The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness Paperback – May 27, 2008
by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (Author), Eric Swanson (Author), & 1 more
4.7 out of 5 stars 515 ratings
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Editorial Reviews
Review
The New York Times Bestseller!
“Compelling, readable, and informed.”
—Buddhadharma
“Rinpoche’s investigations into the science of happiness are woven into an accessible introduction to Buddhism”
—Tricycle
“There is real wisdom here. Fresh and clear. Mingyur Rinpoche has offered us what may well be an essential link between the Buddha and contemporary neuroscience and physics. He effortlessly makes connections between seemingly disparate and complex disciplines, and makes the journey sparkle. His voice is generous, intimate, and refreshingly personal. As he repeatedly reminds us, our experience of ourselves and our world is none other than an interactive projection of our mind; and most important, our minds can change. Our neurons can change structure and function, merely by observing the flow of our mental activity.
Through repeated familiarity with positive mind states, such as love and compassion, and by transforming our limiting mental conceptualizing into vast freedom, we can achieve the already present basic mind of clarity and knowing—true happiness. Read this book.”
—Richard Gere
“An extraordinarily clear book on the whys and the hows of cultivating mindfulness effectively in our lives. It makes use of the idiom and exciting discoveries of modern science in ways that are easy to understand and entirely relevant to the meditation practices themselves.”
—Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses and vice-chair of the Mind and Life Institute
“The first of its kind . . . a truly compelling and infinitely practical fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and scientific ideas. Mingyur Rinpoche is a teacher for our time, uniquely gifted to bridge these two worlds.”
—Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
“It is extraordinary to see the words lineage, compassion, spacetime foam, and limbic resonance all in the same book. . . . The Joy of Living is a personal, readable, and wonderfully warm and clear guide to changing the way we see ourselves and the world.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
“Mingyur Rinpoche is a charismatic teacher with a heart and smile of gold. The clarity, humor, and wisdom of his stories and teachings are collected in this book, and it will always be with me as a most valued companion. This is one of those rare books where you meet the author and learn from his radiance.”
—Lou Reed
“A beautiful tapestry of Buddhist insight woven together with modern science, this book is a landmark in the development of a contemplative neuroscience . . . a must-read for anyone interested in the causes and consequences of happiness.”
—Richard J. Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry and Director, Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
About the Author
A rising star among the new generation of Tibetan masters, YONGEY MINGYUR RINPOCHE is an internationally known and respected teacher of Buddhist philosophy and meditation techniques.
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Product details
Item Weight : 7.2 ounces
Paperback : 288 pages
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from the United States
David Herson
5.0 out of 5 stars the science portion of the book (maybe the first third) is great for what it is
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
I bought this book about 4 years ago, and finally picked it up and read it about 8 months ago. I will be forever grateful that I did.
Frankly, the science portion of the book (maybe the first third) is great for what it is, but the real gold comes from the author's gentle, encouraging and empowering words on meditation. I found myself thoroughly persuaded by his argument that all of us have the choice to be happy in this world. Beyond just words, Mingyur Rinpoche provides the actual instructions for finding inner peace.
After reading the book I was inspired to start a daily meditation practice, which has provided me with much greater perspective on my life, with less stress over the daily nonsense we are all consumed with 99% of the time. Reading this is a step in the right direction for anyone looking to get more enjoyment and meaning from their life.
As others have maybe said, this book is geared mostly towards people without too much experience with meditation, although I believe it would be of benefit to practitioners of all levels.
36 people found this helpful
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RMF
3.0 out of 5 stars Didnt like it
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
Im giving this a 3 stars out of respect for the author's effort.
The book starts ok with the author talking a little bit about his personal story, which helps to create empathy and even identification among those readers who may suffer from anxiety.
Then the author tries to pursue a scientific approach or explanation for why meditation helps to create happiness, joy, peace and clarity, all those things. This part of the book is rather boring and not convincing enough for my taste.
If you want a more convincing case on the scientific side I'd recommend Rick Hanson's Buddah Brain. It is a little bit more heavy on the science but still very approachable.
Then the author starts part II where he describes practical methods for meditation, which he calls "The Path".
In this part he is also uncapable of making a convincing case. He is unable to set a motivational tone, to inspire one to meditate. He covers many techniques and left me lost as to which one to pursue, when and why.
Overall this was a frustrating experience. It was a nice and light read but I couldnt reap much benefits.
Im not talking about benefits regarding meditation. I know that it takes practice, time and discipline.
Im very aware that one cannot expect to reap benefits from meditation overnight or just by reading a book.
But I expected that "The Path" that he laid out was clear, structured and that it made sense from a logical and racional point of view. Just like many other buddist texts, we are just expected to "trust that it will work". What he calls "The Path" is just a jumble of techniques, not a step-by-step that the word "Path" implicitly conveys.
By lacking structure in his "Path", the reader is left without any sense of direction or progress,
where to go and what to expect, and therefore it is inevitable that the feeling we should accept things by faith arises.
If I wanted to accept things by faith I'd have stayed within the realm of western religion dogma, thank you very much,
and wouldnt be pursuing an alternative. What draws me to Buddhism the the fact that The Buddah said we shouldnt accept things by faith, we should let the experience teach us. And my experience so far has not been so positive.
In the end this book left me pretty much in the same place I was before I started.
There were a few interesting stories throughout the book, but overall the experience I got was disappointing
and less positive, inspiring and encouraging than I'd have hoped for.
Most people will read my comments and perhaps will want to reply by saying that a book alone cannot give you the insight you need or the benefits you expect to reap, and that only a master or experienced teacher can do that. Im aware that a master and the feedback he can give you can help clarify doubts, provide additional guidance and correct errors, and Im also aware that by only reading a book one cannot expect to go much further, in other words: we have to practice.
Im aware that one cannot expect to learn to swim by reading a book, but you can get a glimpse of many aspects involved in the process, it can put you in the right mindset, motivate you and so on...
I was expecting to finish the book at least with a refreshed state of mind, an excitement in knowing that what I have to do is clear, even if it takes years. But no... I was left with a jumble of techniques unconnected to one another, and that was called "The Path". Its even worse than a jigsay puzzle, because in the puzzle's case at least you KNOW you'll eventually accomplish what you want if you apply enough brute force.
Maybe I expected too much.
Im aware that one should not approach meditation with expectations, that would be clinging in itself, but Im talking about the book here. People purchase books for different reasons, and in each reason there is an implicit expectation.
Anyway, sorry for the negativity, I just hope the next one will be better...
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11 people found this helpful
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KitVonDTop Contributor: Baby
5.0 out of 5 stars My meditation bible
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2016
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This is the second time I've bought this book (after lending it to someone who decided they liked it too much to return it!). It's a wonderful guide for anyone interested in meditation, and provides lots of ideas and strategies for practice. Rinpoche also explains the science behind meditation, which I think gives this book added depth. I often pick it up and read a chapter whenever I'm feeling tense and need a reminder on how to be mindful to get through tough times.
23 people found this helpful
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Lindsay
5.0 out of 5 stars a practical guide to happiness, based on a unique fusion of Buddhist philosophy ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015
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This book delivers what it promises: a practical guide to happiness, based on a unique fusion of Buddhist philosophy with modern psychology. It turns out that what we know about how the brain works has been practiced by Buddhists for years.
I'm an atheist and I didn't find the religious aspects off-putting, because they were very downplayed. Instead, it reads more like a personal memoir and practical guide to meditation, with explanations of why meditation works (from both a scientific and Buddhist point of view).
When it comes to some of the sketchier ideas like reincarnation, he addresses them in a practical way that explains why they are important to Buddhism and meditative practice, but doesn't try to convince you - he allows the reader to make her own choice of accepting these ideas or not, still making use of the rest of the book in either case.
If you are unhappy in your life, want to try out meditation, want to learn more about Buddhist philosophy, or the science of happiness, have anxiety, depression, or too many racing thoughts, try this book.
On a personal note, I have suffered from depression for many, many years, and this book helped me significantly. It didn't have an overnight effect, but it helped me frame my thoughts and troubles in a different way. The big challenge is making the concerted effort to put these concepts into practice on a daily basis, which is what is needed for real and dramatic change.
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23 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Ignacio Ruiz
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2016
Verified Purchase
From time to time we are fortunate enough in life to meet deeply wise people. This time Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche has not met me, but I was able to meet a bit of him through this book. It has been an absolute pleasure.
Each time I spent some time reading this book I would leave with an increased sense of clarity and peace. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for quite a few years now, this book is helping me mature those practices greatly. The sense of naturallity he gives to the meditation practice is beautiful. The techniques he explains are most useful, providing great insight. The details and references he gives into the scientific research around meditation is fantastic and provides a rational wrapper around the experience of mediation, great for the western mind.
This is a great book. I very much recommend it to anyone who is curious about meditation, or for anyone that is walking the yoga and meditation path and wants to mature his/her practice.
This book is a bliss. Thanks very much Yongey.
7 people found this helpful
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V. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars The Joy of Living
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2010
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This is the best book I have ever read on the concepts of buddhism and meditation. and I have read many! Scientific studies are related to Buddhist beliefs in such a way that anyone can understand the concepts and understand how our unruly thought processes shape our lives for better or worse. Meditation is taught from basic level and with a sense of humour and the instructions are incredibly easy to understand and practice. I thought I had been successfully meditating for years only to learn that I had not.
I was looking for a buddhist book that would teach me to live joyfully and spiritually and this was so easy to understand it was an absolute joy to read. I am now going to read every book I can find by this Author. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche was born to write and teach and I am thrilled to have discovered his work.
30 people found this helpful
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organic-ice
5.0 out of 5 stars The Joy of Reading
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2019
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If you are going to read just one book about meditation please make it this one. It is clear, it is funny, it is full of wonderful stories - and it just might change your life :-)
But even if it doesn’t, you will have learn something interesting and surely enjoyed the ride.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars love it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
Nothing short of outstanding. A beautiful book and a joy to read on my kindle. Although someone should really invent a little bluetooth wireless page turner button so I done have to swipe my mobile every bloody few seconds.... I could just sit compfortably clicking a little button to turn the page forwards & backwrads..... I have the desing in my head... who wants to invest? 50/50 lol
One person found this helpful
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Meditator
5.0 out of 5 stars Science and Buddhism
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2007
Verified Purchase
This is a truly wonderful book. Although written by a Tibetan Tulka (reincarnate Lama) Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, it is a true blend of science and Buddhism. For those who are interested in the scientific answers to the working of the human mind you will find the answers here.
If like me, you follow a Buddhist Path this book is a truly remarkable piece of teaching from one of the Worlds most renowned Buddhist Teachers.
In this book Rinpoche explains how from a very young age he suffered severe panic attacks, how he dealt with pain and a host of other problems that people face.
I had the good fortune to have my copy signed at Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland, while he was teaching there this summer 2007. He will be back there in 2008 - so, if you get the chance ... he is a wonderful person to meet - full of compassion and humour.
42 people found this helpful
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The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness
by Yongey Mingyur, Daniel Goleman (Goodreads Author) (Foreword by), Eric Swanson (Goodreads Author)
4.19 · Rating details · 6,629 ratings · 270 reviews
For millennia, Buddhists have enjoyed the limitless benefits of meditation. But how does it work? And why? The principles behind this ancient practice have long eluded some of the best minds in modern science. Until now.
In this groundbreaking work, world-renowned Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche invites us to join him in unlocking the secrets behind the practice of meditation. Working with neuroscientists at the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, Yongey Mingyur provides clear insights into modern research indicating that systematic training in meditation can enhance activity in areas of the brain associated with happiness and compassion. He has also worked with physicists across the country to develop a fresh, scientifically based interpretation of the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality.
With an infectious joy and insatiable curiosity, Yongey Mingyur weaves together the principles of Tibetan Buddhism, neuroscience, and quantum physics in a way that will forever change the way we understand the human experience. Using the basic meditation practices he provides, we can discover paths through everyday problems, transforming obstacles into opportunities to recognize the unlimited potential of our
own minds.
With a foreword by bestselling author Daniel Goleman, The Joy of Living is a stunning breakthrough, an illuminating vision of the science of Buddhism and a handbook for transforming our minds, bodies, and lives.
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Ariz Guzman
Mar 16, 2011Ariz Guzman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: favorites
Buddhism is not a religion. To a trained Buddhist, "it is a type of science, a method of exploring your own experience through techniques that enable you to examine your actions and reactions in a nonjudgmental way" (11). This book was a good intro in training to achieve a "natural mind" or Enlightenment, a mind in its natural state, free from conceptual limitations. Supposedly, "the experience of natural peace is so far beyond what we normally consider relaxation that it defies description...beyond our capacity to express in words" (51), just like Fight Club. Yep. The book I read before this was Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club. I think this whole Enlightenment thing is like fight club. "You aren't alive anywhere like you're alive at fight club....Fight club isn't about words" (Palahniuk 51).
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on nothingness and emptiness as source for infinite possibilities.
"it's only after you've lost everything, that you're free to do anything" (70)
on impermanence.
fight club: "nothing is static. even the mona lisa is falling apart" (49), "nothing is static. everything is falling part" (108)
recognition that everyone and everything is a reflection of everyone and everything else.
fight club: "everything is a copy of a copy of a copy. (21), "you are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. you are the same decaying organic matter" (134)
on suffering. The Four Noble Truths
1. Ordinary life is conditioned by suffering
2. Suffering results from causes
3. The causes of suffering can be extinguished.
4. There is a simple path through which the causes of suffering can be extinguished.
fight club: "disaster is a natural part of my evolution. toward tragedy and dissolution" (110)
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The book did taught me to be a little bit mindful. Sometimes I think "emo" and I become emo. I often find myself living in the past or projecting the future that has not happened yet which limits me from living the "now." It was my mind projecting limitations. It was my thoughts, my Tyler projecting a reality, a world to existence. I forgot to live in the present, which “exists only in the hours between when fight club starts and when fight club ends” (Palahniuk 48).
It's a great book to read with Fight Club.
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Colleen
Jun 21, 2007Colleen rated it it was amazing
Recommends it for: Literate living creatures.
I wish every foray into religion was this enjoyable. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a powerful writer with a gentle sense of humor, most noticably about himself.
To any westerner looking to explore Buddhism, READ THIS BOOK. To any person who is feeling less than enthusiastic about getting up in the morning, ditto. To those who know they're missing something, but they can't quite... well, you get the point. Read the book.
Mingyur makes Buddhism conceptually accessible to Western readers. After being declared the reincarnation of several stellar Tibetan monks, he went to a monestary, which he lead after only three years. Now, he could have stopped there. After all, enlightenment was right in front of him. Nope. He chose to go across the pond to visit with our nation's finest quantum physicists and neurologists. He learned that the sharpest edge of science often folds neatly into Buddhism.
In the early chapters, you will find yourself turning constantly to the glossary to look up terms like "space foam" and "samsara." However, Mingyur emphasizes that the only true way to understand the mind-boggling tenets of his faith is to practice meditation. The second half of the book provides a down-to-earth description of how to do just that.
Please read this book. And then call me. We'll hang out in silence for a while together. (less)
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DROPPING OUT
Oct 23, 2008DROPPING OUT rated it it was amazing
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. There are probably as many books about meditation as there are meditators, so what makes this book different and why does it earn five stars?
Mingyur Rinpoche is most unusual for many reasons, starting with his youth (b. 1975) and that he was already recognized as a Meditation Master while only a young teen. But he also has an insatiable curiosity and interest in Western studies in neurology, psychology, and philosophy, and he tries to synthesize what he learns with what he knows from his Buddhist tradition.
The first part of the book is an explanation (perhaps oversimplified) of what the West knows about the brain and the elusive "mind" and how it related to meditation. The second part of the book is about meditation and the techniques used. And the final is kind of "over to you" to the reader, encouraging her/him to engage in meditation, either formally and informally, and watch the transformation in her.him and the society around.
This may not sound like much, but the text reads almost like the transcription of pod-casts. It is informal, colloquial, and especially, funny. Not knee-slapping funny, but the kind of smile-giggle I associate with HH the Dalai Lama.
Spoiler alert: After reading and mulling it over, I believe that one can conclude that Rinpoche is saying that in the end meditation might be anything you want it to be, so long as it is done consistantly and with compassion. (less)
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Heather
Jun 10, 2010Heather rated it really liked it
I thought this book was very insightful and so helpful to open my eyes to the power of meditation. It is not a book about becoming a Buddhist, but more a book of how the human brain responds to meditation. If you're interested in how Buddhism and Western Neurobiology mirror each other, this is a great reference. I loved that it wasn't just about Buddhism and meditation, but he included his experiences working with the Univ of Wisconsin in the brain imaging department and how they were able to observe his brain during meditation and saw a 700 percent increase in certain brain centers. It was fascinating to see modern science prove something that Buddhists have been doing for thousands of years.
From the book jacket: "A beautiful tapestry of Buddhist insight woven together with modern science, this book is a landmark in the development of a contemplative neuroscience. Written by a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master with a deep and abiding interest in science, this book is a must read for anyone interested in the causes and consequences of happiness." --Richard J. Davidson, William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Director, W.M. Keck Laboratory for Functional Brain Imaging and Behavior, Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience, Wisconsin Center for Affective Science, and Center for Mind-Body Interaction, University of Wisconsin-Madison (less)
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Sarah Anne Grossman
Dec 23, 2011Sarah Anne Grossman rated it did not like it
This book was too many feel-good things at once. Pseudo-science meets religion justified by populist self-improving individualist crap equates to boring-ass writing. It took too long to read simply because it was so detestably practical I couldn't get myself to move through it. I don't care if he's a Rinpoche - he's catering to the all-consuming self-absorbed yuppy who would freak if you put milk in his/her latte but probably run you over with his/her Prius if you were jay-walking. He cited literature that was actually notably Buddhist (Words of My Perfect Teacher) and relatively known in psychiatry (A General Theory of Love) and many scientific studies but the writing felt like a watered down syndicate. I couldn't trust anything I read I felt like I had to double-check all of his notes. (less)
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Barbara
Jan 30, 2017Barbara rated it liked it
Some interesting parables here and good meditation techniques. I also enjoyed the author's references to Western science and research on meditation. Overall, though, not a lot of new material for me. Well written and engaging.
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Michael
Aug 17, 2009Michael rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2000s, philosophy
This book does several nifty things. First, it shows how concepts from Buddhism and contemporary scientific studies agree with each other. Then, it discusses some studies on people in meditation. It turns out that meditation, when done by people who have done it for a long time and are good at it, makes people incredibly happy and peaceful. (This isn't big news, but it's cool to hear how science has proven this.)
Then, the book discusses meditation techniques with a level of detail and clarity that is unsurpassed in...well, in the five or six books on meditation that I've read. I'd never been given permission to meditate for two or three minutes before; I was always under the impression that meditation needed to be a half hour or so in order for it to be valid. According to Yongey, that's not true.
The Joy of Living is a quick, easy to read book that's highly informative. If the subject matter interests you, I'd recommend it. (less)
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Krys
Apr 15, 2009Krys rated it it was amazing
I spent 2008 studying joyfulness as a practice and a discipline (like practicing the violin, only quieter). This was one of the most instructive, useful, practical, and successful books I found. Yongey Mingyur grew up in an environment that intersected Tibetan Buddhist meditation training and research into how the brain works, so he presents information about the theory and practice of joyfulness from a universal perspective.
The key to joyfulness, like anything else, is practice. This is a great book for learning how to do it. (less)
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Larry James
Jan 03, 2013Larry James rated it it was amazing
Read this book casually, quietly and you will walk away with the clearest ideas about what makes you happy and how to practice happiness. It's really that simple.
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Jess
Mar 27, 2013Jess rated it it was amazing
Recommends it for: Megan
I was surprised by how much this book floored me. I hadn't thought of the intersections between Buddhism and scientific discoveries, but he made me see it. And he demystified a lot of what I find hard about meditating. The idea of meditating in shorter bursts; the notion of just relaxing your mind (instead of straining for focus); the making contemporary of ancient teachings - all of it made Buddhist teachings and meditation practice more vivid for me. And I needed to read it. I think this is one of those rare books I will dip into again and again for something new or rediscovered. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn about Buddhist teachings or meditation practice. (less)
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Tina Carstensen
May 25, 2012Tina Carstensen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This has been the most meaningful book I've read so far on Buddhism. There were a few times when tries at humor didn't work of rme, but they were so sweet in their intention I almost blushed. Other than that it was just what I needed. Just enough over my head to make me want to read it again in a year or so and I'll read more by this author.
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Charissa
Sep 14, 2009Charissa rated it really liked it
Shelves: spiritual
There are parts of this book that are a bit complex, but overall it reads like mentoring from a friend. The author puts a lot of importance into being mindful, "living in the now", and compassion toward all living things.
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Alejandra Cardenas
Dec 02, 2015Alejandra Cardenas rated it it was amazing
This book opened my mind to the possibility of living in happiness. It is the perfect starter book for beginners who are exploring buddhism and mindfulness, explained in a way that we occidentals can understand and relate to.
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Velika
Oct 20, 2017Velika rated it did not like it
Took me forever to finish this book...almost a year. I just couldn't get into it, and his voice was very difficult for me to pay attention to. My mind would wander while reading this. Guess I missed the point of the book. :(
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Adrien Treuille
Mar 26, 2018Adrien Treuille rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Looking for detailed meditation instructions? This book provides the best I've seen. Confused about the multitude techniques? This book provides an enlightening taxonomy.
I just wish the author didn't into magical claims -- flying, telepathy -- at the end of the book!
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Kevin Quirk
Jan 11, 2011Kevin Quirk rated it really liked it
Very interesting and spiritually uplifting book. Does a great job uniting Eastern philosophy with principles of psychology and mental health. Can get a bit repetitive towards the end but great ideas.
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Laserone
Mar 30, 2014Laserone rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 00finishedㅡㅡread-every-word
I wrote this before, where did it go? This book is a keeper. I'm either going to re-read it right away for purchase a copy. (I borrow ebooks from the library).
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Daniel Lee
Jun 30, 2019Daniel Lee rated it it was amazing
introduction
laughing at yourself is essential
p1-the ground
all sentient beings, possess the primary cause for enlightment
c1-the journey begins
after start, begin recognize something didn't notice before,
bacome more "distracted"
4 schools of tibet buda
see the author of your thought
c2-the inner symphony
body/speech/mind
3 parts of brain work together, though no conductor found
observing thought stream frame by frame, self appears
confusion is the beginning of understanding
c3-beyond the mind beyond the brain
natural mind or buddha nature
in natural mind there's natural peace
when out of words, in the progress
all homesick for our true nature
just observe the thought is meditation
c4-emptiness the reality beyond reality
emptiness as unlimited potential for anything to appear and
disappear
don't confuse emptiness with nothingness
there's emptiness, then there's phenomenon
let the thought move freely
theory and practice as two wings of buhdda
c5-the relativity of perception
dissolve subject and object, distinction as conceptual,
whatever you experiences is not seperate from the mind that
experiences it
mental habits shape thoughts
eon is instant, instant is eon
infinite possibility
nothing ever lasts, absorb thoughts' passage as univers'
infinite possibilities
c6-the gift of clarity
emptiness is inseperable with awareness
aware all thoughts exhausting/observe all agitation/total
blank
essence as let go all illusions you cherish
c7-compassion survival of the kindest
biology base for compassion
satient beings long for happiness
c8-why are we unhappy
conditional factor, how we response
ignorance/attachment/aversion inhibit us to see through
just rest your mind, you'll be free
p2-the path
c9-finding your balance
try best without focusing too much on results
bare awareness let go of others
the physical posture
the mental posture-intention to meditate, is enough
c10-simply resting the first step
analytical as advance looking at mind/nonanalytical as resting
first many times a day
c11-next steps resting on objects
observe perceptions in meditation way, to receive nondefensive
to respond with integrity
meditating on physical sensations
focusing on breadth is helpful to distress and distraction
c12-workingwith thoughts and feelings
oops wonderful
meditation as watching movie
deal unpleasant thought, observe and relax
when Posi, on object and emo/when neg, on emo only observe
c13-compassion opening the heart of the mind
all beings want joy and freedom
3 levels compassion-self and close/all beings/bodhictta
absolute bod-all already enlightened/relative-disire all free
of sufferring
compassion toward oneself
begin using yourself as object of your meditative focus,
how fortunate to have body and mind, each practice no
more than several minutes
then extend this thought to all beings, all desire happy,
but at first imagine them being in pain, or from me free
of pain to others free of pain
practicing compa meditation like charging battery
next imagine "bad" people do bad to you, if they mean hurt?
or imagine someone hurt and you know why, build compassi
compassion towards all beings
first imagine all happy others want, then extend to all
ex\inhale to suck all suffering and spread happiness
bodhicitta
crocodile lose too much, worth compassion
c14-the how when and where of practice
find what's best for you
switch between object and objectless meditation
best to practice in morning/short period, many times
dedicating merit:Gewa di yee che wo kun/Sanam ye shay tsok
dsok nay/S6nam ye shay lay jung wa/Tampa ku nyee top par
shok.
anytime, anywhere do informal practice
practice is to produce calmness, clarity, confidence, peace
p3-the fruit
c15-problems and possibilities
wonderful exp as bliss clarity nonconceptuality
join the awareness of distraction as practice
let go of attempt of artificial calmness: rest on regret/
focus on present thought
rivers of flow-next phase, enjoy the gaps between thoughts
lakes-next pha-the lotus metaphor
experience against realization-sky as background glaze
clouds-forgo bliss, clarity, nonconceptualization exps
stop medita when experience 3 exps
c16-an inside job
permanant happiness comes from treatment of underlying cause
of suffering
compassion towards whole brain function
c17-the biology of happiness
whatever is the cause than binds is the path that liberates
c18-moving on
intention is the karma of your mind (less)--
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Gopi Krishnan
Apr 15, 2019Gopi Krishnan rated it it was amazing
It could be one of the most important books that I read in the last few years, but that said, is it for everyone? Probably not. While towards the end, the pace flagged due to constant reiteration of more or less the same points around meditation practices, Rinpoche has done a great job in simplifying the essence of Buddhism for a larger set of people. He has also shown curiosity to blend and fold in scientific discoveries into the realm of Buddhist thought. Like every self-help book, the challenge for the reader is in execution, but he does take the stress (especially negative self-talk) that comes out of strict definitions of meditation and one's inability to stay true to it.
What is the essence of the book? All sentient beings are looking for the same thing, something to reduce their suffering and increase their happiness. This view helps in cultivating empathy.
Why do they suffer? - due to ignorance, attachment and aversion - a constant duality between self and the other, some excellent points on causality of whatever bothers you.
What can you do to get out of the duality, feel the oneness with the world and reduce your suffering - meditation, of which several techniques - non-object as well as object (including sound, sight, touch etc.) are explained in detail.
For more, head over to the entire book. I personally felt that it would require a certain mindset to relate to the book, so it's definitely not for all. Give it a shot, you may just re-discover who "you" are completely. I'm going to keep this one at a handy place to occasionally browse through the underlined passages (yes, this was the first one I actually underlined in years!).
PS: Is there something I didn't appreciate? Yes, I was troubled by what I felt was a latent misogyny throughout of the priesthood. It is not the overt oppression of say ISIS, but more of the "that's-the-way-things-are" mode. All masters/gurus/teachers referenced in good detail and with a lot of reverence all through happen to be male. The 1-2 references to his mom are on the point of unconditional love than any spiritual learning. So if I ever get to meet Rinpoche, as the dad of two girls who I am happy to say speak their minds and consider themselves as capable as any boys, this is something I would ask him to address and transform within the Buddhist monk community. (less)
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Jade Wright
Feb 07, 2015Jade Wright rated it it was ok
While this book is filled with insightful messages and spiritual quotes, it wasn't what I expected it to be. I was ready to to learn a deep understanding for meditation and half way through I didn't feel like I'd gained a whole lot besides a few spiritual quotes. The stories accompanied to serious life lessons were silly - such as a guy growing horns from meditating and then making the horns disappear by meditating further... or the guy who was so convinced he could fly from meditation that he fell from the top of his cave and broke his leg. Really?? Perhaps the second situation could have happened but how stupid can you be???
Furthermore, I knew this book would be very related to science when I picked it up so I cannot fault that, but I was expecting more spirituality. I guess I'm disappointed and it's hard to put into words why. I can appreciate that science and Buddhism is so closely related - but there was something missing in it for me. I'd have appreciated more meditation exercises definitely and to be very honest I did find it quite repetitive a lot of the time.
I did enjoy that this book is definitely suitable for beginners of meditation as it really makes you feel OK if you aren't getting the hang of it right off the bat or if you cannot religiously dedicate yourself to it for a set amount of time a day. It was definitely an informative read and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche definitely knows what he is talking about which is impressive - his personal story I also found very impressive and it is what intrigued me and made me want to continue the book.
I wish I could have given this book more stars because I am impressed with this monk / author and all of his knowledge and wisdom on both Buddhism and Neuroscience but sadly I just don't think I took enough away from this book.
(less)
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Mohammad Ali Abedi
Sep 30, 2018Mohammad Ali Abedi rated it it was amazing
“May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. May all sentient beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. May all sentient beings have joy and the causes of joy. May all sentient beings remain in great equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.”
This is the best meditation book I have read. Maybe it’s because it’s by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, who seems like a pretty neat guy. Usually, we are exposed to books about meditation either by western authors who basically turn everything into a neat, little commoditized packages, ready to be consumed by clients, or it is by eastern gurus that are fake and just are trying to sell their wares to a western community.
I’m not saying Yongey is definitely not like that, but there does seem to be a sincerity in this book, which is basically a transcription of his talk to the actual author, so it’s like he is sitting behind a desk and writing a book. Also, the fact that Yongey in 2011 (a few years after this book) suddenly leaves his monastery and everything he has behind, and lives four years as a wandering yogi, makes me like him more.
This book is split into two parts. In the first part, he becomes scientific and tries to explain the scientific reasoning why meditation works. I like his approach, because even though he is like a super monk, he apparently seems to really like science, so he has educated himself in it, and tries to explain his practices wrapped in a scientific cloth to us.
The second part gets to the actual ways to practice, which was slightly more detailed than the usual podcasts and western books I read, which I liked. Nothing too ritual and complicated, but generally the importance of sitting and the different meditation techniques. (less)
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Sophie
May 08, 2011Sophie rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction, buddhism, meditation
The Joy of Living is a book on meditation that explains how it can help you achieve happiness and also why it works, according to modern science. The combination of Buddhist wisdom and science is very interesting, and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche does a great job explaining both aspects in simple terms for laypersons.
While the first part of the book is more concerned with the whys and wherefores, the second part contains lots of different examples of meditation practices, some of which build on others. The third part deals with the possible results of the practice, as well as with possible problems one may encounter.
This was a joy to read and very helpful. The different anecdotes from the author's own life and from the people he has met are wonderful examples that not only illustrate the point he is trying to make, they often also make you either laugh or think or both. (less)
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Chris Etheridge
Jan 27, 2014Chris Etheridge rated it it was amazing
For anyone wishing to better their life both mentally and physically, this is a must-read book. For anyone who wants to learn meditation and understand more about it, this is a must-read book. As someone who has recently discovered meditation and has been meditating for a few months I can confirm that it indeed does work. This book covers the very basics from the origination of Buddhism, what meditation is (how it works and how to meditate) to even scientific proof of its benefits to the mind and body. Increased inner and outer joy, less stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, even increased immunity and fertility to name a few. I can see myself reading this book again once or twice a year. It's a short book and a very easy read. (less)
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Marc Mannheimer
Nov 02, 2018Marc Mannheimer rated it really liked it
The lama tries to combine science of the brain with instructions for meditation, and the result is so-so. It was good to read something of this nature by someone with a strong knowledge of meditation skills -- enough writers have attempted who were more schooled in science. The background in neuroscience was necessary for what he was trying to do, but somehow it felt like the two portions of the book did not link up. While the portion about physics was also interesting, it was pretty superfluous. (less)
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Linda Kenny
Jun 18, 2019Linda Kenny rated it it was amazing
I met Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche at a day long workshop that was held at the University of Minnesota. This was a while ago now. I was impressed by his teachings, bought this book, but never picked it up until now. The “Joy of Living” is not just a how-to-meditate book but a primer on the mind through the eyes of a Buddhist teacher but also through science. It isn’t until Chapter 10 that he describes the first steps of meditation. The goal is to unlock the secret of happiness and compassion. Who would not want that in their life? (less)
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Liz Nies
Jun 11, 2017Liz Nies rated it really liked it
Shelves: science
An inspiring, uplifting, and exceptionally hopeful book. By combining the practical knowledge of Buddhism with the objective reasoning offered by contemporary science, The Joy of Living provides a clear and powerfully persuasive argument for how meditation can completely transform our lives. The instructions offered by Yongey Mingyur are easy to understand and the benefits touted have left me convinced that meditation can be a path to enduring peace and happiness.
