Conquest of Mind: Learning to Think in Freedom

Complete with amusing personal anecdotes to open each chapter, this book examines the joys and problems with meditation which the spiritual seeker will encounter. This is less an introduction of his complete program, like his book Meditation, and more a series of gentle talks he's giving students who have already progressed a little on the path and want to hear about the spiritual life. The author is Hindu, but doesn't emphasize any one religion to the exclusion of others. People of any, or no, faith can use this. Entertaining and a gentle, easy, thoughtful read.

I loved Eknath Easwaran's book Conquest of Mind because it was so easy to read. I enjoyed his message even though it will take me years to discipline my mind to find peace. I can't help but be motivated, due to this book, to pursue the conquest of my mind. Mr. Easwaran is a great teacher. I hope to be a good student. In this time of war and confusion we need more teachers like him. Better yet, we need more students. This book has nothing to due with religion, government, cultural background. It is a book for anyone who wants to live a more balanced and peaceful life.

this was the first book I read on meditation that actually spoke to me. Eknath Easwaran puts the way the mind works in such clear and simple language, that the pages almost turned by themselves. I have recommended this book over and over again; to my students, their parents, clients of mine as an alternative therapy healer in an energy based modality, in lectures that I have taught on "The Nature of the Mind." Having a background in English Literature really helps Eknath Easwaran know how to write simply and clearly, using words that get the readers' attention, and concepts presented plain and simple that everyone can relate to. The number one most revolutionary aspect of this book for me was the realization that I am not my thoughts. So I am not crazy, mad, negative or any of the less desirable, more "itchy" types of thinking that goes on in the mind. His book taught me how to separate myself - in a safe and easy way - from the constant whirring of the mind. This ability to detach and begin to slowly learn, over time and practice, how to observe my thoughts rather than be lead by them as if in a tornado, has changed my life for the better, infinitely better. thanks for taking a step towards making yourself healthier!

Conquest of Mind is a beautifully poetic book, but also very meaningful and helpful. Like Freud, Eknath shows how our lives are ruled by desires and impulses. Unlike Freud, however, Eknath offers us hope, and a method, for escaping from them. His simple method for retraining the mind through meditation and thought control works for anybody, no matter what your religion is. I highly recommend this book to anybody looking to better your life. His methods of thought control can lead to increased concentration and focus, or even to transcendental living. Eknath's writing style will keep you capitvated, and when used properly, his methods will take you to a more fufilling life.

This is an extraordinarily clear exploration of the fundamental spritual truths that cross all religious and philosophical boundaries.The writing is simple and conversational, but in its simplicity it leads one step-by-step through layers of insight.I re-read this book frequently, and make sure that everyone I care about has a copy. Everyone who reads it agrees with me as to its depth.