Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Harmony (2008), Edition: Reprint, 272 pages
Description
Buddhists have enjoyed the benefits of meditation for millennia. Here, renowned Buddhist teacher Yongey Mingyur invites us to join him in unlocking the secrets behind this practice. Working with neuroscientists at the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, Yongey Mingyur provides 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 scientifically based interpretation of the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality. Yongey Mingyur weaves together the principles of Tibetan Buddhism, neuroscience, and quantum physics in a way that will 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.--From publisher description.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member ShiraC
The author (sorry, I'm not sure how to properly address him) is a Tibetan Buddhist monk and recognized spiritual leader. Some of his father's students were Western scientists, and the author eventually made his way here, where he participated in some of the experiments on the neuroscience of
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Buddhist practice. His sections of scientific speculation are only so-so, but the parts of the book where he explains basic practice are the best I've seen. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a no-nonsense approach to learning to meditate and practice metta. Show Less
LibraryThing member motjebben
A masterpiece!
No other introduction to the Buddhist science-of-mind and associated practice of meditation has been so gentle and "forgiving" as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche's "The Joy of Living."
Mind you, I am NOT saying that Buddhists are not forgiving, I am saying that we, ourselves, are often
It is also refreshing to know that one CAN be mindful even when one "loses focus", as long as one is aware of losing focus. This helps one feel successful, even when one is grappling with the "monkey-mind" and even daily interactions of a busy existence.
Though Rinpoche (addressing him by his honorific title) explains that it is impossible (and counterproductive during meditation) to conceptualize regarding Buddhist science of mind, he does a wonderful job of putting the ideas and philosophy into terms that Westerners can make sense of. Coupling that with Western scientific ideas as he does, one gains a direct recipe for attaining happiness.
It is difficult for me to paraphrase or cull the ideas presented in this book, but I can vouch for their resonance with recent discoveries and theories of prominent neuroscientists. (Read "The Mindful Brain" by Dan Siegel, M.D. for an overview and excellent references.)
I will use this book as a guide for my own practice.
Note that the Buddhist "science-of-mind" or "philosophy", as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche describes it here is NON-sectarian, non-religious, and can be applied by anyone and everyone. I recommend this book highly!
No other introduction to the Buddhist science-of-mind and associated practice of meditation has been so gentle and "forgiving" as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche's "The Joy of Living."
Mind you, I am NOT saying that Buddhists are not forgiving, I am saying that we, ourselves, are often
Show More
unforgiving of ourselves when practicing meditation for the first time. This book helps the beginner get past one's own unforgiving nature which seems to be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to continuing practice.It is also refreshing to know that one CAN be mindful even when one "loses focus", as long as one is aware of losing focus. This helps one feel successful, even when one is grappling with the "monkey-mind" and even daily interactions of a busy existence.
Though Rinpoche (addressing him by his honorific title) explains that it is impossible (and counterproductive during meditation) to conceptualize regarding Buddhist science of mind, he does a wonderful job of putting the ideas and philosophy into terms that Westerners can make sense of. Coupling that with Western scientific ideas as he does, one gains a direct recipe for attaining happiness.
It is difficult for me to paraphrase or cull the ideas presented in this book, but I can vouch for their resonance with recent discoveries and theories of prominent neuroscientists. (Read "The Mindful Brain" by Dan Siegel, M.D. for an overview and excellent references.)
I will use this book as a guide for my own practice.
Note that the Buddhist "science-of-mind" or "philosophy", as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche describes it here is NON-sectarian, non-religious, and can be applied by anyone and everyone. I recommend this book highly!
Show Less
LibraryThing member kerowackie
A Gen X Buddhist monk who's hip (or whatever the Xer word for that is) to science tells us how to meditate and shows scientifically, why we should meditate. The evidence is that rigorous and disciplined meditation can actually change the brain. Change your mind, change your life. This kid's got it
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going on and likely has a bright and productive future ahead. Proof of reincarnation? Show Less
LibraryThing member MsPaquet
A friend recommended this book to me and it was recommended so that I could learn to calm my mind and live with everyday stresses and it is an amazing book to help with that; I love the way it is written and the humor with which he writes and gently chides us to listen to ourselves and believe that
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we can become what we want to become with just a little effort; I recommend this to anyone who is wanting to rest their mind and live fully in the here and now. Show Less
LibraryThing member sumariotter
this was the right book at the right time for me. Rinpoche is both a Buddhist monk and a scientific thinker who has talked and worked with many scientists. I enjoyed very much the synthesis of ideas and the many meditation techniques shared. It's a simple book but it's given me a lot to think
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about. I've always been Buddhist in philosophy but I think this is the book that will push me into actual practice. Show Less
LibraryThing member jmoncton
I just finished Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. A great book for the New Year. This book combines meditation practice with some scientific backround on how different parts of the brain and the rest of your body are impacted by meditation. I enjoyed the humor and lightheartedness of the
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author - definitely someone I would like to learn more about. And a wonderful narration by Campbell Scott! Show Less
LibraryThing member m.belljackson
This book would have had more JOY without all the interfering Science and repetition and Dr. Davidson's experiments.
Meditations which finally came at the end were welcome.
Meditations which finally came at the end were welcome.
LibraryThing member erwinkennythomas
The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret & Science of Happiness by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is fascinating. One must be familiar with the tenets of Buddhism to grasp its fullest meanings and benefits. Much of Mingyur’s discussion was focused on understanding how the mind works. As a world-renowned
Underlying his framework, this monk taught his followers the correct ways to meditate. His teachings were based on Buddha’s philosophy, and years of personal experiences. He stressed “object” and “objectless” meditation. How to quiet one’s mind, and observe the thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and images that arise. Mention was made of an individual’s correct posture, and what it means to experience “emptiness” that doesn’t mean void.
The pictures in our head are unreal. They appear mainly through five senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. The sixth sense proprioceptive sensations are considered a mystery, for people are largely unaware of them. Mingyur stressed that many tend to rely more on a particular sense when they meditate. But regardless, his advice was to take things slowly, and be patient. He wrote that because of individual differences people tend to progress at different rates. The key was to start meditation with brief moments throughout the day, and gradually build up. Its benefits will nurture better health, peace of mind, a greater understanding of sentient beings, lovingkindness, and more compassionate living.
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Buddhist, he was able to bring to bear his Tibetan background, and that of the neurosciences practiced at some American universities. Underlying his framework, this monk taught his followers the correct ways to meditate. His teachings were based on Buddha’s philosophy, and years of personal experiences. He stressed “object” and “objectless” meditation. How to quiet one’s mind, and observe the thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and images that arise. Mention was made of an individual’s correct posture, and what it means to experience “emptiness” that doesn’t mean void.
The pictures in our head are unreal. They appear mainly through five senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. The sixth sense proprioceptive sensations are considered a mystery, for people are largely unaware of them. Mingyur stressed that many tend to rely more on a particular sense when they meditate. But regardless, his advice was to take things slowly, and be patient. He wrote that because of individual differences people tend to progress at different rates. The key was to start meditation with brief moments throughout the day, and gradually build up. Its benefits will nurture better health, peace of mind, a greater understanding of sentient beings, lovingkindness, and more compassionate living.
Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
272 p.; 5.18 inches
ISBN
0307347311 / 9780307347312