English Department Chair Co-Edits Newly Published Book

English Department Chair Paul Gustafson has co-edited the newly published book, The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk’s Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge, by author Khentrul Lodrö T'hayé Rinpoche.

 

“I feel really honored to have participated in this project and to be able to help bring something to people that can benefit them,” said Paul. “The book guides readers on how to develop a compassionate approach to life with the use of Buddhist techniques originally developed in Tibet and India. It’s about how to take negative circumstances that we experience in everyday life and using techniques to meet them with greater insight and compassion. The teachings in this book can help us to get beyond a narrow frame of mind to develop greater understanding and more empathy for ourselves and others."

 

Paul has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism since college and has carried on those practices into adulthood. It was in 2002 when he met Khentrul at a speaking event at the Battell Chapel at Yale University. Paul notes that he felt an affinity right away and Khentrul was a clear thinker who presented his teachings in a lucid manner. Following a talk in 2007 where Khentrul discussed the Seven Points of Mind Training, Paul mentioned that he'd like to help Khentrul write a book because the teachings have value outside of speaking engagements.

 

With approval, Paul compiled audio recordings from all the teachings over the course of three years and worked with half-a-dozen people to transcribe Khentrul's commentary. In collaboration with Khentrul’s translator, Paloma Lopez Landry, the transcripts were edited for organization and clarity, with Paloma working to check the translation from Tibetan and Paul working on the grammar and style. Over the next several years, the team edited and re-edited multiple drafts before connecting with an agent at Shambhala Publication. The book was published in September 2022.

 

Paul noted that Khentrul has “deep knowledge as a monk and a scholar who has spent his life applying these teachings.” But he also emphasized that these teaching are “pragmatic and can be applied by anyone in their daily life.”

 

“I am so pleased with how the book came out,” said Paul. “I’ve been involved with Tibetan Buddhism for the better part of my life, and I always wanted to have a project where I could make a tangible impact that will move into the future. When this opportunity arose, I knew this was going to be something worthwhile.”