 | | |
| When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times | 
 enlarge | Author: Pema Chodron
Publisher: Shambhala
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
Buy New: $2.96
You Save: $4.03 (58%)
Buy New/Used from $2.78
Avg. Customer Rating:  (129 reviews)
Sales Rank: 1180
Languages: English (Unknown), English (Original Language), English (Published)
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 208
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 3.9 x 0.8
ISBN: 1590302265
Dewey Decimal Number: 294.3444
EAN: 9781590302262
ASIN: 1590302265
Publication Date: January 11, 2005
Release Date: January 11, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
There is a fundamental opportunity for happiness right within our reach, yet we usually miss it?ironically, while we are caught up in attempts to escape pain and suffering. Drawn from traditional Buddhist wisdom, Pema Choedroen's radical and compassionate advice for what to do when things fall apart in our lives goes against the grain of our usual habits and expectations. There is only one approach to suffering that is of lasting benefit, Pema teaches, and that approach involves moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, relaxing into the essential groundlessness of our entire situation. It is there, in the midst of chaos, that we can discover the truth and love that are indestructible. Included in the book are: Ways to use painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage Methods of communicating that lead to openness and true intimacy with others Practices for reversing negative habitual patterns Techniques for working with chaotic situations Tools for cultivating compassionate, energetic social action
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.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 124 more reviews...
 Not for me.... September 15, 2008
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 Head September 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 drivel September 6, 2008
2 out of 8 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 Shines September 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.
Truth not false sunshine August 31, 2008
I found this book amazingly fresh. All the other self-help books tell you how to mask the problems in your life and push them under the rug. Thinking positive is a great thing too, but you do have to deal with reality when things do go bad ... and they always do and always will. Life is a rollercoaster ... always. As this book teaches if you can make friends with your life as it is, you will be much happier and your life will inevitably be better. The main thing I have learned from this book is to be PRESENT for your life and don't spend it wishing and hoping for it to be different. It is what it is and it is your life, so you might as well experience it, appreciate it and enjoy it.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| | |