When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

Rating:
Summary: Solid thoughts on coping with the harsh realities of life.
Review: I agree with both sides of the coin on this one. It is a little bleak when describing life, but in reality, life is pretty bleak. As I see it, what Pema tries to get across here is that the only reason things are bleak or jubilant is because of how they are percieved. I got this book when things truly were "falling apart" for me. I recently gave it to my mother to read as she is recovering from surgery for cancer. I can only hope that it gives her a degree of insight as well.

Rating:
Summary: Helped me
Review: When things fell apart in my life, this book helped a great, great deal.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read
Review: This is a phenomenal book. I like her writing style. I have read some books on Buddhist philosophy that are somewhat `circular' in their writing style. This book is wonderful. It's written in a style that is easy for the western mind to grasp and understand. It is easy to bring somewhat complex practices into your life and spiritual practice. I especially appreciate the information on the practice of Tonglen. This was new to me and I have found it to work in many situations.

If you are curious about Buddhism or are already studying it, this is a wonderful book to add to your library. Very readable and understandable.

The very last paragraph states:

We live in difficult times. One senses the strong possibility that conditions may become even worse. Trungpa Rinpoche passed on many teachings that relate to uplifting society. He passionately and fearlessly imparted instructions that could bring about an era of courage in which people could experience their goodness and extend themselves to others. To the extent that I have offered this heart advise, I now pass some of it on to you. May these teachings take root and flourish for the benefit of all sentient beings now and in the future.

Need one say more?


Rating:
Summary: When Things Fall Apart, turn to this book
Review: I am not a Buddhist -- in fact, I am a Catholic. I saw this book in a bookstore, and picked it up, thinking of my 18-year-old son who's life if falling apart. There was so much in this little guide that I related to, and could relate to my son -- if only he would read it! Very wise advice, with easy to understand examples that personalize this short book. I've always had difficulty meditating, but this has inspired me to try again. J. Ryan

Rating:
Summary: People Differ
Review: I'm amazed at the range of responses by the Amazon reviewers of this book! Probably shouldn't be though. It's difficult to step outside of yourself and look at something objectively. Generally, a person's response to something has more to do with the state or psychology or situation of the person at the time than with the stimulus eliciting the response. This is a case in point--especially for those who reviewed this book more than once! But it's very much to the point of the book itself. It's saying to step outside yourself. How can you effectively deal with life (on a long-term basis rather than fighting fires all the time) if you cannot take the high ground and view your situation form outside? Pema Chodron provides both a perspective and considerable methods to do just that -- under trying circumstances. I've read 3 of her books and just got the 4th (from Amazon) today. I expect I'll enjoy it tremendously.

Rating:
Summary: Compassionate advice
Review: Pema is one of the foremost and beloved buddhist american nuns - her teaching is on applying buddhist priciples to everyday life and find peace without expecting life to hand it down to you on a platter - which it rarely does. Mostly intended for a western audience the book is for serious practitioners of buddhist philosophy and living in the moment. If you are up for that then it is arguably the best text you can work with.
What sets apart Pema from Tich Nah Tanh and some other buddhist writers is her deep understanding of everyday challenges of western lifestyle and ability to apply the concepts to it without denial or self righteousness.

All that said though - there is one universal principle that has been personally hard for me, in this and all buddhist oriented texts. When life sucks, it sucks, whether you accept it or not. And it is too short to just allow it to suck, although you can't really change it all the time. Unless you believe in a fatalistic theory that some of us are 'born to suffer' or in reincarnation that means the dividends pay off in the next birth - and maybe they will, the vast majority of us do try to make our lives better, sometimes from a thoughtful/meditative place and many tmes yes, just because we want to feel better and it hurts too much to just stay in the muck. If i practice i may feel good about myself and accept it but what about the rest of my family/friends who may not be able to accept self actualization as a be all/end all thing? What about my responsiblities towards them or even towards myself, a part of me that wants to be happy in a more ordinary, perhaps less spiritual way?