An essential guide to developing courage and a loving heart is Start Where You Are. Pema Chödrön offers practical advice on how we might “start where we are”—embracing rather than ignoring the unpleasant parts of our lives—with wit and humour.
Among the fifty-nine ancient Tibetan Buddhist maxims, or slogans, that Pema Chödrön bases her teachings on are “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.”
With the use of these catchphrases and the meditation technique, Start Where You Are demonstrates how anybody may gain the bravery to confront their inner suffering and find happiness, contentment, and self-assurance.
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About the Author
American Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön is descended from Chögyam Trungpa. The first Tibetan monastery in North America founded for Westerners is Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, where she teaches as a resident instructor. In addition, she is the author of several novels and CDs, such as the best-selling Don’t Bite the Hook and When Things Fall Apart.
Review
I thought about life and what it would be like without my most significant loved one after his passing. There was no light at all to greet me on the road ahead; it was a black journey down a terrifying road. I read the book in its entirety in one sitting when a friend loaned it to me, and I was struck by how well someone understood my suffering.
As my blanky had been for me as a youngster, I purchased a replica for me and carried it with me everywhere. It broke apart when I read it repeatedly. Since then, with the intention of keeping them, I have purchased at least six additional copies of this book.
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Nevertheless, I always ended up giving it away to someone I loved. I downloaded it the day I purchased my Kindle Fire, and I still carry it with me at all times. I also refuse to give this copy away. I still find myself purchasing this book for others, though.
Now, it appears to speak to me no matter how I’m feeling, so I read it when I’m pleased, afraid, content, or sad. It’s true when I claim that this book saved my life. The worst sadness I have ever experienced and will ever feel is surviving a loved one’s suicide; yet, this book eased my suffering and spared my loved ones the agony of my unavailability.
I turned to this book whenever I sensed that hope was fading and darkness was encroaching. In every way possible, this book saved my life and taught me how to live a better, more purposeful life!
What a remarkable book. When properly taught, Buddhism encourages us to be more receptive to life’s events and less closed off to them. It comprehends how we relate to and respond to hardship.
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It enables us to love and comprehend ourselves, which in turn enables us to love and comprehend others. On our chaotic trip through life, we need this. I am really appreciative of Pema’s efforts. You will meet yourself after you finish reading this book. You will also get to know everyone else.
Summary
Pema Chödrön’s book Start Where You Are offers advice on cultivating compassion and mindfulness. It educates readers to embrace who they are and how they feel and to use their inner power to face life’s obstacles head-on with poise and fortitude.