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.
