Author: Geshe Kerisang Gyatso
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 312
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788120818910
Description
This book, Understanding the Mind, is a comprehensive explanation of the mind based on the experiences of accomplished meditators.This book is written from the point of view of the Prasangika Buddhist School, which expresses Buddha’s final intention.
Traditionally, Buddhist books on the mind are written from the point of view of the Sautrantika Buddhist School-an intermediate view taught by Buddha for the sake of disciples who could not immediately grasp his final view-and therefore such books are difficult to relate to meditative experiences.
As such it is a unique and practical guide for those who seek to develop their minds through sincere study and meditation.
UNDERSTANDING THE MIND
An explanation of the nature and functions of the mind
What is the mind and how does it work?
Which types of mind lead to inner peace and happiness, and which do not?
How can an understanding of our mind be applied to our daily life?
Understanding the Mind provides a practical explanation of the mind in a unique combination of profound philosophical exploration and practical psychology. Part One explains how Buddhist psychology is based on an understanding of the mind as a formless continuum that is related to, yet separate from, the physical body. Through understanding the nature of the mind and the process of cognition we can attain a lasting state of inner peace and happiness that is independent of external circumstances. Part Two explains the many types of mind and shows how we can abandon those that harm us, while increasing those that lead to personal joy and fulfillment. Throughout the book Geshe Kelsang skillfully show how we can apply our understanding of our mind to improve our daily life.
Contents
Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART ONE: TYPES OF MIND
Object-possessors
Conceptual and Non-conceptual Minds
Sense and Mental Awareness's
Direct Perceivers
Inferential Cognizes
Re-cognizes
Correct Beliefs
Non-ascertaining Perceivers
Doubts
Wrong Awarenesses
Valid and Non-valid Cognizers
PART TWO: PRIMARY MINDS AND MENTAL FACTORS
Primary Minds and Mental Factors
The Five All-accompanying Mental Factors
The Five Object-ascertaining Mental Factors
The Eleven Virtuous Mental Factors
Virtue, Non-virtue, and Delusion
The Six Root Delusions
The Twenty Secondary Delusions
The Four Changeable Mental Factors
Conclusion
Dedication
Appendix I- The Condensed Meaning of the Text
Appendix II- Essence of Good Fortune
Glossary
Bibliography
Study Programmes
Index