Mindfulness and Conative Intelligence

A guide to consciously managing desires at the intersection of Buddhism and neuroscience

A Tibetan monk and modern researcher Lobsang Tenpa offers a revolutionary perspective on the nature of human desires. Based on:

- Buddhist psychology,

- research by neurophysiologists (Paul Ekman, Alan Wallace),

- the concept of conative intelligence (the ability to consciously shape aspirations),

he shows how to go beyond “programming” formed by childhood and gain true freedom of choice.

Key topics:

? How desires are born—unconscious mechanisms vs. conscious intentions.

? Conative rationality—the skill of separating “healthy” goals from destructive ones.

? The 4-balances model—an instrument for harmonizing emotions, attention, values, and energy.

? Eudaimonic well-being—happiness through meaningfulness, not momentary pleasures.

Practical benefits:

✔ Learn to recognize which desires lead to growth and which lead to suffering.

✔ Stop being a hostage of automatic reactions and childhood beliefs.

✔ Form conscious life goals that align with your deep values.

Who is it for?

- For those who feel inner discord between “I want” and “I have to.”

- For mindfulness practitioners ready for a deeper study of how the mind works.

- For everyone seeking a scientifically grounded approach to Buddhist psychology.

The book’s highlight: It connects ancient practices with cognitive science data—without esotericism, with clear explanations.

If you’re ready to explore the true motives behind your actions, this book will serve as a map for a journey deep into yourself.