Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Shambhala Library) [Hardcover]

Pema Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2008

This book by the renowned American Buddhist nun offers short, stand-alone readings designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness amid the challenges of daily living. More than a collection of thoughts for the day, Comfortable with Uncertainty offers a progressive program of spiritual study, leading the reader through essential concepts, themes, and practices on the Buddhist path.



Comfortable with Uncertainty does not assume prior knowledge of Buddhist thought or practice, making it a perfect introduction to Pema Chödrön’s teachings on lovingkindness, meditation, mindfulness, “nowness,” letting go, and working with fear and other painful emotions. Through the course of this book, readers will learn practical methods for heightening awareness and overcoming habitual patterns that block compassion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gently, conversationally, and with humor, Comfortable with Uncertainty offers strategies for seeing and thinking differently. For many people the approach is nothing less than transformational."—Boston Globe

"Chödrön’s radical words of wisdom unlock doors and shine warm light into the darkness of human cynicism and despair."—Utne Reader

"Chödrön's voice is gently humorous, always kind, and seemingly infinitely wise."—L.A. Times

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1 edition (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590306260
• ISBN-13: 978-1590306260
• Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 0.9 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,825 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The guru of imperfection, February 3, 2009

By 

Raymond C. Sigrist (El Cerrito, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Shambhala Library) (Hardcover)

Pema Chodron is the master of imperfection. Instead of causing the reader to pine over the apparent impossibility of enlightenment, Chodron teaches us how to learn that we are already just fine. Cultivation is only to help us remember we don't need to get anywhere, imperfection is perfect. Enlightenment is realizing that enlightenment is superfluous.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific work from Pema Chodron, January 17, 2009

By 

Joseph C. Sweeney (Portland, Maine) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Shambhala Library) (Hardcover)

People who are absolutely sure of themselves have always filled me with unease. Reading this wonderful book filled me with hope that there are others like me living healthy and happy lives at ease with the world and universe. Thanks to Ms. Chodron for providing me with additional hope. I hope you purchase and enjoy this brief but enlightening work!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep It With You, February 25, 2011

By 

funnyvalentine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Shambhala Library) (Hardcover)

I have read most of Pema Chodron's other books and when I picked this up on a whim, I opened it and thought immediately that I would be disappointed, since it covers topics that she discusses in depth in other books- the wisdom of no escape, the importance of staying in the moment, learning to practice all that fancy stuff that is so easy to preach.
Instead of being disappointed, I have found it to be an invaluable spiritual handbook- that book you'd bring with you to a desert island along with your flint and your water bottle. I keep this book with me- particularly when I am feeling down, confused, or anxious. Because it is straightforward and frank, it brings me back to myself right when I need it to. Because it is elegantly written and beautifully formed, it brings me joy every time I consult it.