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.


From Publishers Weekly
Pema Chodron, a student of Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche and Abbot of Gampo Abbey, has written the Tibetan Buddhist equivalent of Harold Kushner's famous book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. As the author indicates in the postscript to her book: "We live in difficult times. One senses a possibility they may get worse." Consequently, Chodron's book is filled with useful advice about how Buddhism helps readers to cope with the grim realities of modern life, including fear, despair, rage and the feeling that we are not in control of our lives. Through reflections on the central Buddhist teaching of right mindfulness, Chodron orients readers and gives them language with which to shape their thinking about the ordinary and extraordinary traumas of modern life. But most importantly, Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
An American Buddhist nun and author (Start Where You Are, LJ 6/1/94), Chodron here passes on the teachings of the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, advising a loving kindness toward oneself and awakening a compassionate attitude toward our pain and the pain of others. The readings allow us to reconnect with a truth already known or to find a new way of looking at everyday chaos. Throughout, we are shown basic Buddhist beliefs and given instructions in discovering one's true nature through asking questions, facing one's fears, and dealing with the present. The instructions can be taken as meditations, affirmations, or simple reminders of how to transform our minds and actions into nonaggression, which benefits ourselves and society. Popular reading recommended for all libraries; Chodron is donating the proceeds of this book to the Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Canada.?Leo Kritz, West Des Moines P.L., Ia.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
The author says that awareness through meditation can teach us what is true, even when the truth is painful or disorienting. Usually we fight with uncomfortable emotion or act it out in habitual ways; we want things on our own terms and don't want to think about how they affect others. Feelings like craving, resentment, aggression and depression are too much to bear. But by embracing these realities, we can heal and open up to the fundamental joy that is our birthright. We can connect with our noble heart, which "is not affected by all our kicking and screaming." With gentleness and a broad grasp of the human spirit, the author makes this material very inviting, like therapy with a wise, existential therapist. T.W. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM OUR EDITORS

Tibetan Buddhist Pema Chodron believes that by attending ourselves, we heal ourselves. Her clear call for this root serenity has already won this book over one hundred thousand readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

There is a fundamental happiness available to every individual--yet we usually miss it while spending our lives trying to escape suffering that is ultimately guite inescapable. Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist teacher, shows that the secret to freeing oneself from pain is not to run from it, but to step right up to the uncharted territory of difficulty with friendliness and curiosity.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Pema Chodron, a student of Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche and Abbot of Gampo Abbey, has written the Tibetan Buddhist equivalent of Harold Kushner's famous book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. As the author indicates in the postscript to her book: "We live in difficult times. One senses a possibility they may get worse." Consequently, Chodron's book is filled with useful advice about how Buddhism helps readers to cope with the grim realities of modern life, including fear, despair, rage and the feeling that we are not in control of our lives. Through reflections on the central Buddhist teaching of right mindfulness, Chodron orients readers and gives them language with which to shape their thinking about the ordinary and extraordinary traumas of modern life. But, most importantly, Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

Pema Chodron, a student of Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche and Abbot of Gampo Abbey, has written the Tibetan Buddhist equivalent of Harold Kushner's famous book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. As the author indicates in the postscript to her book: "We live in difficult times. One senses a possibility they may get worse." Consequently, Chodron's book is filled with useful advice about how Buddhism helps readers to cope with the grim realities of modern life, including fear, despair, rage and the feeling that we are not in control of our lives. Through reflections on the central Buddhist teaching of right mindfulness, Chodron orients readers and gives them language with which to shape their thinking about the ordinary and extraordinary traumas of modern life. But most importantly, Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

An American Buddhist nun and author (Start Where You Are, LJ 6/1/94), Chdrn here passes on the teachings of the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, advising a loving kindness toward oneself and awakening a compassionate attitude toward our pain and the pain of others. The readings allow us to reconnect with a truth already known or to find a new way of looking at everyday chaos. Throughout, we are shown basic Buddhist beliefs and given instructions in discovering one's true nature through asking questions, facing one's fears, and dealing with the present. The instructions can be taken as meditations, affirmations, or simple reminders of how to transform our minds and actions into nonaggression, which benefits ourselves and society. Popular reading recommended for all libraries; Chodron is donating the proceeds of this book to the Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Canada.-Leo Kritz, West Des Moines P.L., Ia.

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