Turning Confusion into Clarity: A Guide to the Foundation Practices of Tibetan Buddhism

This is a very thought provoking book. You really need a quiet environment to pay attention. So far, I truly like it. I never thought I'd practice meditation, because I can't sit still. It's good to slow down.

The teachings in this book are thorough and easy to understand. As a layman, I cannot imagine ever doing all these exercises. But, this has very much helped me understand what I read so much of in other scriptures / texts. It’s a little long, but comprehensive. I read this while simultaneously reading Longchenpa and this really helped me understand what I was reading there. Definitely recommend. I will say that this author’s style seems very young and fresh. That was not always good for me, but I’m very glad he’s writing.

An amazing Dharma teaching, helping to explain and clarified doubts, in a wonderful way, with self narratives and past Masters events and stories.

Perception defines reality. Learn to control your perceptions (which probably seems impossible to you right now) and you can change how you feel and by extension how you act and react. I use his methods to sleep better at night. I'm more appreciative of all that I have. I find more pleasure in mundane things. I'm less inclined to be angry or in a funk.....and when I do get angry or unhappy it dosen't last as long or go as deep. I have tools now to pull myself out and put the situation in perspective.You CAN have much more control. It's all in how you look at it.

When I first bought the book in 2016, I read the entire book. Quite a lot of it puzzled me, and the advanced practices seemed remote.Now I've read most of it more than once, parts of it many, many times. Rinpoche's explanations become clearer once I've spent time in contemplation. And his discussions are elegantly clear. As an example, his writings on karma cleared the fog for me. Have I entirely grasped it? I wish! But now I have a better framework for my understanding. That is only one example--not a small topic, by any means, but there are numerous other examples that could be discussed. The writings on Buddhist practices, for me, now connect with the philosophy expressed in the first part of the book. When I see the ways in which the practices express the teachings, and how they remind the practictioner of the goals of their actions, I am now able to sense their importance. Although my confusion hasn't by any means cleared, I go back to this book, this palpable gift of compassion, repeatedly. I sure wish I could buy a hardcover edition--my copy's getting pretty rough!

Beings such as Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche shine with the clear light of compassionate wisdom. Every theme explored, every insight shared, is like a light on the actual path where we are right at the time. One thing I particularly love about the Dharma, in its infinite forms, is how its boundless perspectives are pure invitations to see, to clarify, to realize for oneself. The authentic Precious Teachers, like Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, of course share their experiences, but even more, they can be trusted for having attained authentic realization. They have gone beyond confusion, and their realization includes "this side of that"-- they remain in contact with us, and help us see the path that we can tred safely through these mists wherein we live, where alas our realms of experience, from joyful wonders to paralyzing fears, are never quite seen clearly as they are.

1. If you're looking for something to start your spiritual journey, for whatever reasons, I would recommend starting with  The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness .2. If you're interested in Tibetan Buddhism's teachings, I would recommend  Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom .3. This book is for people who want to start practicing Tibetan Buddhism, Ngondro to be precise. Note that you don't have to be religious to do so. I'm an atheist, and even though I don't believe in the supernatural aspects of Buddhism, the teachings of Yongey Mingyur Rinponche, and the time I've spent meditating has made me a better person all around.

I've been reading a lot of books on Buddhism and the enlightened mind. This is among the best.The topic is ngondro practices, essentially the foundation practices for all Tibetan Buddhist schools. But even if you aren't ready for this discipline, t this book is a great introduction not only to the practice, but also, remarkably, your own mind. If you've been studying for a while, it also serves to crystalize concepts that may have been less than clear. It's well written, just as his first two books, but here the prose shines just as the clear mind he describes. If you have access to a copy read the chapter on Karma (around p.112)...

Good read, thank you.

As usual, clear and concise, Mingyur Rinpoche delivers the Buddha's message without reliance on mysticism: everything is substantiated for the Western mind.

Easy to use & very enjoyable book. Mingyur Rinpoche keeps you interested & it’s hard to but this book down or any of his books. Funny at times with simple exercises to enhance your knowledge. Rinpoche is of the Kagyu lineage which I practice

Wonderful advice it was a book that I couldn’t put down. So much advice and tips that are explained in detail.

This rinpoche is awesome, cannot recommend enough