A collection of introductory reflections on Buddhist philosophy.
Sections are devoted to basic core principles, including: the nature of the mind, the thoughts it produces, the value & importance of breath, freeing & strengthening the mind, how to rest the mind to restore it, methods for developing focus & producing mental energy, principles of the liquid mind, mental authority & its uses, & the importance of pairing happiness with strength.
The guide is divided into 11 sections with 52 pieces; all heavy with analogy & written in prose & rhyme. Explanatory chapters include: basic principles of the mind; analogies for states of mind & the concept of multiple minds; the nature of thought; analogies for types of thought; growing thoughts in the fields of the mind; understanding & controlling breath; the importance of letting things go; techniques for letting things pass; how the mind is like a horse & a potting wheel; the sediment at the depths of the mind; the essence, paradox & flow of focus; using mental authority as a torch to explore; working happiness like a muscle & using circumstance to make the mind stronger.
Includes quotes from the Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh, Hluang Pau Pramote Pamojjo, ee cummings, Steve Jobs, H.W. Longfellow & Lee Xiaolong.
Collected art draws from Bangkok's Thonburi district & Buddha statues at Wat Arun, Wat Prayura Wongsawas, Wat Hong Rattanaram, Wat Rakhang, Wat Molio Kayaram Raja Worawiharn, Wat Taung Nopakuhn, Wat Anongkaram & Wat Phitchaya Yatikaram.
Willy Thorn is a Bangkok-based artist, teacher, journalist & copywriter & a meditation instructor trained thru the renowned Willpower Institute of Wat Dhamma Mongkoln.
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