No Self No Problem [Paperback]

Anam Thubten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2009

No Self, No Problem is about how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on the Buddhist wisdom tradition, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple but profound and inspiring language how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness.

Anam Thubten, an accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher, speaks with clarity, humor, and refreshing honesty as he shares his own spiritual journey. With profound knowledge and insight into the human condition, he illuminates the path to enlightenment for those willing to go to the heart of the matter.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Author Anam Thubten, who was born in Eastern Tibet, undertook Buddhist training in the Nyingma tradition at an early age and has been teaching in the West since the 1990s. His teachings are unpretentious and sometimes outright humorous, but they are also profound. No Self, No Problem is about how to let go of our notions of ego identity in order to discover our true nature and achieve real liberation. 'We are perfect as we are,' says Anam Thubten. 'When we realize this, we are perfect. When we don't realize this, we are also perfect.' There is a glossary of terms at the back of No Self, No Problem that those new to Buddhist concepts will find useful."—Shambhala Sun

"Anam Thubten goes to the heart of the matter in this easy-to-read, yet profound, book written in an accessible contemporary style"—Mandala "Editor's Choice"

"The author, through discussions on meditation, inner contentment or detachment, awareness, acceptance, compassion, ultimate awakening and transcendent wisdom, enables us to realize and grasp that all the wealth is within us and in our control"—East and West Series

"A winsome winner. Each short chapter shows us the instant accessibility of our true nature.... Anam Thubten's main teaching is that 'enlightenment can happen right now in a single instant'. His book is exemplary in pointing out how to accomplish this.... The boon of this book is that his words are so vivid, clear, and comprehensible, they pierce through our doubt and resistance like a laser"—Bohemian Buddhist Review

"Whether you are new to the Dharma or a long-time practitioner, you will certainly find some helpful advice here."—Khandro

"At the same time, Thubten points out that the way to enlightenment is far easier than we think it is: it simply comes down to losing attachments. Thubten acknowledges that failure can, does, and will happen along the way; accepting that truth will make things easier, although failure does not give excuse for not trying. His style is warm and inviting, and he sprinkles a good bit of humor throughout, keeping the text from becoming overly dry and boring. No Self No Problem should sit on the bookshelf of everyone interested in letting go of their ego."—Elephant Journal

"Despite the seemingly simplistic message of the book's title, which significantly is all in lower case, he is both familiar with and sensitive to the psychological difficulties that can complicate spiritual practice. He approaches the core feature of Buddhist philosophy, 'No-Self', in a direct, humorous, no-nonsense way that is softened by tender and compassionate insights.... Accessible and contemporary, [Thubten] frequently uses lively imagery to underline his points.... Provides not only a clear, engaging introduction to the Buddhist path but also inspiration and salutary warnings for more experienced practitioners."—Asya Chorley, The Middle Way

"Anam Thubten lays the groundwork for an enlightened life in a simplistic way that not only a long time practitioner can understand, but those new to the path as well. With clarity and a sense of soft spokeness, Thubten give us the foundation to work from." -- Nate DeMontigny, Precious Metal; March, 2010

 

Review

"Simply written but not simplistic, No Self No Problem tackles one of the greatest challenges of being a Buddhist: eliminating the sense of the separate self (the ego) as a means to accomplish enlightenment. Thubten's writing is straightforward and easily read, encouraging the reader towards the understanding that anyone and everyone can lose their attachment to ego, but he never comes across as patronizing: "It's easy... I did it and you can do it, too!" At the same time, Thubten points out that the way to enlightenment is far easier than we think it is: it simply comes down to losing attachments. Thubten acknowledges that failure can, does, and will happen along the way; accepting that truth will make things easier, although failure does not give excuse for not trying. His style is warm and inviting, and he sprinkles a good bit of humor throughout, keeping the text from becoming overly dry and boring. No Self No Problem should sit on the bookshelf of everyone interested in letting go of their ego."- Elephant Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (June 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559393262
• ISBN-13: 978-1559393263
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Reality Based Approach, August 18, 2009

By 

Scott Broadbent "Mr152" (Palo Alto) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Self No Problem (Paperback)

We are so caught up in our fantasies and illusions that we are blind to them. Most of our spiritual and religious endeavors are just more fantasy. We have mindsets that we are totally oblivious to. Anam Thubten does a simple, straightforward, and unusually effective job at bringing us to a place where all this can actually be sensed, at least momentarily. He presents a fundamental and unembellished challenge to make a real choice: live in fantasy, or live in reality. He brings you to the place where it really is a choice, not just another fantasy. This is a highly recommended book. It is deceptively simple and does require a certain history of inner work to appreciate the depth presented.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simplicity, Clarity, and Genuine Wisdom for Everyday Practice, September 1, 2009

By 

SFyogini (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Self No Problem (Paperback)

The simplicity and kind spirit in which this book is written will remind you of the work of Thich Nhat Hanh. Its elegance and clarity will remind you of the work of HH the Dalai Lama. I will read this book again and again and heartily recommend it. The author is Tibetan with years of monastic and scholastic training, who yet knows Western culture very well (he is fluent in English) and has done what is needed to make the essential teachings of the Buddha accessible to those who haven't had the opportunity to practice intensively in a monastery. His writings are lively and offer pure dharma in a way that is utterly devoid of pretense and also quite humorous. Enjoy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Pithy, April 9, 2010

By 

Dorje Drollod - See all my reviews

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This review is from: No Self No Problem (Kindle Edition)

There are complicated teachings for those with complicated minds and simple teachings for those with simple minds. If you like simple yet profound teachings on the nature of mind, free of jargon and unnecessary elaboration, this book is perfect for you. It is like reading advice from an old friend who knows how to speak so that you will really understand and appreciate what is being said. Frankly, the value of this book far exceeds the cost associated with its purchase. Download a sample of the kindle edition first before purchasing and decide if the format suits you as it is not the best appearance. One of the best books on the subject I have ever read.