Eight Verses for Training the Mind

by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, trans. & ed. by Ruth Sonam

How do we free ourselves from the demon of self-concern? These instructions are found in Eight Verses for Training the Mind, one of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as lojong (literally “mind training”). The root text was written by the eleventh-century meditator Langritangpa. His Holiness the Dalai Lama refers to this work as one of the main sources of his own inspiration and includes it in his daily meditations.
“Among the many brilliant texts that Geshe Sonam Rinchen and Ruth Sonam have produced, this one explains in clear terms how to implement the essential practices of compassion, which are so difficult to integrate into one’s daily life. What a treasure!”—Jeffrey Hopkins, author of Cultivating Compassion and Emptiness Yoga

“The Eight Verses for Training the Mind contains the entire essence of the Buddha’s teachings in a distinct form.”—H.H. the Dalai Lama

“I can almost see Geshe Sonam Rinchen’s bright smile and hear his compassionate voice as I read this book. His practical and clear spiritual advice cuts to the core of our problems and shows us the way to resolve them.”—Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners

“Geshe Sonam Rinchen presents the authentic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in this clear explanation of one of its most basic texts. I recommend it highly.”—Alexander Berzin, author of Relating to a Spiritual Teacher

“Will be of great value to meditation practitioners of all traditions.”—Diamond Fire Magazine

“With Ruth Sonam’s clear translations…offer[s] easily accessible commentaries on the teachings suitable for practitioners at all levels.”—The Middle Way

“An essential addition to any personal Buddhist library—an accessible teaching on one of the most important Tibetan spiritual writings, a root text by the eleventh-century meditator, Kadampa Geshe Langritangpa…expertly translated and edited.”—Mandala magazine

“Exceptional!”—Today’s Books

Geshe Sonam Rinchen was born in Tibet in 1933. He studied at Sera Je Monastery and in 1980 received the Lharampa Geshe degree. He teaches Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, India.

Ruth Sonam was born and grew up in Ireland and graduated from Oxford University with an M.A. in Modern Languages. She began studying with Geshe Sonam Rinchen in 1978 and has worked as his interpreter since 1983.

9781559392594, 1559392592 (formerly 1559391650)