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Summary: Pema Chodron's advice on how to handle suffering.
Review: WHEN THINGS FALL APART Pema Chodron How can we go on living "when things fall apart" - when we are overcome by pain, fear, and anxiety? Pema Chödrön's answer to that question contains some spectacularly good news: there is a fundamental happiness readily available to each one of us, no matter how difficult things seem to be. But to find it, we must learn to stop running from suffering, and instead actually learn to approach it - fearlessly, compassionately, and with curiosity. This radical practice enables us to use all situations, even very painful ones, as means for discovering the truth and love that are utterly indestructible. Pema Chödrön is a bhikshuni, or Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition. Since her ordination in 1974, Ane Pema ("Ane" is a Tibetan honorific for a nun) has conducted workshops, seminars, and meditation re-treats in Europe, Australia, and throughout North America. She is the director of Gampo Abbey, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery for monks and nuns in North America. Pema Chödrön is also an acharya (master teacher) in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. She is the author of The Wisdom of No Escape; Start Where You Are; and When Things Fall Apart.
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Summary: wow
Review: One of the goofier things typically characteristic of Zen practitioners like myself is the notion that sitting, sitting, sitting takes care of everything. No words, just sit! Maybe it does. But I'm no Zen master. In the toughest of times, there's nothing better than words wisely spoken to support the sitting -- to support this life. And there's not a single book in my whole library better for this than When Things Fall Apart. When things are really falling apart, I open this book to anywhere it happens to open, read two or three pages and somehow always come up more clear-headed about my particular situation. Like fueling the spirit tank. There's a million books I love. If I could take just one on the journey, though, it'd be this one. O.k., if I could take just two on the journey, it'd be this one and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. If you let me have three, I'm all set! Add Thay Nhat Hanh's Heart Sutra commentaries (The Heart of Understanding) and I'm walking tall. More seriously still: for what ails you, this is the book.
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Summary: Not just for difficult times
Review: This is a wonderful book for anyone, not just for those who feel that things are falling apart. It offers insight into accepting life just as it is, in this moment. The author shares her "wisdom mind" in this concise and compassionate book about finding peace within the fundamental groundlessness of life. I have read the book twice, and now I read a chapter here and there for refreshment and inspiration. Buy this book, and then buy one for someone you care about.
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Summary: Excellent Reading
Review: Ane Pema Chodron writes in a clear and simple manner. I read this book about twice a year, because I learn something new or revisit concepts that I might have overlooked previously. It is clearly not just reading for when you go through tough times - its applicable to daily life. Pema's style is simple, clear and very human. We can all understand and relate to the teachings. It also provides us with an understanding of what we are going through and clear methods to deal with our situations and life. For people who meditate - it is excellent reading. It gets you to understand what you go through when life is difficult, and how it is of great benefit along your path. It is like drinking a long cool glass of clear water on a warm day - clear and refreshing. Its a great book to give as a gift. This book is a wonderful gift given to us by Pema Chodron.
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Summary: Subtle and profound
Review: This little book has had a profound effect on how I deal with myself and others. Just the simple shift of being inquisitive about my take on my life experiences has greatly decreased my tendency to be defensive and reactive at home and at work. I recommend this book highly. I am truly struck by how much of it I have internalized even though I still haven't started making meditation, which she recommends, a part of my daily life (which I intend to do, starting with 5" a day when I can hide from my child and husband!)I plan to read it over again.
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Summary: This book will change your life.
Review: This is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it for people wanting to become more compassionate to themselves and others. Ms. Chodron is a gifted writer and helps the reader to understand the common obstacles that we all stumble upon each day.
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Summary: Life's awakening
Review: This book has not only enlightened my life, but in my everyday dealings with people. I find I can relate with them through the mind stimulating thoughts that Pema has written. These writings have changed my life into a whole new perspective in living. I have found the person I know least about is myself. The discovery of myself has been facinating.
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Summary: A must-read for anyone going through any kind of crisis
Review: Thank you Pema Chodron for sharing this simple and accessible wisdom and experience. In a down-to-earth, non-preachy manner, Pema outlines the Buddhist approach to handling crisis, pain and chaos.
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Summary: Stop reading and put it in your shopping basket now.
Review: Down-to-earth advice on living gracefully with the inevitable uncertainty and chaos of life. I got my money's worth out of the introduction alone. Chodron interweaves the basic tenets of Buddhism and meditation in an extremely relevant and accessible format for everyday living. Every page is graced with insight, compassion, inspiration. If this sounds like what you are looking for, don't hesitate, just buy it.
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Summary: Pema Chodron is truly enlightened.
Review: Having read many books on Zen and Buddhism, I can say without fear of contradiction, that Pema Chodron possesses one of the most enlightened minds I have ever encountered. Her perspectives on dealing with life's realities simply hit the mark each time. They are irrefutable in their simple truths. This book is invaluable for anyone seeking enlightenment, and particularly when some of life's difficulties have become obstacles on your journey. Read this book--it will bring you peace and help you to achieve harmony with the natural order of living.
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