Buddhism with an Attitude: The Tibetan Seven-Point Mind Training Paperback – July 31, 2003

Buddhism with an Attitude is an excellent work about Buddhism for the Western audience. The author is an acknowledged expert and practitioner in the area. It is honest in that it recognizes that many people are materialists nowadays and answers that objection by stating one need not believe all or any of the traditional Buddhist metaphysical teachings to find the mental techniques described in the book useful. Nonetheless, I found some of the assertions that modern science, by confirming some aspects of Buddhist teachings, supports the metaphysical teachings unconvincing. I read over them quickly. The other mild criticism I have is that one of the last chapters (a long one) is not as clearly written as the rest. Otherwise, nothing but roses.

Amazon, this book makes you lose sales. Up to now I I've periodically been buying buddhism books (Dalai Lama, Ricard Matthieu, Lama Yeshe and Allan Wallace). But from now on, having in my hands this wonderful explanation of the seven point mind training, I don't need to look elsewhere. Everything is in this perfectly summarized and practical oriented book.Only a slightly negative view: for me, the author argues a little too warmly against the materialism of many scientists. I bet the majority of readers are not aligned with materialists, so perhaps the discussion could be left for more academic works. And I would add that this looks a bit like an intellectual battle, not completely clean of pride, not thoroughly unaggressive. In this field, I'd prefer Dalai Lama's relaxed attitude of acceptance. But this is a very personal view of mine, probably not shared by the public.To sum up, very brilliant and straightforward book.Sorry, Amazon. Thank you, Allan.

I have read very little on Buddhism and was glad to find this book. It clearly lays out the reasons why enlightenment is its own reward, and provides instruction in this path. If "The Power of Now" is mysticism made simple, then Buddhism wit an Attitude is mysticism made profound. I found it much more engaging and readable than Franklin Merrell-Woff's "The Philosophy of Consciousness Without an Object." The attitude that struck me was one that cuts through so much intellectual elitism in mystical discourse and focuses on the mysticism of the heart--cultivating compassion and service for all sentient beings. An excellent companion to Tolle's writings.

Buddhism with an Attitude, Lojong Practice: Helpful, but somewhat heavy-going commentary on the 59 Sayings of Lojong. In spite of that, applied to modern life.

Realize they are two very different books! If you are looking for something to benefit your practice then "Buddhism with an Attitude" is the way to go. Although repetitive at times, this itself is helpful, and it is written in a more instructional tone. If you feel your practice has fully matured (lucky you) and you are simply interested in a concise, more academic exposition of the seven point mind training, then "The Seven-Point Mind Training" is the one for you. Also, for being more condensed, the "The Seven-Point Mind Training", will be the book you will want to carry around once you are familiar with Lojong practice.

A brilliant and extraordinarily well written book, with a superb commentary making these teachings accessible to mere mortals such as myself. This book served as an excellent companion while listening to the podcast of Alan Wallace's 2013 retreat in Phuket, Thailand, which we are most fortunate to have available online at http://media.sbinstitute.com/courses/fall2013/Many thanks to Alan for the teachings. May all be well.

I must confess I have not read the entire book, the first section called "the preliminaries" is so deep and full of wisdom that I have not gotten past them...it alone is worth the price of the book. I am not a buddhist, but this is deep stuff about how to live and approach conciousness, with the ultimate goal being full awareness. Clearly written, logical, very deep. My highest rec. if you want a spiritual but not dogmatic book, grounded in practical excercises. Contemplative, dynamic, deep.

Read it. You will be glad you did.

I have attended some teaching with Alan Wallace and this book is similarly clear, erudite and throught provoking. I highly recommend it to those interested in Buddhist teachings

I thoroughly enjoyed Wallaces approach to understanding Buddha's teaching. I consider Wallace one of the new more secular Buddhist writers. Well worth the read - and will deepen your practice with pragmatism.

a gift, receiver happy