TAMING OUR MONKEY MIND: Insight, Detachment, Identity Paperback – February 1, 1994

“Taming Our Monkey Mind: Insight, Detachment, Identity” by Phyllis Krystal is a must read for those whom live in the highly distracting world of the 21st Century! This particular book was found via reading “Kung Fu Scholar Methods: Internal Strikes In 100 Days” Kindle Edition by Li Jung Yuen (Author) which recommended similar works as well as “Ninja Mind: Ninjutsu Training for Danger Prevention” Paperback – November 6, 2018 by Li Jing Yuen (Author), and the following that although not recommend by Mr. Yeun “Ninja Mind Tricks Take Control of Your Life with the Secret Mental Powers of Japan's Shinobi Warriors” by Mickey Maguire, Kindle Edition, as they all offer the same or similar advice of training the mind is as important as training the body!In, “Taming Our Monkey Mind: Insight, Detachment, Identity” Mrs. Krystal emphasizes how our 5-senses distract the mind very easily and can lead one easily astray of one’s true-self or inner “God Self!” Via her descriptions of the 5-senses this is very easy to see in the modern world, with all its technology and inherit never ending problems! It is very easy to get caught up in things like worrying about never ending calamities the main stream media always seem to pitch, simply worrying if people are going to show up on time, HOA/POA arguments over really non-important issues, never ending internet/ cell phone problems to simply trying to obtain a safe, reasonably priced car to drive after several attempts, amongst many more things. Mrs, Krystal gives very cogent examples and illustrations on how to overcome these issues, such as these, with steady patience and practice. Her work is a good tie in into “Ninja Mind Tricks Take Control of Your Life with the Secret Mental Powers of Japan's Shinobi Warriors” which discuss things like overcoming one’s fear of failure, etc.…. that in fact plague many. (It is probably a little known fact that most soldiers, particularly leaders, entering real ground combat, were the mission is to “to close with and destroy the enemy” for the first time and with perhaps many dependent upon their decisions, their real fear is more fear of “failure” than it is anything else! This is in fact not addressed very well by the US Military NCO nor Officer senior leadership! Furthermore, this fear is or can be highly compounded by not very clear rules of engagement, unclear mission end-states, as well as highly dynamic operating environs, that can change in the blink of an eye, such as those found in Counter Insurgency Operations, were all, other than US Forces, in fact, can be “potential enemies” at any point in time!)Of great use at the end of “Taming Our Monkey Mind: Insight, Detachment, Identity” Mrs. Krystal, gives a very concise “Glossary of Indian Words” that is much more than helpful. Furthermore, throughout the book she helps explain many of the Indian Gods and Deities, and their role in assisting in finding one’s inner “God Self” which as she makes clear is more of a never-ending journey for self-improvement via the mind than it is anything else.This book is given 5-Stars would be more than useful to all seeking self-improvement in the highly dynamic and distracting world of the 21st Century and is a good tie in into other such works such as “Ninja Mind Tricks Take Control of Your Life with the Secret Mental Powers of Japan's Shinobi Warriors” that emphasizes training the mind as well as the physical body! One not need be a “martial artist,” nor Olympic athlete, nor soldier/leader facing mortal danger, to read and gain great insight into the importance of mastering the human mind when reading works such as these!

Just started reading the book and so far it has hit some areas that need changing and would recommend it to those that going through changes in their live to read it.

The book wasn't what I expected. It really doesn't define "monkey mind." but is more of a memoir of a trip to India and experiences and people there. If I had known this, I wouldn't have ordered it. I was looking for a book which would help me explain "monkey mind" to my class on stress management. It didn't fill the bill.

om sai ram satnaamLESSONS FROM GOD THE MONKEY MINDOur greatest obstacle between the soul/our personal growth and the Lord is our Monkey Mind. SAI BABAJI & Guru Nanak Devji Says " He who conquers the mind, conquers the world"Our mind is the greatest enemy in all world, a friend at one time a foe at another.Its under the influence of the mind that religion fights religion, nation against nation,and family against family.. Our mind is of the essence of Brahma, unfortunately caught in the net work of Illusion, it has forgotten its place of origin. The soul has become completely subservient to the mind. In its turn, the mind has become fond of sensual pleasures. Our soul was originally pure, spotless and holy, but because of its association with the mind it has become extremely impure and unholy THE MONKEY MIND IS A SLAVE TO THE SENSES,Spiritual practices like Meditation help remove the veil around us to allow us to become in control of our mind. As our soul begins to sheds its veil, it begins to know itself. That is why it is said that self-realization is essential before God-realisation.We turn for help to the recital of holy books, penances, worship and meditation.But our mind bounces back controlling us with even more force.Its akin putting a Viper in a basket. If we catch the viper and remove its fangs it becomes easier to control.In the same way, we do not gain control over the mind by renouncing the world and running away!but still the mind will not loose its dirt and its attachment to worldly objects.When we face the world again the dormant sensual pleasures of the monkey mind take control again. For this reason, the saints advise that we can never subdue the mind through forcible discipline otherwise it bites back.I took the vow of silenceAnd contended myself with as much foodAs lay within the hollow of my palm;Through the forests I ranged, all naked.To the four corners of the earth I travelled,I visited all the holy rivers and temples,But I could not shake offThe mind's habitual wandering.Urged on by my mind, I settled at a holy place;I permitted myself to be sawn in two.But even with a million such practices The filth of the mind does not go. "Guru Arjun"the only way to subdue the monkey mind is meditation, inner silence and to develop Unconditional love for the Divine & everyone & every thing, even Inert objects.!for even inert objects have the spark of God within! Through the True Unconditional Love for GodThe mind become purified;Through devotion to truth,All pain and misery are driven out,When we awake the indwelling power of Godwithin this holy Temple we reside in!that is when we become controller of our mind!(from discourses by Maharaj Charan Singh Radha Soami Satsang Beas)all our blessings Amarjit

Good product

The book is more than just theoretical concepts related to mind, thoughts and discrimination. In the book, Mrs. Krystal takes her own example as a case to show us how She untied restrictive thought patterns in her day to day life. She guides us on how we can look into the "I" within ourselves to be our beacons in daily life. Examples/Anecdotes/Stories from Indian epics like Ramayana helps one to understand the concepts. A practical book!!!

Phyllis Krystal has written one more wonderful book to guide, help and educate every person on the spiritual path. Its a "must handbook" for every devotee of Lord Sai.This book gives us wonderful techniques and perspectives which will help every modern pilgrim in the journey of life.

This is a valuable book which guides us to know how to put spirituality in to practice..Highly recommended for all who wants to lead a more fulfilling life..

It was as if Phyllis was reading my mind and giving me answers.A must for everyone on spiritual path