Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (18)

Outstanding Content
Pema is very funny and personable. She cuts throught it and gets to the point with excellent real world examples. What she gives on this CD is something that you can use everyday. Her discussion on "Shenpa" was worh the price of the CD!

Changing Your Perspective
Don't go into situations with specific expectations or you may end up frustrated and angry.The book helps you learn to roll with the punches.We find ourselves in such a rush and that puts extra pressure on ourselves (and the others around us).
You Don't Have to be Buddhist to Get a Lot From This.
I found myself getting stuck in repetitiousthought patterns even after decades of meditation practice.This audio book is one of the best teachings I've ever heard and can apply to anyone with an open mind who is ready to find thekeys to get unstuck.I speak from my experience and the experience everyone I know who listens, to it.I hear things like "life altering changes"."Getting Unstuck" is awesome. Done with a good sense of humor and lots of down to earth wisdom,Pema Chodron has outdone herself with this one.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Audiobooks    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Buddhism    4. Doctrines    5. Inspiration & Personal Growth    6. Meditation    7. New Age    8. New Age (Self Help)    9. Spiritual life    10. Unabridged Audio - Self Help    11. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Editorial Review

Much like Zen, Pema Chodron's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism takes the form of anontheistic spiritualism. In Read more

Reviews (91)

Only Love can Heal the Soul
When things fall apart it is not the mind that will ultimatley save us but our heart and soul. Our intellect can serve our best interests when it conjures up strategies that align with our hearts. That said, there is a reason why it often takes a tragedy to push someone to reconnect with God and divine inspiration. Not talking about religious addiction ... but rather that miracle of surrendering to the flow and what a more divine plan has in mind. Chodron goes to the "heart" of the matter ... the broken heart that is left in tatters .... where the healing is first and foremost demanded. The cure for the pain lies in the pain ... and in harnessing a greater spiritual force. A must read!

Feeling pretty bad?Read this.
I happened across this book by accident when a lot of things in my life were truly falling apart.Pema Chodron will some day be reknowned as a very significant spiritual leader, if she is not already.She has an amazing way of bringing spiritual truth down to the executional level.You can do these things, and doing them helps - a lot.I can't recommend this highly enough to anyone who is struggling.

Order this book today!
During an extremely difficult time in my life, this book found me.Each time I read it I get something new out of the experience.And I always come away feeling more centered, more grounded, more calm.This book has touched me in such a way that I have given away three copies,in fact I am on Amazon tonight to order a fourth.Andthe Compassion box for myself.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - General    4. New Age (Self Help)    5. Philosophy    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious life    8. Popular psychology    9. Religion / Buddhism   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (1)

Exceptional Teacher
Pema Chodron has a wonderful kind voice.Her teaching on these CD is a gentle introduction to Buddhism for the lay person.I found great solace in her words and her voice.Like the Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron, Pema Chodron's laughter is an expression of pure joy.The genuine joy that I hear in their laughters is proof that Buddhism will help me, and indeed it has helped me.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Buddhism - Tibetan    3. Meditation    4. Religion    5. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    6. Mind, Body, Spirit    7. New Age / Meditation    8. Pop   

Reviews (4)

High quality, sensitive 4.5* -- recommended
A commentary on Shantideva's 8th c. classic from transcripts of Pema's teachings at Gonpo Abbey in Nova Scotia (she's resident teacher), using the Padmakara translation, verbal advice from Trungpa Rinpoche, & Dzigar Kongtrul, & prior commentaries (e.g. the Dalai Lama's "Transcendent Wisdom" & Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's "Meaningful to Behold").The text is a guidebook for compassionate action (i.e. how to be a bodhisattva); the commentary is interspersed with groups of stanzas.The book has a Western orientation & a friendly, down-to-earth tone, making it "accessible even to people who know nothing of Buddhist teachings."Interestingly, Thubten Chodron has written two books bearing titles of two chapters ("Working with Anger" & "Taming the Mind").All three are psychologically astute per Pema's prior works (e.g. "Start Where You Are" addressing lojong mind control).Her commentary is especially helpful both with cryptic passages & in explicating text in terms relevant & understandable to modern, Western readers.I have effectively utilized the section on anger.Pema's advice is practical & relevant: pp. 91-2: "Treat our crippling emotions like drug pushers.If we don't want to stay addicted for life, we have to see that our negative emotions weaken us & cause us harm.It is just as difficult to detox from emotions as it is to recover from heavy drugs or alcohol." p. 165: "Trungpa R. used to say, when something like anger arises, we should regard it as `not me.' Just think of it as a little bug trying to land on you; if your mind remains open & free of bias, the bug has nowhere to light...Anger is not `me,' it's just dynamic energy.If we don't identify with it, that energy remains unfixated & free.If it freezes into `want' & `don't want,' however...it will cause us...to suffer."
No Time to Lose: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva
Buddhism has always struck me as a fine balance between high ideals and common sense. The former gives us something to aim for, whereas the latter delivers practical advice to lead us out of our suffering. In Pema Chodron's latest book, No Time to Lose, the American Buddhist nun provides both by offering her commentary on The Way of the Boddhisattva, an eighth-century Buddhist poem by the upstart monk Shantideva, who presented it to his fellow monks before wandering away from the university.
an invaluable help
Pema Chodron is a great teacher because she always positions herself firmly in place as a learner. This book of hers is no exception, and ends up rewarding both her message and her readers with simplicity, clarity, and profound usefulness. Pema's commentary on Shantideva's mystical poem The Way of the Boddhisattva is measured and fulfilling, and her visceral understanding of the majesty of bodhichitta is alive and free on every page. Leave it to a teacher of this depth and understanding to make an 8th century mystical treatise address with intense awareness the commonplace realities of daily life. There is so much wealth for the serious practictioner contained in this book, it's tough to single out individual segments for praise; but the long middle section on Patience is especially attentive, and often piercing to the point of sublime beauty, and the segments Using Our Intelligence and Taming the Mind are wisdom overflowing. Reading this book, one easily discerns the joy of sitting at the feet of this master at Gampo Abbey and finding oneself whole time and again. "May the blind receive their sight, and the deaf begin to hear ... May the naked now be clothed, and the hungry eat their fill."Thank you, Pema, for revealing to us the path of fearlessness and love. This is food for life. Supreme recommendation, no reservations. And the book has a beautiful little appendix with a study guide that turns out to be one of its most useful attributes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 7th cent    2. 7th cent.    3. Bodhicaryavatara    4. Bodhicaryåavatåara    5. Buddhism    6. Buddhism - General    7. Doctrines    8. Mahayana Buddhism    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Santideva,    12. âSåantideva,    13. Religion / Buddhism    14. Tibetan Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Meditation    3. Religion    4. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy   

Editorial Review

Pema Chödrön may have more good one-liners than a Groucho Marx retrospective, but this nun's stingers go straight to the heart: "The essence of bravery is being without self-deception"; "When we practice generosity, we become intimate with our grasping"; "Difficult people are the greatest teachers." These are the punctuations to specific teachings of fearlessness.In Read more

Reviews (30)

Necessary Reading for us All
Her wisdom is ageless and important to anyone who has ever had a difficult time with someone or something. That about covers us all, eh? Great gift for friends and family, too. You don't need to be going through a difficult time to appreciate the clarity and significance of her words. It's useful at anytime in your life. Check out ALL her books - you can't go wrong with Pema Chodrun. Gentle, joyous and relevant to anyone who has a soul. Regardless of your religion or spiritual practices, this book will help.

Lessons on choice and courage
Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist and a student of Trungpa, the Tibetan meditation master: her teachings on choice and courage shine in THE PLACES THAT SCARE YOU: A GUIDE TO FEARLESSNESS IN DIFFICULT TIMES. Here are tools to deal with problems, and methods for unblocking avenues for resolution, provided in chapters which cover everything from cultivating qualities which lend to insight to understanding common enemies of compassion. An excellent survey of faith and meaning based on Buddhist principles.
Best Book Ever
I've re-read it a hundred times, in whole and in part, since purchasing it at the beginning of 2003. It's tightly written, incisive, cogent, insightful and honest. It's just the best interpretation of Buddhist principles I've read without becoming precious, contrived, gratuitous, academic or overly dramatic. Buy it; it's a keeper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious life    7. Spiritual    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (24)

A Great Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Meditation!
This book and Sakyong Mipham's more recent "Ruling Your World," are permanent fixtures in my library.Sometimes Buddhist writings can be difficult to understand or relate to, but this author has a Western background and is able to communicate ideas in ways that are easy to identify with for people without a background in Buddhist thought.Our culture and the media encourage "monkey mind," and it's hard to gain control of inner thought processes in a world that constantly communicates "Buy More, Do More, Be More."This book offers a means of calming the internal turmoil and developing your mind to reach its potential.
Good book-very helpful
This book has been helpful for dealing with anxiety/depression.I'm not much into just meditating or even following Buddhist thinking, however, there is value in what I've learned from this book -- disciplining the mind and learning to keep the mind "present".This has helped me from worrying "too far ahead" or losing perspective of life by helping strengthen my mind.I highly recommend this book along with practicing some form of meditation if you struggle with anxiety or negative/worrying thoughts.

Best introduction to meditation
I think what sets this book apart from others of its kind is the unmatched clarity and simplicity of the language. The unique situation here is that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, an accomplished and very learned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, grew up in the West and so speaks our language like a native. Because of this, he is able to speak to us in a way that most other equally accomplished Tibetan lamas are unable to. It's important to emphasize that meditation is best learned and practiced under the guidance of a living human being who has some experience with it - a book alone will not suffice. But, having said that, this book is definitely a good companion to have when beginning your journey. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism - General    3. Meditation    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - Counseling    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Philosophy / Mind & Body    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (19)

Simple Wisdom to Clear Your Head
This is a wonderful set of short lectures that Pema Chodron gave to a group of meditation students that stayed for a month at the Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia where she is a resident teacher.The lectures are to the point, deal with anger, addiction, fear, joy, and all the many problems we are faced with not only daily, but constatly in our minds, whether we are aware of them or not.She gives techniques to understand what it is that fills our minds and often poisons our hearts, how to label them so that ultimately we may move past these problems with compassion, understanding and ultimately help put ourselves at ease.I highly recommend this book if you are interested in meditation and/or are suffering from anger, addiction (to anything- shopping, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, love, etc...), or just seek more interpersonal peace.

What the world needs now
This is the best book from any spiritual tradition that I've ever read, especially as it applies to everyday life. It brought me kindness, joy, and enormous inspiration, entirely without judgment. Pema Chodron believes we are all essentially good people, here to offer kindness to ourselves and others as a way of life. She invites us to learn to open to ever more challenging situations as a way of living life more fully, and she shows us how. She guides us to focus not on perfection, but the beauty of life lived just as it is. Pema Chodron is a great teacher and role model, and I am deeply grateful to her for writing this book. I will read it again and again.

Great book, life changing
It's a must read for those into meditation and the dharma ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - General    4. Meditation    5. Philosophy    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun for regular folks. Having raised a family of her own, she doesn't shy away from persistent troubles and the basic meatiness of life. In fact, in Read more

Reviews (26)

Being Versus Analysis
Compassion is born of the heart and served by a disciplined mind. What heals our dense energies and emotions is the capacity to embrace in our cells a sense of the seven virtues ... such as compassion. Now compassion is not allowing someone to hurt us constantly but rather it is seeing the pain in the other that provokes them to act out. And by that one can see and perceive beyond our ego's filter and into what really is going on. Often when someone hurts us it is because of their own hurt and corresponding vindictiveness to extend the pain. The Buddha once said that hate never begets hate ...only love begets hate. Detached love is still love in the agape sense ... and compassion is the key to opening the heart once more to allow this remedy to flow. It is a gift to yourself ... when you release yourself from the attachment of what you want a situation to result in. Self-love is your birthright and it is in self-love that you can experience compassion along side strong boundaries.

Absolutely Inspirational and Down to Earth
I loved this book. A friend recommended it to me when I said i was interested in meditation. Pema Chodron has a wonderfully practical down-to-Earth way of putting things, and she has a delightful sense of humor. If interested in Buddhism, meditation, or simply learning to live more fully in the present, with all of life's trials and beauty, you will find much to inspire you in this lovely book.

Couldn't put the book down
My girlfriend bought me this book over the holidays, and I blew it off but finally had a chance read it from start to finish in a matter of 2 days.Pema Chodron wrote this book with clarity for everyone to understand her beliefs.I've read numerous other books pertaining to Buddhism and this one is by the far the easiest one to understand and comprehend.This book is based around the idea of being compassionate to yourself which in turn will penetrate others around you to develop some level of compassion.Chodron does an excellent job of motivating oneself to clear their mind and avoid unnecessary feelings of anger, aggression, pleasure, etc.Not only does Chodron explain the necessary steps to clear your mind, but she compliments this explanation with examples from her personal experience with students and teachers.The verbage outlined in this book is very easy to comprehend versus other Buddhist books I picked up and read. I've noticed in the past I've had to re-read certain passages quite a few times to fully understand it's meaning, but not with this book.This book motivates me to "start" working on myself, and in doing so it will encourage me to open my eyes to everyone and everything in this world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Doctrines    5. Eastern - General    6. Philosophy    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Spiritual life    9. Tibet    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (7)

Instrumental for ANYONE seeking to strengthen their skills in compassion
Regardless of your religious orientation, the mental practice of cultivating fearlessness and compassion is to your benefit. Both traits are in short supply in the world but much in demand for individual peace of mind. Take a few baby steps and watch yourself acquire a sense of inner peace. You need not become a Buddhist but have a clear mind is a must in a harried world. Pema Chodron was introduced to me by a practising Buddhist who was also a television broadcaster when I was in the grips of taking something way too personally. Chodron once called pain one of the greatest spiritual teachers and she was right on. My experience demanded compassion towards a situation that had my ego in over-drive. She also said that "If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher".
Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion
I think this is a great book with many good strategies to use to help you live your life in a more mature and fulfilling way.The emphasis is on living fully in the moment and not letting yourself be caught up in the kind of thinking that distracts and causes anxiety. It recommends ways to stop using so many of the avoidance techniques that so many of us employ to keep from dealing with painful thoughts and situations. This book contains step-by-step instructions on how to meditate for insight and its calming and slowing effects.

Comfortable With UnCertainty
A beautiful book for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.Pema Chodron's teachings are clear and concise.This book is a compilation of her teachings taken in short sections, so it can be read cover to cover or the teachings taken individually as one wishes, one day at a time, or randomly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    5. Doctrines    6. Meditation    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Religion    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. Spiritual    11. Spiritual life    12. Religion / Buddhism   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (3)

True Happiness Pema Chodron
Good life lessons from a Buddist Nun. Soothing and Helpful, people for all walks of life can certainly benefit from listening to this retreat.I have not ever been disappointed by listening to Pema Chodron.

Interesting Buddhist practices
Recorded at Gampo Abbey Monastery in Nova Scotia, True Happiness leads you through seven hours of spiritual meditations and practices designed to guide you to the source of basic goodness and happiness. Pema Chodron is a well-known Buddhist author.

the syndrome of attachment/addiction
This book was listed in a little catalog that came in the mail to me.Reading the indepth description covering nearly two pages was in itself almost therapy for me.Pema Chodron's book is for those of us who have placated our bodies and brains with food, alcohol, sex or medications/drugs to drive away the stresses, insecurities and pains of life.The book addresses this cycle of self-denigration, blame, anger, and other emotions which keep us from experiencing happiness.I am planning on purchasing these cd's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Self-Help    2. Audiobooks    3. Buddhism    4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    5. General    6. Happiness    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Religion    9. Spiritual life    10. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (4)

Superb presentation of many basic Vajrayana practices
After having enjoyed Pema Chodron's wonderful video set "Good Medicine" (6305642842), Her "Noble Heart" set of 6 cassettes was greatly enhanced.I could picture her orchestrating this retreat at her Monastery in Eastern Canada.That is exactly how this tape set is arranged.She provides an enjoyable, enthusiastic lecture with examples, stories, personal experiences, input from her Master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, etc.For each of the 12 segments (sides of cassettes) she also includes meditations and visualizations as appropriate.Topics include:
An enduring Buddhist spirituality for a new generation
Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition. Noble Heart: A Self-guided Retreat On Befriending Your Obstacles is a profound audiobook narration in which Pema Chodron guides her listeners into an awakening their compassion, an appreciation for the beauty of vulnerability as a spiritual resource, the realization of strength that comes only through embracing the pain of experience, the treasured teachings of the six paramitas that offer the Buddha's own guide to the journey of enlightenment, and so much more. Noble Heart is an dedicated and recommended contribution to contemporary Buddhist Studies collections and offers students of Buddhism and practitioners of Buddhist philosophies and lifestyles a transforming and profound exploration of an enduring Buddhist spirituality for a new generation.

i want to review when things fall apart by chodron
the most enabling book on spiritual life-not clutching on in usual addictive style prevalent in american media life-but really letting go and being ungrounded-this book saved my soul in a critical moment-we can livewithout clutching and grasping-let the universe supply without grabbingijust showed it to two therapists-one a director of a group oftherapists-they were amazed at the profundity and helpfulness-and in linewith more enlightened therapeutic practice-not advice -lots of support -seewhere this new way leads you ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Meditation    3. Religion    4. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy   

Reviews (4)

A pleasent surprise - we should all read this one
This isnt groundbreaking stuff but then there probably isnt anything left that's groundbreaking. But I was pleasently surprised by this little book. I read it in two nights, about used up a highlighter and the central premise is worth all of us trying. That is dont go for the 'hook' in life. When you find yourself angry, irritated or frustrated be quiet and look for the 'hook' what is it that has you acting that way. Not all that new an idea but presented in a simple, easy to understand way that is a message for all of us. In these times of war we need peace and it will always begin in our hearts. The 'hook' think about it next time.
A potentially life-changing book
I must respectfully disagree with the reviewer who said this book is only good if you are familiar with the author's other work. I was attracted to this book by the title as it was sitting and calling out to me on the new books table at my local bookstore. I looked at the back flap and recognized the author from an interview she did with Bill Moyers on his recent "Faith and Reason" series.
Don't Waste Your Time On This One
This book appears to have been thrown together hurriedly. Despite it's title ("Practicing Peace in Times of War"), very little within the book speaks to the world's current state of war.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhist Philosophy    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Spiritual    6. Buddhism    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

Loveliest Gift I have ever received...A Gift of Compassion & Gratitude to give and receive!
I enjoy this gift every single day, as I choose a new message to wonder about, have gratitude and compassion for......... The author has a wonderful way of inviting you to reach inside yourself...be gentle with yourself....and encourage the best of you.....regardless of your "religion"........these teachings of true compassion are good for every single soul on this earth.
Open the Compassion Box
If Pandora's Box opened the world to alot of the ills of negative behavior then this lovely collection from Pema Chodron is the beautiful opposite! Compassion is one of the hardest abilities in a world of ambition, greed, and competition. Centuries of buddhist wisdom are encapsulated in this wonder tool. Use this to create a habit and pattern of compassion for yourself and others. Buddha once said that all that we are begins with our thoughts, and with our thoughts we make the world. Used daily and in the moments when compassion is most called for ... the compassion box allows us to re-create our inner world ... and see the fruits of this change in our outer reality. People, place, situations, and events do not change. We can only change ourselves, our perceptions, and interact from a place of compassion and self-love. Then ... our buddha nature reaps rewards. Make compassion work for you!

Priceless
The essence of Buddhism, really, is practice...as opposed to belief in a doctrine. This package is such a beautifully done description of and means to the fundamental practice of compassion. It is truly one of my most treasured possessions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Mind, Body, Spirit    6. Religion / Buddhism   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Meditation    3. Religion    4. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    5. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    6. Tibetan Buddhism   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (6)

A Great door to understanding
Years ago I first bought these tapes. Since then I have recommended them to many from beginning seeker to long time student. Pema Chodron teaches mind training in a warm and humorous way to help us learn to become compassionate toward ourselves and others.
Pema is a star: bright, warm, life-enhancing, inspiring
This set of 6 cassette tapes simulates being at her Gompa in Nova Scotia with your eyes closed.She is a Western Tibetan Buddhist nun who studied with Trungpa Rinpoche.She's published several lovely books (e.g. "Places that Scare You" and "Start Where You Are") as well as videos (e.g. "Good Medicine") and tape sets (e.g. "Noble Heart").This particular item addresses her two main topics of the Lojong mind training and the practice of Tonglen (sending & receiving).The many techniques, meditations, explanations, etc. are VERY useful in daily life even if you don't do regular, daily, spiritual practices.Some Lojong items are: "Make friends with yourself," finding the soft spot within (sometimes hard to do!), resistence to capacitence, "how to do your best when you feel your worst," and "when you ask a question wholeheartedly, you begin to get the answer everywhere."Tonglen means taking in (mentally) other person's suffering and sending them your own happiness instead.Not easy at first, but she provides ways to ease into it and, best of all, a terrific "on-the-spot" method which is FAR easier to employ.This is simply a super set of tapes by a fantastic teacher.

Life-changing.Highly recommended.
Life-changing.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    4. Eastern - Buddhism    5. Philosophy    6. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    7. Buddhism   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (2)

American Buddhist Nun with practical advice
This 2-cassette set reflects the author's usual warmth, humor, kindliness, and down-to-earth approach to improving one's life through Buddhist means.This set focuses on the 4 Immeasurables or limitless qualities: Maitri (loving-kindness), compassion, joy, and equanimity.She points out where her master, Trungpa Rinpoche digressed from the literal meanings of these four in practice as well as certain modifications suggested by the great 14th century master, Longchenpa (Longchen Rabjam).For example, the latter suggested meditating upon equanimity to stabilize prior to sending out loving kindness etc.Embedded in the technique is to send these 4 out consecutively, but within each "sending" to first apply it to someone you care about, then a neutral, then someone you mildly dislike (building up to stronger feelings), and finally to everyone.For example, compassion is the wish that everyone be free of suffering and the cause of suffering.Trungpa Rinpoche's modifications include: joy being the appreciation of peoples' basic goodness.Ani Ch�dr�n's (she is a Buddhist nun, thus the title Ani) wonderful turns of phrase include: "We look for strength in what weakens us," "We've gotten really good at making matters worse," and seeking happiness without a hangover.My only problem with this set is that it's too short!Also, since it doesn't include the practice of Tonglen and some of her other main teachings, I'd recommend the 6-tape "Awakening Compassion" or "Noble Heart" set over this one.It includes virtually all of this one plus much more-but then it's longer and costs more.If you haven't had the great uplifting joy of experiencing Pema Ch�dr�n's tapes, this would be a fine one to start with.She's also written a number of fine books (e.g. "Places that Scare You") and has a terrific video entitled, "Good Medicine."

This is a wonderful audio lesson
P. Chodron is a gentle, wise teacher with a profound sense of humor. I listen to these cd's over and over w/o ever tiring of them. I have downloaded them into my iPod so they are mobile, I like them that much! Her work is a strong reminder to breathe. Not to mention the fact that her voice is so lovable.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Buddhism    5. Buddhism - General    6. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    7. Buddhism - Tibetan    8. Doctrines    9. Eastern - Buddhism    10. Philosophy    11. Religious life    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    13. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (5)

Good Intro. into practical and personal meditation
I picked this up on whim from my local library and was far from disappointed.I've been getting into a lot of the pocket classics lately, and this one is top five for me.
Lovely little book
This tiny book is an abridged version of "Wisdom of No Escape," Ani Ch�dr�n's first major work.Ani is a title for Buddhist Nuns or Bhikshunis.She is spiritual director of Gampo Abbey (named for the medieval master Gampopa).However, only 4 chapters were excluded.Its size is conducive to carrying it around with you for inspiration or to share with others (I tend to give away books after reading them).Its major points include: not preferring samsara (the usual, relative world) to nirvana (the ultimate world), integrating taught and experienced Dharma (teachings), (p. 122): playfulness-learning to play like a raven in the wind, Tonglen (sending and receiving practice), Bodhichitta (compassion), and the wheel of life.It includes some less than obvious observations such as:
A wonderful little book
A good friend recommended Pema Chodron's books to me, and I am so glad I took his advice and bought this book! I keep this little book in my purse and carry it with me everywhere, and read it in those "wasted" moments waiting in a doctors office, or riding in a car, even while waiting in line at the bank on a Friday afternoon. The poor thing is wrinkled and bent from use, travel, and being read, over and over! There is much wisdom here in Pema Chodron's easy to read, easy to understand book, and it can be applied to anyone of any faith.I recommend Awakening Loving- Kindness to everyone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Spiritual life    6. Religion / Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Calendars - New Age    4. Meditation    5. Subjects & Themes - Landscapes   

Reviews (1)

A Way of Seeing
Pema Chodron is so warm, accepting and non-judgmental of our human frailties she shows us a forgiving way to approach ourselves and others.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Meditation