Understanding the Mind: An Explanation of the Nature and Functions of the Mind

This comprehensive explanation, based on Buddha’s teachings and the experiences of accomplished meditators, offers a deep insight into the nature and functions of the mind. The first part describes different types of mind in detail, revealing the depth and profundity of Buddhist understanding of human psychology, and how this can be used to improve our lives. The second part is a practical guide to devbeloping and maintaining a light, positive mind—showing how to recognize and abandon states of mind that harm us, and to replace them with peaceful and beneficial ones. The inspiring discovery we make from this is that we can attain a lasting state of joy, independent of external conditions.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was ordained as a Buddhist monk in Tibet at the age of eight. He is a fully accomplished meditation master, an international teacher, and the author of 20 acclaimed books on Buddhism. He is the founder of more than 1,000 Kadampa Buddhist meditation centers and branches around the world.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was ordained as a Buddhist monk in Tibet at the age of eight.
He is a fully accomplished meditation master, prolific author, and international teacher
who has lived in the West since 1977 and has founded over 1,100 Kadampa Buddhist
meditation centers and groups around the world. His 21 acclaimed books reveal the
entire Buddhist path to enlightenment, including Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra
teachings.