt are able to heal from the pain that he has caused them. So disheartening and in the future I am going to try to research authors ahead of time.
January 18, 2019
A brilliant guide for meditators who want to improve their technique, and reach the next level. I found this really useful, and also easily readable.
Miphang has relatable anecdotes, and a writing style that is clear and concise. He assumes the reader to have a basic knowledge of meditation and Buddhism, which I guess is fair enough considering some of the deep concepts he discusses.
Terrific, thought-provoking book.
Miphang has relatable anecdotes, and a writing style that is clear and concise. He assumes the reader to have a basic knowledge of meditation and Buddhism, which I guess is fair enough considering some of the deep concepts he discusses.
Terrific, thought-provoking book.
November 13, 2018
Great read. Really eye-opening and inspiring. Good for when you are wanting to make some changes but need motivation, is definitely being added to my permanent library!
June 30, 2022
very thought provoking with great advice on the practice of meditation
March 5, 2019
I'll definitely be listening to this one again!
January 4, 2018
I want to write a proper review of this book which I’ve read at least four occasions over ten years, learning more each time, and always finding advices which are appropriate to my current situation. I keep underlying sentences, whole paragraph and pages as my grasp of the teachings goes deeper.
It’s a great, practical and modern guide to meditation and to Buddhism. The author, Sakyong Mipham, made clear every aspect of meditation in a precise and vibrant manner. The reasons why we should meditate—to avoid suffering, to train our mind—are beautifully compared to training a wild horse. The metaphor, which is used throughout the book really helps understand the concepts explained here.
In the second section of "Turning the Mind..." he gives us the nuts and bolts of meditation: what to do with our bodies (don't slouch!) and our mind and what are mindfulness and awareness. He goes into detail in the nine stages in the process of gathering our mind and enjoying stability, clarity, and strength. Then he brings us antidotes to the obstacle to meditation. It is boring? Not to worry, he has a whole chapter on the several types of boredom (“This helps us cope in daily life.�) Other chapters cover laziness (including laziness manifested as busyness), and forgetting the instructions.
How to use our freshly tame mind is the subject of the third section which offers different Buddhist concepts and contemplation on the joy of being human, the truth of change (“impermanence is a river that runs through life, not a rock that stands in the way�), old age, death, samsara (Yes, we are going in a circle), karma and compassion. Different that is from our usual contemplation on “me.�
The last section is on how to live our lives in a useful and dignified manner. This section digs deeper in understanding the Buddhist teaching on wisdom and emptiness. He ends with the six paramitas: generosity, patience, exertion, discipline, meditation and prajna (wisdom). The book concludes with several practical appendices on meditation and contemplation.
I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers, who is bewildered or distracted. If, Waking up in the morning is gambling: ‘What mind did I end up with today? It’s also for those who wants to shift—even so slightly—their focus from their own happiness to that of others.
Conclusion
I read this book because I aspired to refresh my meditation practice which was getting stale. I came out of my reading looking for ways I could help others. In parting I give you one Sakyong Mipham’s favourite saying, If you want to be miserable, think about yourself. If you want to be happy, think of others.
Disclosure
I’ve been a Buddhist for over 10 years and I meditation changed my life. It made me a more joyful, more compassionate person.
It’s a great, practical and modern guide to meditation and to Buddhism. The author, Sakyong Mipham, made clear every aspect of meditation in a precise and vibrant manner. The reasons why we should meditate—to avoid suffering, to train our mind—are beautifully compared to training a wild horse. The metaphor, which is used throughout the book really helps understand the concepts explained here.
In the second section of "Turning the Mind..." he gives us the nuts and bolts of meditation: what to do with our bodies (don't slouch!) and our mind and what are mindfulness and awareness. He goes into detail in the nine stages in the process of gathering our mind and enjoying stability, clarity, and strength. Then he brings us antidotes to the obstacle to meditation. It is boring? Not to worry, he has a whole chapter on the several types of boredom (“This helps us cope in daily life.�) Other chapters cover laziness (including laziness manifested as busyness), and forgetting the instructions.
How to use our freshly tame mind is the subject of the third section which offers different Buddhist concepts and contemplation on the joy of being human, the truth of change (“impermanence is a river that runs through life, not a rock that stands in the way�), old age, death, samsara (Yes, we are going in a circle), karma and compassion. Different that is from our usual contemplation on “me.�
The last section is on how to live our lives in a useful and dignified manner. This section digs deeper in understanding the Buddhist teaching on wisdom and emptiness. He ends with the six paramitas: generosity, patience, exertion, discipline, meditation and prajna (wisdom). The book concludes with several practical appendices on meditation and contemplation.
I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers, who is bewildered or distracted. If, Waking up in the morning is gambling: ‘What mind did I end up with today? It’s also for those who wants to shift—even so slightly—their focus from their own happiness to that of others.
Conclusion
I read this book because I aspired to refresh my meditation practice which was getting stale. I came out of my reading looking for ways I could help others. In parting I give you one Sakyong Mipham’s favourite saying, If you want to be miserable, think about yourself. If you want to be happy, think of others.
Disclosure
I’ve been a Buddhist for over 10 years and I meditation changed my life. It made me a more joyful, more compassionate person.
April 8, 2019
Simple, meditative, and an image of wild horses...
May 20, 2020
I've been interested by meditation for many years, but finally committed to practicing it this year. I started by attending a meditation class at the Shambhala Center in Boulder. Naturally there I was suggested to read this book, as Sakyong Mipham has been a lead figure in Shambhala Buddhism. Unfortunately, it wasn't until reading reviews of this book after finishing it that I found out about the extensive sexual misconduct allegations against Mipham. And that he's come back to teaching in 2020 after disappearing and avoiding dealing with allegations. And that this was distasteful enough that Pema Chödrön stepped down from leadership in Shambhala. So in short, I'll be avoiding this organization all together, but will take from my brief experience with them the beautiful practice of meditation.
As a book, I really enjoyed a lot of this read. The practical bits in the middle were extremely helpful -- the instructions on how to meditate and how one should expect it to change as they progress through practice. I also appreciated that Mipham grew up around Colorado -- it was nice to hear about his experiences in the area. I forced myself to get through the last few chapters. I found that I had learned most of what I wanted out of this book well before then. It also probably would have been better to take notes while reading. There were a lot of Buddhist terms that were introduced that I didn't fully remember their meaning when referenced throughout later parts of the text.
As a book, I really enjoyed a lot of this read. The practical bits in the middle were extremely helpful -- the instructions on how to meditate and how one should expect it to change as they progress through practice. I also appreciated that Mipham grew up around Colorado -- it was nice to hear about his experiences in the area. I forced myself to get through the last few chapters. I found that I had learned most of what I wanted out of this book well before then. It also probably would have been better to take notes while reading. There were a lot of Buddhist terms that were introduced that I didn't fully remember their meaning when referenced throughout later parts of the text.
November 3, 2014
I found this book quite good.
I had already had an introduction to meditation at a few points in my life, from friends and mentors, which were more or less bare-bones ways of getting started. That was all I needed, wanted, or could have handled then.
This book, however, gives more than just the bare bones, but the entire corpse - organs, flesh, body hair, and more! Ways to get started, common hurdles encountered, tips for how to get the most out of your practice, and all illustrated with multiple anecdotes and metaphors to help drive the points home. Easily read, though I recommend not doing so when tired/burnt out. The book also contains appendices recapping useful points in list or short-essay format.
I think the biggest point is that to get the benefits from meditation, you really need to make it a practice - a regular, disciplined activity that is a part of your life structure. This book could offer advice for those who may be interested in taking it.
I had already had an introduction to meditation at a few points in my life, from friends and mentors, which were more or less bare-bones ways of getting started. That was all I needed, wanted, or could have handled then.
This book, however, gives more than just the bare bones, but the entire corpse - organs, flesh, body hair, and more! Ways to get started, common hurdles encountered, tips for how to get the most out of your practice, and all illustrated with multiple anecdotes and metaphors to help drive the points home. Easily read, though I recommend not doing so when tired/burnt out. The book also contains appendices recapping useful points in list or short-essay format.
I think the biggest point is that to get the benefits from meditation, you really need to make it a practice - a regular, disciplined activity that is a part of your life structure. This book could offer advice for those who may be interested in taking it.
July 25, 2010
I was told by my meditation instructor to read "Turning the Mind Into an Ally" because it describes the basic instructions of and reasons behind meditation. And it does, beautifully so. The beauty of it is that it describes it so simply without any unnecessary stories, words, or descriptions. Mipham also has his own voice throughout the book, a voice that is reminiscent of his father Chogyam Trungpa, yet is his own.
Interesting side note: I purchased this book at DI, and when I started to read it, I noticed that there were notes in the margin that related what was being said in the book to Mormonism. It was pretty interesting and I loved that whomever owned the book before was open minded enough to see how many of these religious beliefs and spiritual ideas are interrelated.
Interesting side note: I purchased this book at DI, and when I started to read it, I noticed that there were notes in the margin that related what was being said in the book to Mormonism. It was pretty interesting and I loved that whomever owned the book before was open minded enough to see how many of these religious beliefs and spiritual ideas are interrelated.
June 17, 2007
This is a marvelous instruction manual for meditation. Sakyong Mipham is the son of a Tibetan monk who grew up in the united states, so he is not burdened by the typical cultural barriers when he tries to explain meditation to westerners. He does a great job of balancing the need for consistent effort in meditation with the equally important need for self-forgiveness. He actually addresses how to address this paradox in your practice, which I think is very useful.
August 1, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. I looked forward to it creating calm and bestowing its wisdom upon me each day I rode the metro and before going to sleep at night. It was almost as if it was its own guided meditation. Highly recommend if you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of meditation.
January 26, 2025
“Our natural state lies beyond the reach of what we conceptually know.�
“We want to ride in the meadows of compassion, the gardens of awakened heart, the fields of wisdom.�
Wow. Couldn’t stop reading. This is the best meditation instruction books I’ve read yet. Whether looking to start or solidify a practice, I can’t recommend this enough.
“We want to ride in the meadows of compassion, the gardens of awakened heart, the fields of wisdom.�
Wow. Couldn’t stop reading. This is the best meditation instruction books I’ve read yet. Whether looking to start or solidify a practice, I can’t recommend this enough.
January 18, 2012
Great introduction to meditation and mindfulness. The author is exceptionally clear and focused. His dual cultural experiences of East and West seems to have made him an ideal messenger for the western audience.
April 10, 2009
Wonderful explanation of Buddhist meditation techniques that are understandable and easy to follow. I took a meditation class and read this prior to it. Enlightenment feels maybe an inch closer...but that’s one inch closer than I was before.
August 24, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the connection the author made with the Western audience. The author seems to break things down into small concepts to get the point of larger concepts through, which was very helpful.
July 27, 2015
This simple, jargon free approach to meditation is clearly written for the beginner, but I was still humbled by Rinpoche's advice and compassionate direction to the practice. For anyone interested in meditation, or a gentle introduction to Shambhala Buddhism, this is my recommendation.
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