Product Description Tsultrim Allione brings an eleventh-century Tibetan woman's practice to the West for the first time with FEEDING YOUR DEMONS, an accessible and effective approach for dealing with negative emotions, fears, illness, and self-defeating patterns. Allione-one of only a few female Buddhist leaders in this country and comparable in American religious life to Pema Chodron-bridges this ancient Eastern practice with today's Western psyche. She explains that if we fight our demons, they only grow stronger. But if we feed them, nurture them, we can free ourselves from the battle. Through the clearly articulated practice outlined in FEEDING YOUR DEMONS, we can learn to overcome any obstacle and achieve freedom and inner peace.
a jewel offeringAugust 4, 2008 Since she first glimpsed Buddhist lives and practice over 40 years ago at age 19, Lama Tsultrim has devoted herself not only to her own practice but also to finding ways to bring this joy, compassion and devotion to others. In this jewel of a book she offers those experiences to benefit people who may never resonate with Buddhism or Tibet, but who do notice our lifes' continuing struggles, the world's distresses, and our deep longing for ways to nurture less conflict and more hope. The book offers a way for anyone to turn toward that distress and longing, elegantly and skillfully placing this remarkable meditation practice in a modern, Western framework. So whatever your own spiritual inclinations are, whatever form your personal 'demons' may take, however you're thinking about war and peace and disharmony in the world, you'll find an ally here - in the practice, in the stories, and in the remarkable woman who brought us this book.
Eye-OpeningJuly 8, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Reviewed by Vicky Burkholder on 07/08/2008
Tsultrim Allione was one of the first Western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. In this book, she presents an eleventh-century woman's wisdom to non-Buddhists in simple, easy to understand language that anyone can follow.
According to Tsultrim, we can all overcome whatever demons are causing chaos in our lives, whether they be weight, illness, anger, or whatever. By following her five steps, we can supposedly overcome these problems.
In the first part of the book, we are given an overview of Tultrim's life - her journeys into spiritualism, her marriages and divorces, her children, her tragedies and her triumphs. It is an interesting biography, if somewhat brief. But this book isn't supposed to be a biography - and it's not completely. The next section delineates the five-step program to overcoming whatever ails you. It is clearly written and easily understood.
The third part of the book deals with specific types of demons. Each demon - illness, fear, addiction, abuse, etc. - comes with case studies allowing you to read about people who faced these problems and overcame them. Each one is different, and interesting to read. The last section of the book gives you information on how to deepen your work.
In the grand publishing segment that encompasses self-help books, this is one of the more interesting ones I've read. It is brief, to the point, easy to understand, easy to follow and deals with problems that plague almost all of us. Does it work? I'll have to get back to you on that. But I can't see where there's any harm in trying. If nothing else, you've spent some time meditating and that's always a good thing. If you're into spiritualism, Buddhism, or any of the mediating practices, definitely pick this one up. If you're just into reading about obscure spiritual readers, this would be a good buy.
4.5 Books
recommended for everyone!July 2, 2008 I'm 51 and found it very useful. I also bought it for a 24 yr old friend of mine and she thought it was wonderful too! I highly recommend it.
Method for coping with inner conflict...May 11, 2008 3 out of 11 found this review helpful
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 5/08 In her book, Feeding Your Demons,with much authority and personal experience, Tsultrim Allione, shares ancient wisdom from the Buddhists. Allione defines demons not as a Gargoyle type spirit but as an obstacle or hindrance that holds us back from living a full life. Depression, anxiety, illnesses are a few of the obstacles she calls demons. She adapts Buddhist methods into a simple 5-step process. 1. Find the demon. 2.Personify the demon and ask what it needs. 3.Imagine yourself as the demon. 4.Feed the demon and meet the ally. 5.Rest in awareness. I understand the principles behind the 5-step concept even if I do not agree with it. My liberation comes from above. However, Allione takes a mysterious subject and simplifies it. All in all, Feeding Your Demons is an unique concept. Its basis is ancient, but practiced by many New Agers.
Transformational Practices for Inner FreedomMay 1, 2008 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Lama Tsultrim Allione has masterfully adapted the ancient Tibetan practice of chod and it's powerful gift of transformation so simply and directly that it will serve those who might be drawn to the book's evocative title, while also providing support and a fresh approach to long time spiritual practitioners. Simple, concise and carefully honed through Tsultrim's own many years of practice, this book and the practice which it transmits is a liberating gift for all those whose lives are devoted to freedom. Blessings and Gratitude...
