"Strengthening, calming, and stabilizing the mind is the essential first step in accomplishing nearly any goal. Growing up American with a Tibetan twist, Sakyong Mipham walks to Westerners as no one can: in idiomatic English with stories and wisdom from American culture and the great Buddhist teachers. Turning the Mind Into an Ally makes it possible for anyone to achieve peace and clarity in their lives.
~~back cover

Very instructive book on how to begin meditating and carrying on until reaching prajna. ( )

A very good, practical book on meditation. It's takes complex ideas and simplifies them so they are more accessible. Definitely a book to reread many times. ( )

I'm sure if I pick this book up again in five or ten years I'll change my opinion of it but I really didn't enjoy this one too much. For me, the author came off a bit snobbish talking about his archery, riding horses, and playing golf -- my impression of him was of a young Siddhartha before leaving the palace. I am confident, however, that he is not a snob and instead a very descent, humble fellow. By the time I had read this book I had read many intro books. So I found a lot of the discussion on dukkha and meditation somewhat of a repeat. I would recommend this as a first, second, or third book to "first-timers" -- but like I said I'm sure I'll change my tune when I go back to revisit it in a couple of years. ( )