The Compassion Box: Book, CD, and Card Deck [Misc. Supplies]

Pema Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2003

For many centuries Tibetan Buddhists have used a traditional collection of pithy, penetrating slogans to help them develop equanimity, intelligence, and compassion amid the turbulence of daily life. This boxed set presents all the tools needed to learn this transformative practice (called lojong in Tibetan), presented in Pema's accessible, down-to-earth style.

The Compassion Box contains a set of finely produced cards presenting fifty-nine powerful maxims, including "Don't be swayed by external circumstances," "Don't be so predictable," and "Be grateful to everyone." The cards can be displayed at work or home for guidance and inspiration throughout the day. On the reverse side of each card Pema offers new, illuminating, and inspiring commentary on how to understand and apply the maxims.



The Compassion Box includes:


   •  59 two-color cards, with a Buddhist slogan on one side and original commentary by Pema Chödrön on the other

   •  Guided instructions on how to use the cards as part of a daily spiritual practice

   •  A fold-out card stand

   •  A 288-page paperback, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living, a popular guide to understanding and applying the slogans

   •  A 45-minute audio CD of Pema Chödrön offering in-depth instruction on tonglen meditation ("taking in and sending out"), a powerful practice that anyone can undertake to awaken the heart

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Recently, some publishers have repackaged their bread-and-butter titles as gift boxes, pairing known bestsellers with certain extras (CDs, prayer flags, Tarot cards, etc.) and doubling the price. Rarely, however, has the strategy worked so seamlessly as it does in this gift collection from Chodron, Buddhist nun and author of the bestsellers When Things Fall Apart and The Places That Scare You. The pocket-sized book contained here, Start Where You Are, is nearly a decade old and is a popular primer on compassion-in-practice. In it, Chodron argues that to start where we are, we have to embrace our pain and learn how to live with it-and how to let it go. "It is unconditional compassion for ourselves that leads naturally to unconditional compassion for others," she writes, paraphrasing the lojong teachings that form the heart of the book. Lojong, meaning "mind training," consists of 59 "pithy slogans" about cultivating compassion. In addition to the book, this gift box contains 59 lojong cards with the teachings on one side and Chodron's commentary on the other. ("In all activities, train with slogans," says the ninth lojong card. It's advice that Chodron seems to have taken to heart.) The set comes with a little cardboard stand so that practitioners can prop a card in front of themselves during meditation, and it also offers a 43-minute CD with Chodron's spoken instructions on tonglen meditation-breathing in the suffering of others, and breathing out compassion.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A popular primer on compassion-in-practice. Chödrön argues that to start where we are, we have to embrace our pain and learn how to live with it—and how to let it go."—Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Misc. Supplies: 288 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (October 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590300750
• ISBN-13: 978-1590300756
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 1.7 x 6.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peaceful, Practical, Valuable, October 31, 2003

By 

Julie Jordan Scott "Writer, Life Coach - Owne... (Bakersfield, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Compassion Box: Book, CD, and Card Deck (Misc. Supplies)

I received "The Compassion Box" as a gift, not knowing at all what to expect.

The first thing I did was pop in the CD and was immediately intrigued by Pema Chodron's voice and her message. She explains the principles of Tonglen meditation very simply so that if you have this product, you can begin practicing immediately.

The Lojong cards are excellent supports as well, keeping you centered on a different principle or technique every day.

As a Non-Buddhist, I found this product exceptionally valuable to teach me how to begin implementing this beautiful practice into my life in a way which will have a significant impact on my being.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Priceless, April 24, 2004

By 

Douglas "Urgyen Menla" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Compassion Box: Book, CD, and Card Deck (Misc. Supplies)

The essence of Buddhism, really, is practice...as opposed to belief in a doctrine. This package is such a beautifully done description of and means to the fundamental practice of compassion. It is truly one of my most treasured possessions.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Open the Compassion Box, May 10, 2005

By 

M. R. Estante "book reader" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Compassion Box: Book, CD, and Card Deck (Misc. Supplies)

If Pandora's Box opened the world to alot of the ills of negative behavior then this lovely collection from Pema Chodron is the beautiful opposite! Compassion is one of the hardest abilities in a world of ambition, greed, and competition. Centuries of buddhist wisdom are encapsulated in this wonder tool. Use this to create a habit and pattern of compassion for yourself and others. Buddha once said that all that we are begins with our thoughts, and with our thoughts we make the world. Used daily and in the moments when compassion is most called for ... the compassion box allows us to re-create our inner world ... and see the fruits of this change in our outer reality. People, place, situations, and events do not change. We can only change ourselves, our perceptions, and interact from a place of compassion and self-love. Then ... our buddha nature reaps rewards. Make compassion work for you!