Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
When it comes to meditation, Pema ChAdrAn is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost instructors. Yet most of her books and teaching programmes have focused on the benefits and challenges of a well-established practice . . . until now. On How to Meditate with Pema ChAdrAn, the American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun and author of When Things Fall Apart (Shambhala, 2000) presents her first complete audio course for those new to meditation. This in-depth, 5-session curriculum helps listeners honestly meet and compassionately relate with the mind-the fundamental skill in meditation-as they join Pema to explore: - The basics of mindfulness awareness practice, including proper posture, inner and outer focus, and breathing- Overcoming common obstacles like physical discomfort, difficult emotions, wandering attention, or drowsiness- Guided sessions for resting in the nature of mind, staying present, and more-plus straightforward advice for bringing the fruits of practice into everyday life. If you could handpick someone to teach you the best way to meditate, Pema ChAdrAn would be a first choice for millions. Now this beloved voice shares with listeners everywhere her unique approach-simple and down-to-earth while informed by the highest traditions of Tibetan Buddhism-on How to Meditate with Pema ChAdrAn.
Synopsis
***How to Meditate Has Been Named One of Library Journal s Best Books of 2013*** Pema Chodron is treasured around the world for her unique ability to transmit teachings and practices that bring peace, understanding, and compassion into our lives. With How to Meditate, the American-born Tibetan nun presents her first program exploring in depth what she considers the essentials for a lifelong practice.
When we look for a meditation teacher, we want someone who has an intimate knowledge of the path. That's why so many have turned to Pema Chodron, whose gentle yet straightforward guidance has been a lifesaver for both first-time and experienced meditators.
More and more people are beginning to recognize a profound inner longing for authenticity, connection, compassion, and aliveness. Meditation, Pema explains, gives us a golden key to address this yearning. How to Meditate was recorded live, on retreat, at Gombo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Canada, over the course of a five-week retreat/ meditation program.
Through five CDs of traditional insights and her personal guidance in 12 sitting sessions, Pema Chodron will help you honestly meet and compassionately relate with your mind as you explore:
- The basics of meditation, from getting settled and the six points of posture to learning to settle to breathing and relaxation
- Gentleness, patience, and humor three ingredients for a well-balanced practice
- The Seven Delights-how moments of difficulty can become doorways to awakening and love
- Shamatha (or calm abiding), the art of stabilizing the mind to remain present with whatever arises
- Thoughts and emotions as "sheer delight"-instead of obstacles-in meditation
Here is in indispensable program from the meditation teacher who remains a first choice for students the world over.
From my own experience and from listening to many people over the years, I ve tried to offer here what I feel are the essential points of mediation, explains Pema Chodron. Now this beloved voice shares with you her accessible approach simple and down to earth while informed by the highest traditions of Tibetan Buddhism on
How to Meditate with Pema Chodron.
Disc One
- Introduction
- Becoming your own meditation instructor
- The cause of suffering
- Working with your mind
- Learning to settle
- Start with awareness
- Working with posture
- Being faithful to the technique
- Meditation: Being present
Disc Two
- Introduction
- Our habitual patterns
- Being right here
- Meditation: Coming back to the breath
- Coming back into presence
- Meditation: Finding balance
- Attention and relaxation
- Discursive thought
- Gentleness, patience, and humor
- Meditation: Relaxation
Disc Three
- Introduction
- Meditation: Faithful to being present
- Training in letting go
- Uncovering Buddha nature
- Meditation: Uncovering Buddha nature
- Refreshing Your Body
- Waiting for a thought to occur
- Meditation: Waiting, occurrence, dissolve
- Suggestions for your practice
Disc Four
- Introduction
- Balancing and settling
- Meditation: working with thoughts
- Fixation and the thinking process
- Experiencing your emotions
- Working with unfavorable conditions
- Go to your body
- Bringing up a strong emotion
- Meditation: Working the feeling
Disc Five
- Introduction
- Fully here
- No problem except identifying
- Six sense perceptions
- Non-dualistic experience
- Meditation: Undivided awareness
- Noticing when we go off
- Meditation: working with sight
- Meditation: working with touch
Pema is one of our most beloved and helpful teachers practical, compassionate, and wise. How to Meditate is a great way to take her teachings to heart and develop a meditation practice.
Jack Kornfield, author of
A Path with Heart and
A Lamp in the Darkness This is a great compilation of meditation instruction which she has personal given to many of her students over the years. These instructions have brought so much help to others that it has made her one of the most loved and revered Buddhist teacher in this modern world. With a brilliant mind and an absolutely cheerful attitude toward life, she practices what she teaches.
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche"
Synopsis
When it comes to meditation, Pema Ch dr n is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost teachers. Yet she's never offered an introductory course on audio--until now.
On How to Meditate with Pema Ch dr n, the American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun and bestselling author presents her first complete spoken-word course for those new to meditation.
Through traditional insights and her personal guidance, offered in 12 sitting sessions, Pema Ch dr n will help you honestly meet and compassionately relate with your mind as you explore:
The basics of mindfulness awareness practice, from proper posture to learning to settle to breathing and relaxation
- Gentleness, patience, and humor--three ingredients for a well-balanced practice
- Shamatha (or calm abiding), the art of stabilizing the mind to remain present with whatever arises
- Thoughts and emotions as "sheer delight"--instead of obstacles--in meditation
"From my own experience and from listening to many people over the years, I've tried to offer here what I feel are the essential points of meditation," explains Pema Ch dr n. Now this beloved voice shares with you her accessible approach--simple and down-to-earth while informed by the highest traditions of Tibetan Buddhism--on How to Meditate with Pema Ch dr n.