Amazon.com Review Much like Zen, Pema Chodron's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism takes the form of a nontheistic spiritualism. In When Things Fall Apart this head of a Tibetan monastery in Canada outlines some relevant and deceptively profound terms of Tibetan Buddhism that are germane to modern issues. The key to all of these terms is accepting that in the final analysis, life is groundless. By letting go, we free ourselves to face fear and obstacles and offer ourselves unflinchingly to others. The graceful, conversational tone of Chodron's writing gives the impression of sitting on a pillow across from her, listening to her everyday examples of Buddhist wisdom.
Product 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
Book Description Pema Chodron offers her core teachings on how to use our darkest moments to illuminate the path to freedom, by embracing the experiences that typically make us freeze, suppress, or act out our feelings
let go of your cherished notionsNovember 10, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is mainly in response to the reviewer who wrote that this book is "esoteric drivel." The reviewer's summation of the main ideas in the book is incorrect and if you know anything at all about Buddhism, you know it isn't about dogma. One of the many teachings of Buddhism says "Live your life as an experiment. Don't take someone else's word about what the truth is. Find out for yourself." That said, you can hardly go wrong with any book by Pema Chodron.
Not for me....September 15, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It's great if you're a first time reader of self care books. Otherwise it drags and it's less interesting than expected. Although I've been trying to find it's saving grace I don't care for the writing style or the authors referrences.
Recommend: The Energy of Money: A Spiritual Guide to Financial and Personal Fulfillment Many of us are having money problems at this time or have always had money issues, like me. I recommend reading "The Energy of Money". It's about our relationship to everything (yes everything) including money.
The Words are Still in my HeadSeptember 14, 2008 Funny, I had no idea that this book was so popular. I like the way Pema writes: very normal and real. I've gone back to it on multiple occassions when stressed out, or even when I just wanted to relax with a good read. I still can't get over how many reviews there are on this book!!!
esoteric drivelSeptember 6, 2008 2 out of 13 found this review helpful
It is an indication that something is wrong if you have to go read another book or two on history and philosophy of Buddhism in order to understand the esoteric dogma she is talking about.
Now to put all this in simple terms the jest of the book seams to be:
We are all going to die and we should think about it all the time. There is no hope and we should not even try All is suffering and we should not try to do anything about it All is pain and we should try to find more pain. We do not have a soul and if you think you do you are deluded
These are not good messages for someone who is really in a state of depression or flux I can not see what anyone gets out of this book
Her point if there is one is almost un-understandable through all the esoteric drivel
Pema Chodron ShinesSeptember 1, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is written for those who don't necessarily indentify as Buddhists, and/or don't practice Buddhist doctrines. That being said, this is a book that has helped many fledling Buddhists come to understand how the mind works, how one can tame the ego, and make friends with all of our thoughts, negative and positive.
She teaches in the tradition of the Shambhala Warrior, a path laid out by the brilliant Buddhist teacher (and Chodron's root teacher), Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Her method of writing is down-to-earth, full of kindness and compassion, and accessible to all those looking to find a way to confront mental suffering caused by day-to-day existence, or those who are facing painful situations in their life.
Pema Chodron is one of the finest teachers of finding strength through loving-kindness and gentleness toward one's self. I highly recommend this book.
