Editorial Review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer?How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do Read more

Reviews (311)

Interesting introduction to the Dalai Lama's thoughts and beliefs
For anyone seeking a simple, introductory look into the fundamental beliefs and principles of the Dalai Lama, "The Art of Happiness" would be a great place to start. The book, authored by Howard C Cutler, MD, consists of excerpts and commentary from a series of documented conversations held between himself and the Dalai Lama.
one of the best self help book
everytime when I struggle with some emotional problem, this book always helps me to feel better and resolves my problem no matter which page I flip to.How amazing?It is a must-have book!

An interesting debate
A bit of a tough read, but worthwhile all the same! It takes the Dalai Lama's views and mixes them with explanations from an American psychiatrist (East meets West). The result is a useful tool kit for creating more happiness in your life, but beware, it requires some deep thought - and some very active mental changes in your normal patterns of behaviour. Happiness, it seems, requires a great deal of mental discipline! But remember, its the end purpose we are working towards, not the short term pleasure...so put those chocolates away, and read the book!
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Happiness    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Psychology    7. Religion    8. Religious Life (Buddhism)    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (5)

***** Get the Message: "Stop Suffering and Start Living!" *****
Russell Targ, a physicist as well as paranormal researcher, and J. J. Hurtak, a Judeo-Christian and Buddhist spiritual teacher have written a book of great importance for the rest of us. As they suggest, it is today because we have leaders that are ignorant about our oneness with not only each other but the Creator, they make absurd statements that actually lead to war and untold suffering such as, "Those who are not with us are with the terrorists." The modern physics of nonlocality and remote viewing research all show our potential for experiencing expanded awareness that yield to a deeper understanding of why avatars like Jesus uttered: "If you see me, you have seen God." More so, these authors speak to why the Dalai Lama described Nagarjuna as one of the truly enlightened people of all times and places. Thus, Targ and Hurtak describe a peaceful and joyful path based on these teachings and graciously share them with all who have ears to hear and eyes to see this ultimate truth: "We are one global human being" as the shamans themselves declare worldwide. The Maya priest-shaman use the word "In La'kech," that translates as this profound realization in English, "I am another yourself." Read this book and stop suffering, then start living a self-empowered life now!
The End of Suffering - A profound unity of science and spirit
For us, "The End of Suffering: Fearless Living in Troubled Times", is a book that unifies the greatest insights of the realms of quantum physics and the greater mystical teachings of the East. In these troubled times, when the synthetic self dominates the false image of society a new lotus of spiritual-scientific wisdom emerges from the muddy depths of the confused web of hyper-specialized reality. Nagarjuna talks to us of the middle way, which takes us into hyper-spatial/temporal realities where we learn to bring the rest of the greater 'Love' story into the sciences. If we as humanity are going to become the embryo gods the ancient scriptures talk about - the three jeweled lotus, then we need to understand the key concepts this book is saying. Which is that we are all interconnected and that our state of 'mind' plays a greater role than we where lead to believe. In the current super information age, universities and other educational organizationsare asking the question where to next? This book certainly does give a beautiful flow plan for new models of how our education and ultimately humanity must go, if we are to create a future of hope. For through the practical secrets of little gems in this book there shines now for us a hope for our future.

A Timely Guide
Russell Targ, a nationally known physicist and consciousness researcher, and J.J. Hurtak, a similarly well-known philosopher of both Judeo-Christian and Buddhist traditions, have come together to offer modern readers a path through the maze of our culture's delusions to an inner-state of compassionate serenity.The authors' divergent expertise produces an interesting synergy, a good combination of philosophy and science which seems particularly apposite to understanding contemporary angst and suffering.Thewriting is gracious and the thinking clear.This is a book to read and consider carefully.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Buddhism    3. Healing - General    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Personal Guidance    8. Quantum theory    9. Suffering    10. Popular psychology   

Reviews (3)

Complicated and Deep
This is a good exposition of mindfulness theory and practice. Althought a novice therapist will find the text useful, most of the insight gained by reading this text will be achieved by therapists with 5 to 10 years actual practice under their belts. I would advise novice therapists to buy this book immediately and then delve into each chapter several times per month for the next few years. They will never regret it. The problem and promise on this book is that it requires you to go back and review each concept of your original training, whether it is Adlerian, Freudian, Cognitive or Christian. Mindfulness is the goldplating overlay that makes your therapy more valuable.

a wise, invaluable resource
This well-written, wise, accessible book will help novice and seasoned therapists incorporate mindfulness practice into their clinical work, skillfully and thoughtfully. The editors and contributors provide a range of expert perspectives on the role of mindfulness in psychotherapy and convey the complexity of good psychotherapy, mindfulness practice, and the union of the two. The clarity with which they accomplish this is remarkable.The depth of their personal and professional expertise and experience is evident throughout. Inclusion of a thorough review of current research in the area is another notable strength of the volume.I highly recommend this book to clinicians and researchers interested in the powerful role that mindfulness may play in psychological healing. It is essential reading for anyone interested in this highly promising area of study.
A special collection about nothing special
As a psychotherapist for 30 years and a mindfulness practitioner for nearly 10 years, I have read a lot of good books and articles on both subjects."Mindfulness and Psychotherapy" is as clear and helpful in both disiplines as any I have encounted.The editors have done a 'mindful' job in selecting from an array of perspectives.Mindfulness is defined and contextualized for our western psychotherapeutic practice, while also placed in an historical and cultural framwork that informs and enlightens our understanding. Indeed the more philosophical essays are perhaps the strongest pieces in this marvelous compendium. We are reminded that the Buddah saw himself as a physician who sought to diagnose and find a cure for human suffering.Out of his own intimate encounter with suffering, he devised and revised a program that we in western psychological science are just now testing and finding curative-both for our clients and for ourselves.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhist Philosophy    4. Meditation    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy    7. Psychotherapy - General    8. Therapeutic use    9. Psychiatry    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Editorial Review

In his follow-up to Read more

Reviews (55)

A very easy way to be introducted to this concept
This is a book that is very easy to read and introduces a western person to concepts of Budism without the religious part.It is a great way to learn concepts that are helpful in daily life.It can help a person to be more focused and effective in life by being mindful.This is a must read.He also has CDs or Tapes for meditation which are very easy to learn to meditate from.It is not religious either.It is just focusing on your breath.This is budism that can be incorporated into the life of anyone of any faith because it is just the concepts and not the religious aspects, but after learning these things one might want to explore more into a faith that creates such wonderful things.

Great Intro to Meditation!!
If you have any desire to learn about or practice meditation,you couldn't find a better resourse.

I found myself again with this book!!!
The langauge in which this book is writtenso clear and effective it is actually amazing. How Jon Kabat communicates such a foreign consept so easily and effectively. I couldnt believe how quickly I learned how to focus and be in the moment and enjoy the moment not worrying about what's next. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    4. Buddhist Philosophy    5. Consciousness    6. Death, Grief, Bereavement    7. General    8. Meditation    9. Psychology    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Stress Management    12. Self-Help / Meditations   

Editorial Review

In 1927, Walter Evans-Wentz published his translation of an obscure Tibetan Nyingma text and called it the Read more

Reviews (78)

Life's Instruction Manual
People say life doen't come with an instruction manual, well this is it. Why you are here; what is important; how to deal with departure (death), your own and others; what happens if you spend your life sidetracked by the 'immediate but not important' issues. Written in a way that compels you to move to action, beyond simple intellectual curiousity. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!

WAKE UP AND LIVE.
WOW..it has been so long since a book has moved this hardened soul,so for this masterpice i am very grateful.
Quiet Revolution Is Pure Good Fortune
Reading the currently posted 75 reviews of Sogyal Rinpoche's "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" is an education in itself. Devotion, gratitude, and open-minded reading in the majority of the reviews are juxtaposed with ignorance, mis-information, and a desire to make points in other reviews. Thus is our human condition. There is a Tibetan saying, "When luck comes to the mouth, the tongue pushes it out." Let us see "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" for what it is: pure good fortune.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Death    5. Death, Grief, Bereavement    6. Doctrines    7. Philosophy    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Self-Help    12. Tibet    13. Personal religious testimony    14. Sacred texts    15. Self-Help / Death, Grief, Bereavement    16. Tibetan Buddhism   

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.
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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   

Editorial Review

If you have always assumed that Christianity and Buddhism are as far apart philosophically as their respective founders were geographically, you may be in for a bit of a surprise. In this national bestseller, Zen monk and social activist Thich Nhat Hanh draws parallels between these two traditions that have them walking, hand in hand, down the same path to salvation. In Christianity, he finds mindfulness in the Holy Spirit as an agent of healing. In Buddhism, he finds unqualified love in the form of compassion for all living things. And in both he finds an emphasis on living practice and community spirit. Read more

Reviews (69)

Worth the read
Let me start this by saying that when I first read this book, I had just started delving into the subject of "other religions".So, if you are in that position, wanting to see what other belief systems have to say, READ THIS BOOK.He discusses how Christianity and Buddhism are related in their beliefs.Truth is truth no matter who says it.Being able to see how Christian truth is similar to, or the same as, Buddhist truth was very enlightening.Before reading this, Buddhism was a foreign object to me.After reading this, Buddhism was still foreign but it made me want to read more about Buddhism to become more familiar with it.

Unfounded assumptions challenge the validity of the author's points
While I do not have a problem with the basic idea of comparing the two religions of Buddhism and Christianity, I find this book invalid because the author forms his points on unfounded assumptions of the Christian faith.For instance, he denies the divine nature of Jesus without the use of backup sources--including the Bible.He then proceeds to use this fallicy (according to the Christian faith) to "prove" a connection between the two religions.Instead of an unbiased comparison of two beautiful religions, the book reads like a thinly veiled attempt at Buddhist evangelism by someone who thinks highly of the Christian religion but does not know much about it.I appreciate the author's openmindedness and fondness for Jesus, but I cannot accept his extreme misconceptions about the Christian faith.
Question of Faith
Thich Nhat Hanh brings together the Buddha and Christ showing the difference and simularity of both ways of living.Christians should not fear the eastern philosophy and the reverse is also true.You can incorporate both into your daily existance as there are no real clashes between the two.Buddha is just an enlightened person, not a son of god.Jesus will always be the teacher of the christian faith and the son of god.Thich Nhat Hanh points out the fact that the Buddah is not a god.People follow a way of attaing peace with Buddha and also follow a way to attain salvation throught Christ.There is room in the world for both teachings to coexsist together not one trampling over the other.I find his books relaxing, and easy to read and understand.In practice of Mindfulness you receive instruction on quieting your mind making full awareness possible to receive teachings from Christ in the present moment and a new understanding.I enjoyed this book and its meaning to me about the misconceptions most Christions have about other ways to explore life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Christianity and other religions    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spirituality - General    7. Christianity    8. Religion / Spirituality   

Editorial Review

What should we think when on the one hand Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy life's every moment? Loved around the world for his simple, straightforward explanations of Buddhism, Thich Nhat Hanh has finally turned his hand to the very core of Buddhism and conundrums such as this. In the traditional way, Thich Nhat Hanh takes up the core teachings one by one--the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Twelve Links of Interdependent Co-Arising--but his approach is as fresh as a soft breeze through a plum orchard. For illustration, he dips into the vast stores of Buddhist literature right alongside contemporary anecdotes, pointing out subtleties that can get glossed over in other popular introductions. He also includes three short but key sutras, essential source teachings from which all Buddhism flows. Studying the basics of Buddhism under Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh is like learning basketball from Michael Jordan. Read more

Reviews (52)

Nice Read
This is, I believe, the second or third book I read by Thich Nhat Hanh."Living Buddha, Living Christ" sort of inspired me to pick this up.He gives the basics as to what this whole Buddhism thing is all about.His explanation is neither too simplified nor to technical for the "average reader".If you pick up one book on the teachings of Buddha, make it this one.

A Brillant Roadmap to Practicing
I've read a few books about the Buddha and Buddhism generally, but I am still very much a beginner.The other books I read covered the basics, but did not break them down in a way I, as a beginner and Westerner, could easily understand.I guess you could say those treatments were scholarly and intellectual to a fault.Hanh's simple, straightforward writing style, on the other hand, breaks down Buddhism's central concepts: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.This simple style does not, however, lose any meaning.The result is much the opposite: I feel like this book has given me a good start in my practice.In fact, I'm willing to bet that it will give me much more each time I read it.

First Half of Book is Better than the Second
The first two parts of the book alone cause me to give the whole book 4 stars. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I liked Hanh's poetic, and even flowery, style of writing.. it's tender, flexible, like a person should be when considering Buddhism.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Four Noble Truths    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (25)

Key to Life!
Mindfulness surely is the Way to a successful and tranquil life experience and this book concisely describes the techniques of this miracle.Its a must have for those wanting to live rather than exist.
The Miracle of Mindfulness
No problems at all I am very happy with the service and the book.

Mindfulness
The Human Race HA, Where is our ultimate destination (but our own demise).Be mindful of the present moment and the wonders associated with it.Try not to live in the past or the future as you are creating them now in the present moment.This book and the audio CD "The Art of Mindful Living" make a good companion set to set out on a quest for the peace and joy available to everyone in the present moment.Thich Nhat Hanh pulls you into a world within a world that is already around you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhist meditations    3. General    4. Meditation    5. Meditation (Buddhism)    6. Mind & Body    7. Philosophy    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religion: general    10. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Consciousness    4. General    5. Neuroscience    6. Neurosciences    7. Psychology    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious aspects    11. physiology    12. Religion & Beliefs    13. Religion / General    14. Religion: general   

Editorial Review

A respected Zen master in Japan and founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, Shunryu Suzuki has blazed a path in American Buddhism like few others. He is the master who climbs down from the pages of the Read more

Reviews (117)

"Gone, gone, gone far beyond, enlightenment."
ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND is the most easily accessible guide to Zen practice, and is usually the first book that new practitioners and the Zen-curious approach after reading the more general "What's Zen Anyway?"-type books. Thus, it has developed an almost canonical reputation. Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971) spent only a few years in America, was less than fluent in English, and taught in a way that was both simple and yet profound. With his easy intensity, Suzuki had a seminal role in establishing Zen as a viable spiritual practice in the United States and beyond.
This is the one that finally did it
This is the book that finally told me what enlightenment really IS--its something, but at the same time nothing.In addition, it tells you the no BS way to actualize it in your daily life.Just get it and see what happens, you will not be disappointed.If you are dissappointed with it, your cup is too full, poor some out and try again.

Thank you for this book
Thank you for your kindness. It's been a part of the years themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. General    3. Meditation    4. New Age    5. Philosophy    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Limited usefulness for most people
Wallace is a highly advanced practictioner of meditation. As such he is uniquely qualified to give a guided tour of the stages of achieving focused awareness, shamatha. Meditation, he convincingly argues, can be an effective antidote for problems like ADHD and the hectic, scattered lifestyle of the 21st century. His insights are precious and his intellectual and academic prowess shine through in his writing.
concise yet vast
This slim volume could easily be the basis for weeks or months of retreat practice! Dr. Wallace distills decades of personal experience and wide-ranging scholarship into the most useful guide to meditative concentration I have found. An extremely useful and timely book, and if you ever get the chance to study with him in person, don't miss it!
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Subjects:  1. Attention    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Psychology    5. Religious aspects    6. Self-Help    7. Stress Management    8. âSamatha (Buddhism)    9. Coping with personal problems    10. Self-Help / Stress Management   

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   

Editorial Review

If you'd like to read about meditation and then go back to your regular life, don't get this book. Henepola Gunaratana, a monk from Sri Lanka and venerated teacher of Buddhism, warns us that vipassana meditation is "meant to revolutionize the whole of your life experience." In one of the best nuts-and-bolts meditation manuals, he lays out the fundamentals of basic Buddhist meditation, the how, what, where, when, and why, including common problems and how to deal with them. His 52 years as a Buddhist monk make Read more

Reviews (59)

Just what it says
This is the next best thing to a meditation teacher. The book is a manual and trouble shooting guide to shamatha/vipassana meditation.A simple and powerful technique which has gradually and profoundly changed my life for the better.If you do not have access to a meditation instructor, or don't want to, get this simple and clear instruction manual.

A Life-Changing Book that you will read over and over and give to anyone you care about
I've read this book along with his subsequent book, Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness, multiple times and consult parts of both on regularly.
Great 1st Meditation Book
I loved this book after reading great reviews of it. I'd just like to add that it's a great one for giving to friends who are interested in learning about meditation but have no idea where to begin. I gave a copy of this away after a couple I knew both responded positively to it after reading the first few chapters. It's the first book I want to read again to get back to having a daily practice. Meditation is work, but this book addresses the hurdles and pitfalls well and will help you get the ball rolling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Meditation    4. Religion    5. Religion - Church History    6. Vipasyana (Buddhism)    7. Vipaâsyanåa (Buddhism)    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Meditation    9. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (23)

Great Book
Great book, easy relatable read. Simple and to the point. Hit alot of core issues for me and was very easy to apply the lessons.

Great Guide and Aid. Very influential
This book and esp. the audio tape I have found to be very compelling. My heart felt much lightened by listening to Brach on more than several occasions. If eventually you wear out on listening to it, it's a great gift to pass along.

Provides detailed guidelines
I have read quite a number of Buddhist books.But this is the first one I've read that actually shows how to apply Buddhist philosophy to my own life.Brach does a great job of explaining some of the central Buddhist precepts and then takes things a step further by explaining how these can work in every day life and giving very detailed, practical suggestions and meditation tips showing just how to incorporate these principles.I've grown so much from reading her book and feel I have a much deeper understanding of the ways Buddhism can provide healing and change one's perspective.I can't wait for her next book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    3. Psychotherapy - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religion / Buddhism   

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 (55)

Excellent book
This is a great book for someone interested in developing an "intimate partnership".Seeing the truth is difficult in close relationships, as we often deny the things we see in the name of "love".Dr. Kasl encourages us to seek the truth in our relationships, and in that way they continue to mature (or fade away naturally with as little pain as possible).
If the Buddha Dated
Excellent book about becoming ready to give and receive love.Do not have to be buddhist

Wonderful alternative guide to dating in this day and age.
This book was recommended to me by a good friend, and I'm very glad that I heeded her advice. This brilliant little guide offers the reader practical strategies on how to address dating in a positive, loving and undefensive manner. The Buddha's approach truly doesn't require us to compromise the self by trying too hard to manipulate, impress or change who we are just to attract who we want - The Buddha only wants us to be ourselves, nothing more, nothing less. I especially want to underscore the chapter about identifying "bottom lines" - these are behaviors that you just can't accept from people you date or boundaries that guide you in the dating process so as not to keep on repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Bravo! This book + Harville Hendrix's Keeping the Love You Find give the single person an effective combo that would certainly improve their dating skills, preferences and ultimately, their future relationships! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Compassion    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Love    8. Love & Romance    9. Love / Sex / Marriage    10. Man-woman relationships    11. Religious aspects    12. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance   

Editorial Review

In undertaking a spiritual life, we must make certain that our path is connected with our heart, according to author and Buddhist monk Jack Kornfield. Since 1974 (long before it gained popularity in the 1990s), Kornfield has been teaching westerners how to integrate Eastern teaching into their daily lives. Through generous storytelling and unmitigated warmth, Kornfield offers this excellent guidebook on living with attentiveness, meditation, and full-tilt compassion.Read more

Reviews (40)

A book with heart!!!!!
This is an excellent and sensitively written book by a former Buddhist monk and clinical psychologist. Jack Kornfield uses stories and lyrical language to weave a portrait of an authentic spiritual life characterized by insight, compassion and wisdom. He makes Buddhism accessible to modern people and shows us how it is relevant to modern life. This is no small task and Kornfield pulls it off brilliantly, with warmth and an entertaining style. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for deeper meaning in their lives whatever their specific beliefs. It is also an important book that connects Western psychological thought to Eastern worldviews.
one of the best books I have ever read
I highly recommend this book.It has changed the way I look at life and spirituality.Nearly every line in the book is filled with profound meaning.Additonally, the style is clear and the ideas accessible for anyone who is truly interested in spiritual fulfillment.I am at greater peace with the world since having read this book.

A delightfully clear, engaging guide for beginning meditators
Jack Kornfield is a humble and humorous guide when it comes to incorporating eastern practices into one's prayer and/or contemplative life. He is down to earth, emminently practical, and tremendously encouraging. A strong advocate of developing a disciplined practice of meditation, Kornfield has a very nice way of communicating this necessity without scaring the novice off. He has a great reserve of wonderful stories and anecdotes which make his suggestions spring to life. I've been a college chaplain for 20 years, reading and recommending books on spirituality for all of those. Kornfield is a exceptionally fine teacher and I consider this book his best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Meditations &nb