Understanding the Mind is Key to Training the Mind
We can achieve lasting emotional happiness if we learn to train our minds. The Misleading Mind helps us to understand what the definition of mind is and gives us tools for training it.
What People Say
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and Life Changing Book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2014
What I liked most about The Misleading Mind is how Mr. Cayton distilled Buddhist psychology into practical language. The book is helpful for anyone who wants to better understand why they are unhappy and how to identify with how to change their thoughts for a more fulfilling life. I have read many "self help" books that profess to "change" you life; none of these books do so for many reasons. I believe that The Misleading Mind delivers a real life, practical roadmap for understanding your emotions and how to effectively deal with them. This book really can bring awareness and change to your life-provided that you are willing to practice and make the positive changes.
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect fusion of Buddhist philosophy and western therapy
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2013
After a lifetime reading and trying to practice Buddhist teachings with limited success, I read Karuna Cayton's enlightening book. What a breakthrough! There is nothing strikingly new here, but for some reason the ideas and techniques he presents struck a very responsive chord and opened up a new chapter in my life. Perhaps it was because I have been living in Nepal where the author first started his own spiritual quest.
I cannot praise this book highly enough - I hope that it brings others as much understanding and relief as it has brought me. I'm rereading it now and plan to use it as a spiritual guide for many years to come.
5.0 out of 5 stars Are you curious about your mind?
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2013
Amazing to find an author that sets such a coherent structure, fully anchored in the buddhist philosophy but still in such simple language, on how to use the various tools of mind training in everyday life. Karuna's book gives so many techniques to not just calm the mind but also transform the mind to seeing every situation in a constructive light. It provides so many ways in which it is possible to continue practising the buddhist teachings even off the cushion. It has opened up a world of possibilities in my mind, making me more curious to investigate and understand the workings of my own mind rather than feel fear and apprehension. The techniques are not a feel-good-balm but open the door for a much deeper transformation of the mind towards genuine happiness. I highly recommend this book to buddhists and non-buddhists alike.
5.0 out of 5 stars Higher Level Thinking
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2015
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A great "intro to Buddhist thought," The Misleading Mind not only offers a wonderful synthesis of the way Buddhist philosophy understands the human mind, but it also introduces exercises to help the reader practice what they're reading--and all without demanding a certain religious view or outlook. We start from the fundamental understandings, and slowly build on those basic tenets to develop a sophisticated way of operating that I've found extremely beneficial. A strongly recommended read for anyone seeking self-awareness--in solving business problems or personal issue.
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical inroad to mind training
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
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Karuna Clayton has written a very accessible book for Westerners to begin to understand the Buddhist mind training practices and how to bring them to bear on one's afflictive emotions and mental traps. One of the best practical Buddhist guides I've read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2016
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Great book. I liked the simple subjects that were gone over with character. I liked the hint of deep Tibetan Psychology mentioned. I liked the story. The author comes alive as interesting guy in a subtle way.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best written books in this category
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2015
One of the best written books in this category! Easier to understand... clear plain English....many useful ideas in this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars More than just self-help
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2014
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From a Buddhist perspective, the author offers a misleadingly simple approach to problem-solving, in that problems don't really exist until we make them. And I say that it's misleadingly simple because of how we have been wired to think and feel towards ourselves and others and how individualism is nowadays considered the path to success. And it's causing us no end of trouble.
In a nutshell, this book teaches you to not be so self-centered but rather self-assuming and self-aware, to think outside of yourself and to deconstruct your thoughts and emotions when you are caught up in any disturbing emotion. Other people will never stop giving us trouble but we always have the choice to respond and react. Most often than not, we make things worse by getting angry or distressed or frustrated.
It's an eye-opener and, if you've ever had the chance to really look into yourself and realize that you feel uncomfortable with any of your reactions, then you're one step ahead of a lot of people.
Two words stuck with me the most: informed awareness. Ignorance has never been bliss