Short description
This advice for what to do when things fall apart in our lives goes against the grain of our usual habits and expectations and confronts the reader with traditional Buddhist wisdom. The approach involves moving towards pain to discover truth and love that are indestructible.
Long description
The beautiful practicality of her teaching has made Pema Chödrön one of the most beloved of contemporary American spiritual authors among Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. A collection of talks she gave between 1987 and 1994, the book is a treasury of wisdom for going on living when we are overcome by pain and difficulties. Chödrön discusses: Using painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage Communicating so as to encourage others to open up rather than shut down Practices for reversing habitual patterns Methods for working with chaotic situations Ways for creating effective social action
Review
Pema Chodron is one of those spiritual teachers who brings ancient wisdom to bear upon our daily triumphs and tragedies. . . . Incredibly wise and poignantly practical. --Spirituality & Health
Chodron's book is filled with useful advice about how Buddhism helps readers to cope with the grim realities of modern life, including fear, despair, rage and the feeling that we are not in control of our lives . . . Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives. --Publishers Weekly
This is a book that could serve you for a lifetime. --Natural Health
As one of Pema Chodron's grateful students, I have been learning the most pressing and necessary lesson of all: how to keep opening wider my own heart. --Alice Walker