Start Where You Are – A Guide to Compassionate Living, Shambhala Classics
Start Where You Are A Guide to Compassionate Living Shambhala Classics
Start Where You Are is an indispensable handbook for cultivating fearlessness and awakening a compassionate heart. With insight and humor, Pema Chödrön presents down-to-earth guidance on how we can "start where we are" — embracing rather than denying the painful aspects of our lives. Pema Chödrön frames her teachings on compassion around fifty-nine traditional Tibetan Buddhist maxims, or slogans, such as: "Always apply only a joyful state of mind," "Don't seek others' pain as the limbs of your own happiness," and "Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment." Working with these slogans and through the practice of meditation, Start Where You Are shows how we can all develop the courage to work with our inner pain and discover joy, well-being, and confidence.
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Buddhism-lite
First and foremost, you have to be open to Buddhism in order to feel comfortable with the teachings and meditation techniques presented here. I was introduced to this book by a friend and mistakenly thought this book as a self-help sort of reading material without much religious bent. I was wrong. It is definitely Buddhism, but not in-depth Buddhism either. Just some bits of advice here and there in the form of short slogans and some typical Eastern religous philosophical psychology mixed in to make it palatable for someone wanting mere self-improvement rather than the classic state of enlightenment sought in traditional Buddhism. The title aptly implies starter fare Buddhism. Starting where I am, that I don't like Buddhism, this book is not for me or anyone adverse to religion repackaged as self-help psychology.
5 Stars pema rules
this women is my inner monologue. if you're looking to change your life and become a better person read this book.
5 Stars Review of the CD Audio Book
You should know that the CD Audio Book CDs have .WAV files on them rather than regular CD files or .MP3s. The reader is clear and easy to follow. If you liked the book, I think you'll like the CD version too.
I picked this book after reading Eckart Tolle's New Earth. Pema Chodron speaks to many of the same issues from a little different perspective that, while perhaps more religious, seems clearer to me; more understandable. At the same time, I also think it's possible that many of us need to read both perspectives to gain a better understanding.
I was attracted to this book by the title. Being able to Start Where You Are was an empowering notion. It was the idea that I don't need to wait till I (grow up, finish school, lose weight, get married, get divorced, get a job, retire) to (develop spiritually, be happy, find peace). Most particularly I don't need to stop suffering to be happy, or start my journey. Instead, I can use my suffering to facilitate my development & growth. The CD version is true to all of these ideas.
5 Stars Excellent Advice for Living in the Present
As a person that's recently had to deal with personal challenges and obstacles, I've found Pema Chodron's advice and thoughts both enlightening and empowering. She takes the very stuff that makes life difficult and uses it as an example of how to either change or be comfortable with where you are. I've purchased a few of her other books on "tape" and have enjoyed listening to them all. I also commute a fair amount and it's perfect to listen to her on the way to work or on the way back from a rough day of work.
This work is full of simple stories that show you the power of each and every one of our day-to-day experiences. Some of the advice you may already have heard from a friend, but through her stories she really brings home the point and helped me to internalize another type of "medicine" that's helped me to live my own life right where I am. I hope you enjoy Pema as much as I have.
5 Stars Start Where You Are
This is an excellent book to start your life in the recovery mode. No longer are we living in the past, but we are living for today and this book shows us how through compassion and simple learning.
Related posts:
- When Things Fall Apart – Heart Advice for Difficult Times
- Living Buddha – Living Christ, 10th Anniversary Edition
- The Art of Happiness – A Handbook for Living
- The Pema Chodron Audio Collection – Pure Meditation Good Medicine From Fear to Fearlessness
- Dont Bite the Hook – Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment and Other Destructive Emotions
- Taking the Leap – Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
- The Power of Now – A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
- Pema Chodron 2010 Wall Calendar – Awakening the Heart
- The Joy of Living – Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness
- Zen Mind – Beginners Mind – Shambhala Library
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