Turning the Mind Into an Ally

By: Sakyong Mipham, Pema Chödrön - Foreword

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.

©2013 Mipham J. Mukpo (P)2018 Tantor

Beauty, truth and knowledge.

Learn calm and inner silence. Be aware of the goodness in life. Self compassion, will allow us to go beyond ourself.

relaxing to listen to

Updated review: I read this a couple years ago and I thought it was positive and helpful. several years later (and hopefully a little wiser) I realize that the advice and perspective this book offers is very powerful for maintaining a positive mindset and outlook. The world feels hopeless, dark and chaotic right now (2024). That doesn't mean you have to suffer. These adjustments to the way we think can have a powerful impact on our mood day to day and how we feel about the future. If you feel down or depressed, or just want to acquire a more positive mindset, this book is a great place to start.

I'm a veteran with military related PTSD symptoms and, through therapy I've realize, also childhood PTSD. I see the advice in this book as a set of tools to reframe thoughts and work through the mental struggles of daily existence. Perception is reality. If you can alter the way you perceive the world, you can alter the way the world is as you perceive it. It may sound like nonsense, but it is a powerful truth. Your mind can either be your ally or your enemy. A negative mindset and outlook makes us feel like all the doors are closed and we don't have the power to change that. A positive mindset and outlook can make you feel in control of your life and the world around you. Changing your mindset from feeling powerless to feeling like you are in control can change your life for the better. A little dramatic, I know, but that is how I see it.

I hope to reread it with my significant other soon.

Original review:
"It's basically entirely about encouraging daily meditation. The book is relaxing to listen to and makes a compelling argument for taking up the practice. I would recommend it to anyone interested in meditation."

Encouraging and Helpful

I’ve listen to this multiple times, and I always gain insight and encouragement. Narration and content is pleasing to listen to.

A powerful work now in audio format

I first was given this book about six years ago. Got a quarter of the way through and then it sat. The last two years I’ve been listening to a series of for lack of a better term transcendent self help books as I do my daily runs. This is proving to be a powerful practice for me. I just completed my first listen through of Turning the mind Into an Ally. I will listen to it again to let the words and thoughts sink further in. The five-year weight has been well worth it to get this in audio format. Thank you.

easy* intro to meditation

meditation is easy. meditation isn't easy. however, I found the author very helpful in his use of stories and analogies to help guide the reader through the ancient Concepts he discusses. if you're interested in Shambhala practice, I would start with his father's book first, Shambhala the sacred path of the warrior