Mind in Harmony: The Psychology of Buddhist Ethics - Paperback

by Subhuti (Author)

'This is a refreshing approach to the classical Abhidharma material,

relentlessly experiential and eminently practical. It offers a way of engaging

directly with the sophisticated elements of Buddhist psychology that is

immediately accessible... I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to

use Buddhist wisdom to explore and clarify their minds.'

Andrew Olendzki, author of Unlimiting Mind,

senior scholar at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

'It's not our bank balance, looks, social status or popularity that determines

state of mind. Subhuti helps us to identify what's going on in our mind, and

see clearly what's helpful and what will end in tears.'

Vessantara, author of The Breath and A Guide to the Buddhas

What exactly should I be working on in my spiritual life?'

This is the question that Subhuti sets before us, along with what we most

need to answer it for ourselves.

Long before the discoveries of contemporary neuroscience and psychology,

the Buddha gained insight into the nature of mind. In early Buddhism this

profound insight informed the Abhidharma - a 'training manual' to help

us understand and transform our own minds. Subhuti brings this manual

to life, and shows us the ways in which it illuminates our mind's patterns.

Outlining the processes whereby the mind attends to the world,

Subhuti guides us expertly to an appreciation of how mental states arise,

and how to distinguish between skilful mental states and their opposites.

In this way, we are given the means to live a happier and more fruitful

mind in its ultimate harmony.

Front Jacket

This book will interest anyone who is curious to know what Buddhism says about the mind and how to live an ethical life. Readers who fancy taking the plunge into Buddhist psychology will find plenty here to stimulate them, and an accessible introduction to this profound subject. Subhuti shows how such knowledge helps us live a more satisfactory life.

This is also a handbook for those who are seriously interested in the long-established Buddhist system of "mind training," and offers some of the tools needed to construct a system of mind training for oneself. The book is intended for such practically motivated readers, as well as for the curious.

Subhuti has studied and led retreats in Europe, the United States, and India on the Buddhist texts of the Yogacara Abhidharma, the source of this system of mind training. This book represents the crystallization of that teaching experience, sharing insights that help us to carry forward the task of self-transformation.

Author Biography

Subhuti joined the Triratna Buddhist Order in 1973 and has since devoted himself to the practice and teaching of Buddhism. Based in north Wales, he spends part of each year in India, leading retreats and giving lectures. He is the author of The Buddhist Vision, Sangharakshita: A New Voice in the Buddhist Tradition and Buddhism and Friendship.