Eight Verses for Training the Mind

Translated by Ruth Sonam
How do we free ourselves from the demon of self-concern? These instructions are found in Eight Verses for Training the Mind, one of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as lojong (literally "mind training"). The root text was written by the eleventh-century meditator Langritangpa. His Holiness the Dalai Lama refers to this work as one of the main sources of his own inspiration and includes it in his daily meditations.
"Among the many brilliant texts that Geshe Sonam Rinchen and Ruth Sonam have produced, this one explains in clear terms how to implement the essential practices of compassion, which are so difficult to integrate into one's daily life. What a treasure!"—Jeffrey Hopkins, author of Cultivating Compassion and Emptiness Yoga

"Eight Verses for Training the Mind contains the entire essence of the Buddha's teachings in a distinct form."—H.H. the Dalai Lama

"I can almost see Geshe Sonam Rinchen's bright smile and hear his compassionate voice as I read this book. His practical and clear spiritual advice cuts to the core of our problems and shows us the way to resolve them."—Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners

"Geshe Sonam Rinchen presents the authentic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in this clear explanation of one of its most basic texts. I recommend it highly."—Alexander Berzin, author of Relating to a Spiritual Teacher

"An essential addition to any personal Buddhist library. . . . Expertly translated and edited."—Mandala Magazine
Geshe Sonam Rinchen (1933–2013) studied at Sera Je Monastery and in 1980 received the Lharampa Geshe degree. He taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, India, as well as in dharma centers around the world.

About

How do we free ourselves from the demon of self-concern? These instructions are found in Eight Verses for Training the Mind, one of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as lojong (literally "mind training"). The root text was written by the eleventh-century meditator Langritangpa. His Holiness the Dalai Lama refers to this work as one of the main sources of his own inspiration and includes it in his daily meditations.

Reviews

"Among the many brilliant texts that Geshe Sonam Rinchen and Ruth Sonam have produced, this one explains in clear terms how to implement the essential practices of compassion, which are so difficult to integrate into one's daily life. What a treasure!"—Jeffrey Hopkins, author of Cultivating Compassion and Emptiness Yoga

"Eight Verses for Training the Mind contains the entire essence of the Buddha's teachings in a distinct form."—H.H. the Dalai Lama

"I can almost see Geshe Sonam Rinchen's bright smile and hear his compassionate voice as I read this book. His practical and clear spiritual advice cuts to the core of our problems and shows us the way to resolve them."—Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners

"Geshe Sonam Rinchen presents the authentic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in this clear explanation of one of its most basic texts. I recommend it highly."—Alexander Berzin, author of Relating to a Spiritual Teacher

"An essential addition to any personal Buddhist library. . . . Expertly translated and edited."—Mandala Magazine

Author

Geshe Sonam Rinchen (1933–2013) studied at Sera Je Monastery and in 1980 received the Lharampa Geshe degree. He taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, India, as well as in dharma centers around the world.