Understanding the Mind: The Nature and Power of the Mind

Understanding the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso provides spiritual practioners with an accessible, insightful, detailed "manual to the mind" where different types of minds are broken down and dissected helping the reader determine what minds are beneficial to possess and what minds are harmful. The second half of the book is particularly helpful in showing us how to nurture positive states of mind such as faith, love, effort, and patience that are of immense benefit to ourselves and others. Understanding the Mind is a truly wonderful book that I refer to again and again for inspiration and insight into the inner workings of the mind.

Understanding the Mind is incredibly clear and precise. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso breaks down each mind we could possibly have, defines what it is, what its function is, and whether the mind is beneficial or not as we pursuit happiness and a spiritual path. There is no other book out there that describes in-depth the nature and function of the mind. I use it as a reference all the time because it is so helpful and inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a serious interest in learning about the inner workings of the mind from a spiritual perspective.

If you are interested in the details of the dharmic perspective of the mind and that path to enlightenment then this is a well detailed and thoroughly documented definition for any person to follow. On a personal note: I am currently going through this book, but one thing that sticks out is that there is no mention of the spirit. Now I have to admit that I have been born into and followed a path that has lead me to believe in the abrahamic (christian specifically) perspective, thus mind/body/spirit. So I am having a hard time incorporating the concepts in this book being that a third of my philosophy is missing, in dharma there seems to be only mind/body. Thus, anytime I come to a point where I see the spirit involved and not accounted for, I hit a block in the content. But notwithstanding my own personal bias, the book is well written, fairly dense and a wonderful tool to use to define the processes of the mind, so that we can regain control of the tool that is the mind.

This is a book for those unafraid to look into their minds, those who seek to know what is unknowable for most people. If it isn't unknowable then it is surely never contemplated. The"mind" is shown for what it is with such clarity. Not a single nuance is overlooked...Western psychology is light years behind as it heals the splits, soothes the rips and mends the tears of existence. One sees everything one is, was and can be in the text of this compact "Wisdom" teaching.Tremendous insight and understanding of the mind, our thoughts and how they produce the world we experience. Tedious for those who won't explore their minds and enlightening for those who will!

"Understanding the Mind" shows clearly the different functions and aspects of the mind. For one seeking liberation or enlightenment this book is like a treasure. I am extremely thankful to have found this book.