When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
 | By Pema Chodron Shambhala, 2005, Mass Market Paperback Customer Rating: 129 reviews Recommend |
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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 Chödrön'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
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.
Title: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Sales Rank: 2008 in Books
Author: Pema Chodron
Publisher: Shambhala, 2005-01-11, Mass Market Paperback, 208 pages, ISBN: 1590302265
Package Dimensions: 6.77 x 3.94 x 0.79 inches, 0.22 pounds
- let go of your cherished notions
- 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… More reviews
- Not for me....
- 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… More reviews
- The Words are Still in my Head
- 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!!! More reviews
- esoteric drivel
- 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… More reviews
- Pema Chodron Shines
- 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… More reviews
