A book for those who want to understand Buddhist psychology without mysticism and complicated terms. Especially useful for:
- mindfulness practitioners who get confused by Buddhist concepts;
- Western readers for whom “mind” is simply a function of the brain;
- anyone lost among hundreds of Buddhist texts who is looking for a clear explanation.
What is this book about?
Part 1: Fundamentals
- How does the Buddhist understanding of the mind differ from the Western one?
- Key concepts: “clear mind,” “the knowing aspect of consciousness.”
- Why it’s often easier to discuss this in English than in Russian.
Part 2: How the mind works
- Primary consciousnesses and mental factors.
- Which mental states lead to suffering and which lead to happiness.
- The connection between useful and destructive mental states.
Part 3: Practice
- Techniques for bringing the mind out of discomfort.
- How to develop beneficial mental factors.
- “Three zones of obscuration”: aversion, attachment, and ignorance.
- Methods for working with kleshas (destructive emotions).
- The practice of rejoicing and other tools.
Why read it?
✔ The author is a Tibetan monk and an experienced translator who knows how to explain complex things simply.
✔ No water—only key concepts + practical techniques.
✔ Takes into account features of Western thinking.
This is a clear guide to Buddhist psychology—from theory to practical tools for everyday life.