Open Heart, Clear Mind [Paperback]

Ve n. Thubten Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1990

Will help many on the path of meditation and in dealing with life's everyday challenges.--Asian Foodbookery

Editorial Reviews

Review

These teachings are both subtle and profound, but it is very important that they be made accessible in a way that people can actually put them into practice and derive benefit from them. I am sure this book will achieve this and that it will prove helpful to general readers, especially those who have little previous acquaintance with Buddhism. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Inside Flap

This practical introduction to Buddhism focuses on the application of Buddhist psychology to modern life. Thubten Chodron, an American Buddhist nun, presents the basic points of this path for understanding ourselves and improving the quality of our lives

"...presents a clear and complete survey of the teachings of the Buddha that will help many on the open path of meditation to deal with the challenges of everyday life."--Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh

This introduction to Buddhism by an American Tibetan Buddhist nun focuses on practical applications of Buddhist psychology to modern life. In a straightforward style and with warmth and humor, Chodron sets forth the fundamental points of the Buddha's teaching on transforming habitual attitudes and realizing our full human potential. "...conveys a clear understanding of Buddhism as it has been practiced by Tibetans, in easily comprehensible language."--His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0937938874
• ISBN-13: 978-0937938874
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thubten Chodron is an American Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition. A student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan masters, she became a nun in 1977. She has been resident teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore and at Dharma Friendship Foundation in Seattle. Active in interfaith dialogue, she also does Dharma outreach in prisons and teaches the Dharma worldwide. She is abbess of Sravasti Abbey, a Buddhist monastery in eastern Washington State. She is the author of several books, including Open Heart, Clear Mind; Buddhism for Beginners; Taming the Mind; Working with Anger; and How to Free Your Mind: Tara the Liberator. Ven. Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha's teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners.

"Venerable Thubten Chodron is someone whose life embodies the virtues of kindness, simplicity and clarity of vision, which lie at the heart of the Buddha's teaching. It is these perrenial qualities that shine through her writings and touch the hearts of many readers all over the world."--Thupten Jinpa, author and translator for the Dalai Lama

Working with Anger by Thubten Chodron has been chosen for a Spirituality and Health Award as one of "The Best Spiritual Books of 2001." Spirituality and Health is a quarterly print magazine covering the people, the practices, and the ideas of today's spiritual renaissance. Their website is http://www.spiritualityhealth.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, practical and deeply insightful, February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Open Heart, Clear Mind (Paperback)

This is the kind of book a person cherishes forever. It explains in plain English the basic truths in Buddhist philosophy and psychology. It's written from a uniquely American voice, that of a California-born woman who spent much of the last 20 years in serious study from the greatest Tibetan teachers in the modern age. The author treats the subject (human suffering and the path from chaos to peace), with agility and grace. We are told in very readable and down-to-earth prose some timeless and practical lessons that imediately calm a troubled mind and give deep food for thought - ultimately to be used on the spiritual journey to enlightenment. I confess that I'm hooked on Buddhism and that this book hits on all the most powerful themes. For a non-Buddhist this book is ideal in its simplicity, clarity and pragmatic approach to the subject. If you consider the book in context of everyday life, there is no doubt that you can make progress, first in decreasing your own suffering and ultimately toward developing your own self confident compassion and wisdom. The best thing about it is it's plain-spoken and pragmatic approach. There is nothing mystical in this Buddhist guide, which is, ultimately, its true strength.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book I buy for friends..., April 23, 2002

By 

"seasheltie" (Morristown, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Open Heart, Clear Mind (Paperback)

Chodron Thubten's book was recommended to me as a good book to gain a basic understanding of Buddhism. It is that but it is also a book that has helped me keep my life on an even keel. I read it quickly and then I read it again. I now keep it with me and on the many occasions when I have to wait for one of my children, I read a few paragraphs, a few pages or a few chapters. I've bought two more copies for friends and I expect I'll continue to do that. Not all will understand or appreciate the book but for those who do, it will be a blessing.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Introduction, October 28, 2003

By 

E. L. Weinhold "Lolly" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Open Heart, Clear Mind (Paperback)

Amazing book that breaks down the core beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. Chodron makes wonderful analogies regarding how you can deal with anger, have compassion, and be happy. Her writing style is very easy to read. The book stays with you long after reading it... it is like a breath of fresh air. I thoroughly enjoyed it.