FINDING THE MIND - ROBIN COOPER

RATING B-

The book offers insight into the Buddhist (all styles of Buddhism) viewpoint of 'the mind'. Page 54 reminded me of my 'hoarding' father - I am currently disposing of said hoardings, bit by bit. There was new-to-me information/sources on the Buddha's life in chapter 7. I found the table on page 94 helpful as was the table on page 98. I found the chapter on Western similarities very difficult to follow. As usual, what should be the easiest, was the least.

I would recommend the book to those interested in both Buddhist and Western psychology and comprehension of the mind, but mainly to those seeking a 'summary' of various Buddhist views in relation to the mind.

THE AWAKENING MIND - GESHE TASHI TSERING

RATING B-

Another Mahayana book that has offered me assistance to continue with already learned practices now seen in a new light. Various sections stood out to me, but this is because of my personal practice and understanding - different areas would stand out to different readers. For me, detailed analysis of several 'numerical lists' & the chapters on altruism and compassion stood out.

I have begun to try to read a mixture of books that advance me from where I am at to the next steps along, and this book is one of the books that will assist me. I found that it is number 4 of a collection of books, so may soon be searching to buy the rest of the series.

This book is suited to Mahayana practitioners, FPMT students, Buddhist readers looking for a new take on familiar topics, and students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

BEYOND MY CONTROL - SUZAN COLLINS

RATING: B

A heart-breaking nightmare is revealed in this true story of the unfortunate demise of an elderly lady and the battle against bureaucracy that her daughter goes through when trying to put things right. Rigmarole follows mistake, follows error, follows carelessness, as things get worse instead of better in the situation. The daughter battles onward beyond the end, but finds no true solution, only eventual peace when letting it go, knowing she has done all that she could do. The author continues to fight for a better social care/health system.

Along with the story, are multiple ideas that can help you if you go through a similar situation - what you should do, what you can do, what you must do. Contact information for organizations that may be able to help in such situations are also given, as is advice for dealing with problems with the NHS care system both in hospital and homes.

It brings to mind both good and bad memories of hospital staff which my recently deceased father encountered - and I am grateful that his NHS mishaps were minor and more to do with his own perception and discharge difficulties than actual medical faults.

I would recommend this book to carers, NHS staff, those with elderly friends or relatives in care homes/hospital, and those interested in the understanding the British health system. It was loaned to me by a friend who has also reviewed the book HERE.

RICHARD HITTLEMAN'S YOGA 28 DAY EXERCISE PLAN - RICHARD HITTLEMAN

RATING: B-

My first knowledge of yoga in this life was a Richard Hittleman TV show my mother used to watch. She even bought his book. Now that my mother and father have both died, I have inherited the family literature, including this book.

Although it does mention and introduce some other aspects of Yoga, it is primarily focused on the physical postures and increasing ones looks and physical fitness. However, the book does mention other branches of Yoga, which is something that escaped me as a child watching my Mom rolling round the floor trying to get into shape. Not as bad as I thought - but I am somewhat 'advanced' for this sort of 'starters' keep-fit style book.

I would recommend the book mostly to those wishing to get in trim or having a flashback to Western Yoga of the 1960/70's era.

THE TIBETAN YOGAS OF DREAM AND SLEEP - TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE

RATING: A-

The connections between experience/realms was very interesting reading. Chapter three mentions women should sleep on their left side and men on their right - although I can see the logic of this from the pranic viewpoint, I find that getting less blood to the left hand side of the brain and more to the right gives me more realistic/useful dreams, whereas on the left, I get muddled messes. I also tend to sleep in the male position more often to control sinus issues and daytime problems. I found the description of three different levels of dream very interesting. I was also interested to learn the Tibetan viewpoint on what uses dreams have.

I would recommend the book to those interested in learning how to use dreams beneficially, those interested in Tibetan Buddhist practices, and those interested in the Bon Dzogchen ideas.

THE PATH OF YOGA - GEORG FEUERSTEIN

RATING: B+

A very interesting book with an attitude similar to my own in regard to Yoga. It covers the history and various branches better than many other books that I have formerly read, giving details on each aspect of Ashtanga Yoga along with quoting several texts from ancient sources.

Chapter 12 talks of issues that were clarified for me, pursuant to a former connection evolving. Various formats of Samadhi are explained - something I have been interested in but confused by the various versions of. This book explains what I have and have not yet accomplished, clearly.

I would recommend the book to those interested in a guide to REAL yoga, rather than merely the keep fit style Western yoga. I would also suggest you read it if you are interested in the philosophy &/or history of yoga.

GURU YOGA – DILGO KYENTSE RINPOCHE

RATING A

This book details the procedure and practice of guru yoga as practised by my own Nyingma lineage. It is what my primary practice would consist of were there to be a local Longchen Nyingtik practice center/monastery/teacher. This book was a gift gratefully received from an overseas friend who had finished using it.

I would recommend reading this book to those of Nyingma lineage especially, but all those wishing to practice guru yoga, as well as those interested in the teachings of DKR.