The Relaxed Mind

An esteemed modern Tibetan Buddhist teacher presents a system of meditation instructions designed for achieving relaxation in our stressful, fast-paced world

In the late 1990s, shortly after arriving in the United States, it became clear to Dza Kilung Rinpoche that his Western students responded to traditional meditation instructions differently from his students back in Asia. The Westerners didn't know how to relax—and their pressured, fast-paced lifestyles carried over into meditation. With this in mind, Dza Kilung Rinpoche set out to create a meditation system that could break through the noise of Western life.

The Relaxed Mind contains instructions for the seven-phase practice that he developed for students in the West. It is adapted from traditional instructions to counteract the overwhelming distraction that is becoming a global culture these days, not only in the West. Beginners will find a wealth of useful, easy-to-understand information while more experienced meditators may be surprised to find their practice deepening through letting go of tension.Table of Contents:

Editor's Preface
Introduction
1. Meditation One: Laying the Foundation by Joining Mind and Body
2. Meditation Two: Calm Abiding Meditation
3. Meditation Three: Arriving at Clarity--Refined Basic Sitting Meditation
4. Pause for Reflection I: A Deeper Look into Topics Covered So Far
5. Meditation Four: Insight Meditation
6. Meditation Five: Open Heart-Mind Meditation--Viewing the internal and external more widely
7. Meditation Six: Pure Mind Meditation--Experience as Pure and Enlightened Nature
8: Meditation Seven: Nonconceptual Meditation
9. Pause for Reflection II

Epilogue: A brief review and words of encouragement from Kilung Rinpoche
Glossary
Suggested Reading
About the Author
Acknowledgments"The Relaxed Mind is a treasure on the indispensible stages of Buddhist trainings on the mind. It takes us from the beginning steps on the meditation journey all the way to final realization, the perfection of the enlightened nature of the mind. This book has it all. There is no need to look for other trainings."— Tulku Thondup, author of The Healing Power of Mind and The Heart of Unconditional Love

"Refreshingly clear and simple instructions of the Tibetan path. From beginning meditations to more advanced stages, The Relaxed Mind offers straightforward and wise guidance that is both nourishing and liberating."—Jack Kornfield, author of Bringing Home the Dharma and A Path with Heart

"Kilung Rinpoche elucidates the entire spectrum of meditation practices from the basic to highest level along with many precious insights applicable to everyday life. This book can change your life."—Anam Thubten, author of The Magic of Awareness and No Self, No Problem

"A modern meditation masterpiece. Brilliant, accessible, and humorous, if you follow the instructions of this profound teacher you will indeed relax into your innate wisdom. The best meditation manual I’ve read in years."—Lodro Rinzler, author of Sit Like a Buddha and The Buddha Walks into a BarH.E. DZA KILUNG TULKU JIGME RINPOCHE is head of Kilung Monastery in the Dzachuka region of Kham, Tibet. Since 1999 he has divided his time between Tibet and his U.S. home base in Whidbey Island, Washington, from which he teaches throughout the United States and the world. He also directs the Kilung Foundation, which supports educational, cultural, and humanitarian projects in Tibet.