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The Quiet Mind summary
John E. Coleman
The firsthand account of a CIA agent who traveled the Eastern world in search of mindfulness
28 mins
Brief summary
The Quiet Mind by John E. Coleman teaches readers how to quiet their thoughts and better manage stress and anxiety. It offers practical techniques and exercises to ease the mind and improve focus and concentration.
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The Quiet Mind
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In Thailand, Coleman realized that hypnosis and meditation could induce unusual brain states.
Throughout the West, Thailand is known for its dramatic natural beauty. Aside from its landscapes, Thailand is also home to over 16,000 temples and is celebrated for its status as a seat of Buddhist tradition.
In the late 1950s, John E. Coleman was stationed in Bangkok, serving a three-year term as a security advisor to the Thai government. One day, at the invitation of a Thai friend, he attended a meeting of a psychic research group. The experience was a revelation, giving Coleman a taste of the human mind’s potential.
The key message here is: In Thailand, Coleman realized that hypnosis and meditation could induce unusual brain states.
The psychic research meeting took place at a wat, or temple, and the attendees consisted of an obstetrician, an anesthetist, and a psychiatrist, among others. All were interested in the potential similarities between hypnotized brains and brains in meditation.
At the meeting, Coleman witnessed some of the strange effects of hypnotism. In one instance, a young boy was hypnotized and had cotton pads taped over his eyes. He then stood behind a blackboard while someone else wrote random words on it. Incredibly, the boy was then able to redraw exactly the same symbols on his own side of the blackboard.
This experience sparked Coleman’s desire to delve deeper into the subjects of both hypnotism and Buddhism; it seemed to him there was a link between hypnotism and the ancient Buddhist practice of meditation.
One particularly hot and stressful day, Coleman made a social visit to a member of the psychic research group, Dr. Charoon. As many Thais do, Dr. Charoon had completed his professional studies and was now spending a few months as a monk. When Coleman entered the temple where Dr. Charoon was staying, Charoon told him he looked stressed and insisted on hypnotizing him to help him relax.
While Coleman was lying down and in a trance, something strange happened. Unbeknownst to him, his right arm began to rise into the air and then lower itself back down repeatedly.
Dr. Charoon was startled. There was only one other person in the room, a Thai naval officer who was sitting and meditating. Agitated, Dr. Charoon asked the man what was happening. The officer grinned and said that he was mentally suggesting that Coleman raise and lower his arm.
In disbelief, Dr. Charoon asked the officer to perform the trick again. The officer obliged, telepathically commanding Coleman to move various combinations of all of his limbs up and down. Somehow, it worked!
Finally, Dr. Charoon brought Coleman out of his hypnotic state and explained what had happened. Both wondered: What strange power was there in hypnotism and meditation?
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What is The Quiet Mind about?
The Quiet Mind (1971) is the firsthand account of an American intelligence agent who traveled the Eastern world in search of inner peace. Throughout his remarkable life, author John. E. Coleman explored a wide breadth of spiritual paths, from Thai Buddhism to Zen to Quakerism. Ultimately, he found the greatest success with vipassana, a type of meditation he later imparted to his own students.
The Quiet Mind Review
The Quiet Mind (2017) explores the transformative power of cultivating a calm and focused mind in our fast-paced world. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It provides practical exercises and techniques that help us develop a sense of tranquility and mental clarity amidst the chaos of modern life.
- A wealth of personal anecdotes and stories from various individuals offer relatable examples that illustrate the benefits of a quiet mind.
- The book delves into scientific research on mindfulness and meditation, providing a solid foundation for understanding the positive impact these practices can have on our well-being.
Best quote from The Quiet Mind
QUOTE: Dont believe me – look to yourself for the truth. -Jiddu Krishnamurti
—John E. Coleman
Who should read The Quiet Mind?
- The spiritually open-minded
- Those looking to understand the differences among several Eastern philosophies
- Admirers of D. T. Suzuki, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and U Ba Khin
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The Quiet Mind FAQs
What is the main message of The Quiet Mind?
The main message of The Quiet Mind is to find inner peace and tranquility through mindfulness practices.
How long does it take to read The Quiet Mind?
The reading time for The Quiet Mind can vary, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Quiet Mind a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Quiet Mind is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to cultivate a calm and focused mind. It offers practical insights and techniques for achieving mental serenity.
Who is the author of The Quiet Mind?
The author of The Quiet Mind is John E. Coleman.
What to read after The Quiet Mind?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Quiet Mind, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Art of Living by William Hart
- A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare by James Shapiro
- On Having No Head by Douglas Harding
- The Way of Zen by Alan W. Watts
- Buddhism – Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
- Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein
- Managing Up by Melody Wilding
- The Reading Mind by Daniel T. Willingham
- Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas
- Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss