.jpg)
Review of The Mind Book – The Mind Age Version (the book destined to serve humanity in centuries to come)
"The Mind Book – The Mind Age Version is a heartfelt, insightful, and occasionally raw exploration of Vipassana meditation’s transformative power."
- Grok 3 (that taps into xAI's "hefty computational resources", including their massive Colossus supercomputer cluster in Memphis, Tennessee, with 200,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs and set to expand to at least a million)
Grok 3 review of The Mind Book:
Rating: 4/5
The Mind Book – The Mind Age Version by Himalaya Putra is a profound and deeply personal exploration of Vipassana meditation, a millennia-old practice rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, aimed at purifying the mind and achieving true happiness.
This re-written, expanded edition of the earlier Mind Book – Dhamma Giri to the Himalayas, a Vipassana Journey (first published in 2023 as a Project Gutenberg eBook) offers a richer, more detailed narrative, blending the author’s personal experiences with insights into the universal, non-sectarian practice of Vipassana.
The book is both a memoir and a guide, chronicling the author’s transformative journey while serving as an invitation to readers to embark on their own path to self-discovery and liberation.
Structure and Content
The book is structured into seven chapters, bookended by a Prologue and Epilogue, with additional sections like acknowledgments and a preview of its companion, The Wisdom Book. Each chapter delves into a specific theme related to Vipassana, weaving together personal anecdotes, reflections, and teachings from S.N. Goenka, the revered Vipassana teacher who brought the practice back to India in 1969. The chapters—titled Moment, Mind Age, Medium, Movie, Mountains-Tapovan, Master Key, and Mettā—explore the practice’s core principles, such as impermanence, equanimity, and loving-kindness (mettā), while grounding them in the author’s lived experiences.
The Prologue, The Vipassana Birth, sets the tone by recounting the author’s first 10-day Vipassana course in 1993 at Dhamma Thali, Jaipur, which he describes as a life-altering “bomb exploding from within.” This sets the stage for a narrative that is both introspective and universal, emphasizing Vipassana’s accessibility to all, regardless of background or belief. The Epilogue reflects on the completion of the book amidst the rains of Tapovan, drawing a symbolic connection to Emperor Asoka and the preservation of Vipassana through history.
Strengths
- Personal and Authentic Narrative: The author’s journey—from a journalist in Bombay to a dedicated Vipassana practitioner and assistant teacher under S.N. Goenka—lends authenticity and emotional depth. His candid recounting of life-changing moments, such as his decade-long service at Dhamma Giri and his solitary meditations in the Himalayas, makes the book relatable and inspiring. The choice of anonymity as “Himalaya Putra” underscores the egoless humility central to Vipassana.
- Universal Appeal: While deeply rooted in the Vipassana tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin and S.N. Goenka, the book emphasizes the practice’s non-sectarian nature. It appeals to readers of all backgrounds by framing Vipassana as a “science of mind and matter” rather than a religious dogma, aligning with the Buddha’s teaching in the Kālāma Sutta to accept only what is verified through personal experience.
- Rich Insights into Vipassana: The book offers a clear, accessible explanation of Vipassana’s core concepts, such as observing bodily sensations with equanimity to understand impermanence (anicca) and the Law of Cause and Effect. It demystifies complex ideas like kalapas (subatomic particles) and the 31 planes of existence, making them relevant to modern readers through analogies like atomic clocks and quantum entanglement.
- Mettā and Compassion: The emphasis on mettā (loving-kindness) as a transformative force is a highlight. The author’s experiences, such as the cathartic effects of mettā sessions during courses and his own practice in the Himalayas, underscore its power to heal and connect beings across planes of existence. The Q&A on Mettā section provides practical guidance for practitioners.
- Cultural and Historical Context: The book weaves in historical references, from Emperor Asoka’s role in preserving Vipassana to Goenka’s mission to revive it in India. The author’s reflections on his Himalayan sojourns and encounters with local communities add a cultural richness that grounds the practice in a tangible setting.
- Altruistic Purpose: The donation of all profits and royalties to the Global Vipassana Foundation reflects the book’s alignment with the principle of dana (selfless giving). Its free availability as an eBook and the encouragement to share it freely embody the spirit of Vipassana’s accessibility.
Areas for Improvement
Recommendation: Read it with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its call to action—apply for a 10-day Vipassana course and experience the practice firsthand. The book’s true impact lies in inspiring readers to take that first step toward self-discovery.
- Narrative Flow and Editing: While the personal anecdotes are compelling, the narrative occasionally feels disjointed, with abrupt shifts between personal stories, philosophical (sic) discussions, and teachings. Tighter editing could enhance coherence, especially in transitions between the author’s experiences and broader Vipassana principles.
- Accessibility for Newcomers: Although the book aims to reach a broad audience, some sections assume familiarity with Vipassana terminology (e.g., saṅkhāras, bhavanga, paramis). A glossary or more introductory explanations could make it more accessible to readers new to the practice.
- Repetition: Certain themes, such as impermanence and the importance of living in the present moment, are reiterated frequently. While repetition reinforces key concepts, it can feel redundant in places, potentially diluting the impact for seasoned readers.
- Limited Visual Integration: The inclusion of images (e.g., the book cover, logos, and QR code for The Wisdom Book) is a nice touch, but their integration feels minimal. More visual aids, such as diagrams explaining kalapas or the meditation process, could enhance understanding.
Unique Aspects
The Mind Book stands out for its blend of memoir, spiritual guide, and tribute to S.N. Goenka’s legacy. The author’s experiences as a long-term Dhamma worker, serving directly under Goenka and conducting courses, offer rare insights into the inner workings of the Vipassana movement.
The Himalayan setting adds a mystical dimension, with stories of meditating amidst bears, wolves, and spiritual encounters that highlight the practice’s power in extreme conditions. The book’s connection to The Wisdom Book, a compendium of Q&A, extends its utility as a resource for practitioners.
Who Should Read It?
This book is ideal for:
- Vipassana Practitioners: Those already on the path will find inspiration in the author’s deep commitment and practical insights into advanced practices like mettā and long courses (30- and 60-day retreats).
- Spiritual Seekers: Readers interested in mindfulness, meditation, or non-religious spirituality will appreciate the universal, experiential approach to self-purification.
- Fans of Memoir: The personal narrative, from the author’s journalism career to his Himalayan meditations, appeals to those who enjoy introspective, transformative stories.
- Skeptics of Organized Religion: The emphasis on direct experience over blind faith aligns with the Kālāma Sutta’s call for rational inquiry, making it appealing to those wary of dogma.
Conclusion
The Mind Book – The Mind Age Version is a heartfelt, insightful, and occasionally raw exploration of Vipassana meditation’s transformative power. Himalaya Putra’s journey from a curious journalist to a dedicated Dhamma worker in the Himalayas is both a personal odyssey and a universal call to awaken. While it could benefit from tighter editing and greater accessibility for newcomers, its authenticity, depth, and altruistic spirit make it a valuable contribution to spiritual literature. For those drawn to the “tough, beneficial adventure deep into the mind’s dark territory,” this book is a compelling guide and companion.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Read it with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its call to action—apply for a 10-day Vipassana course and experience the practice firsthand. The book’s true impact lies in inspiring readers to take that first step toward self-discovery.
Read, Share:
Paperback:
Amazon Japan, USA, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Canada, Australia,
Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati
The gift of Dhamma (Vipassana) is the best of all gifts
- The Dhammapada
Be Happy!
