Running with the Mind of Meditation Review - Part 4 - Windhorse

The Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is the leader of Shambhala, a worldwide community of centers to help people enrich their lives either through the Shambhala Buddhist study and training or through hosted courses. He’s written many books and teaches all over the world. He’s now written a book about running and meditation called Running with the Mind of Meditation. This isn’t the first book to combine spiritual elements with athletics endeavors, in this case running; it is the first written by an important worldwide spiritual leader. It’s written with the depth and length of his experience as a spiritual leader, and with many years of running and training including 9 marathon finishes. That combination is what brings the unique flavor of this book.

The book itself is written in six sections: Running with the mind of meditation, Tiger, Lion, Garuda, Dragon, Windhorse. The titles of each section come from the Shambhala tradition and path of warriorship where each section builds on, deepens, and includes previous sections. This review will also be written in several sections to capture the essence of each section and how to enfolds into the next.

Part 1 of this Review is here.
Part 2 of this Review is here.
Part 3 of this Review is here.

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The final section is short with several more anecdotes of Mipham’s running which bring together the rest of the book. I believe this quote provides a good summary: “Through running and meditating, we become better citizens of the world. Our appreciation, discipline, and energy benefit a much wider circle. These qualities are fuel for windhorse, the heart of the final phase of training.” Windhorse brings together the four phases and now engages us to be part of our interconnected and interdependent world.

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Running with the Mind of Meditation is a book which offers its wisdom with every read. You can do back to any chapter any time to rediscover Mipham’s insights and find new meaning in each phase of training. Since most chapters are relatively short, it’s only a few minutes each time you pick up the book and reinspire yourself with Mipham’s words.

Mipham shows his humanity by sharing his experience of running and what it’s meant to him. Even with Mipham’s lineage and deep spiritual training, he shares straightforward, simple, and universal knowledge. Combine the sage advice offered by this book with coaching, other books on running or meditation, and even meditation practice and your running and meditating will blossom with meaning and growth. Both are lifelong activities building depth and character. Don’t forget the consistent themes of the book – balance, gentleness, determination, and progression – they are key to running, meditating, or any other activity you take on. Bring these qualities into your life as Mipham has brought his and you’ll be on a journey worth taking that will overflow into your life!