Synopses & Reviews
Pema Chödrön helps us uncover and transform the fundamental beliefs that cause us to suffer so that we can increase our capacity to love ourselves and others. Pema begins her teaching by declaring, “We live in a culture of fear and guilt, always feeling like we arent good enough.” She then shows the way out of this trap by revealing how the entire spiritual path is really about cultivating fearless self-acceptance. She draws on five traditional Tibetan Buddhist aphorisms to frame her teachings:
• "Reveal your hidden faults”for accepting our imperfections
• "Approach what you find repulsive”for facing suffering with an open heart
• "Help those whom you think you cannot help”for awakening compassion
• "Anything you are attached to, give that”for developing generosity
• "Go to the places that scare you”for finding courage in all aspects of life
Pema unpacks these aphorisms and helps us understand how they can form the structure for living a more courageous life. She also holds an extensive question-and-answer session and leads guided meditation practices on overcoming shame and guilt, staying open in the face of pain, transforming our relationships with difficult people, and increasing our feelings of generosity.
Synopsis
Fear and guilt are two of the greatest challenges we face on the spiritual path—but there is a way to transform these painful feelings into courageous self-acceptance. Here Pema Chödrön presents the five aphorisms for developing fearlessness that were given to Machig Lapdronma, one of Tibetan Buddhism's greatest female teachers. Pema comments on these aphorisms, holds question-and-answer sessions, and leads guided meditations to help us:
• overcome shame and guilt
• remain courageous in the face of pain
• transform our relationships with difficult people
• increase our feelings of generosity and compassion
This program also includes a card with the five aphorisms and study.
5 CDs, 5 hours
About the Author
Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is also the author of many books and audiobooks, including the best-selling When Things Fall Apart and Don't Bite the Hook.