Perfect Just as You Are: Buddhist Practices on the Four Limitless Ones--Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Pema Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 2009

Spiritual practice, Pema Chödrön teaches, has nothing to do with self-improvement, since, as the course’s title claims, you’re already perfect right now. The limitless qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity are your deep-down, ultimate reality, and those are qualities that can’t be improved upon. If you’re not feeling particularly kind, compassionate, joyful, or equanimous at the moment, take heart: the Four Limitless Ones are there like seeds, waiting to be cultivated through practice—and, being limitless, they’re rich enough to be worked with for a lifetime.  This intensive program of study and practice provides the tools you need to access these radiant states and to nurture their growth for sake of all beings, including yourself.  Here’s some of what you’ll learn:

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How cultivating the Four Limitless Ones is the antidote to depression, irritation, and isolation
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Basic meditation instructions to get you started in the foundational practice
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A wealth of guided meditations for generating these radiant qualities to yourself, others, and the world
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Writing and reflection exercises to bring the Four Limitless Ones powerfully  into real life
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A simple chant you can use to create love and good will around yourself
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Powerful on-the-spot practices you can use throughout the day, even when there’s “no time to practice”


Do the program at your own pace. It fits perfectly with any other kind of meditation you’re doing. And since no previous knowledge of Buddhism is required, it’s also ideal for those new to spiritual practice.  After you’ve completed the material in Perfect Just as You Are, you’ll want to listen to it again periodically–any time you need a refresher course in compassion, loving-kindness, equanimity, and joy.  

8 CDs, 8 hours.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Pema Chödrön is wonderfully articulate. Her compassion makes her reflections all the more compelling.”—Audiofile

“As one of Pema Chödrön’s grateful students, I have been learning the most pressing and necessary lesson of all: how to keep opening wider my own heart.”—Alice Walker

“Pema’s deep experience and her fresh way of looking at things are like mountain water—clear and refreshing, as good dharma should be.”—Jack Kornfield

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

• Audio CD: 8 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala Audio (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590306287
• ISBN-13: 978-1590306284
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.7 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,164 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

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars helpful, September 12, 2010

By 

kaioatey (Awatovi, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perfect Just as You Are: Buddhist Practices on the Four Limitless Ones--Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity (Audio CD)

With this series Pema Chodron provides an immersion into the ancient practice of metta-bhavana (loving kindness). The practice represents the very root of Buddhism (and can therefore be found in both Vajrayana/Mahayana and Theravada traditions). Not surprisingly,it also encompasses the very essence of Christian teachings. While simple, anyone who has attempted them, knows that these practices can be difficult, frustrating and excruciating. they challenge the very physiology of our limbic system, the very organization of our body. One after another, Pema's students reveal how difficult it was for them to accept love, love themselves or send love to others.

What is apparent from these CDs, however, is the honesty, simplicity and depth of Chodron herself. She does not hide herself and unlike her own teacher she does not pretend, usurp or impose the all-knowing "divine incarnation" confidence trick on her students. I could see right away that this woman is an ethical person who has made a conscious commitment to "end all suffering". In this world in which one is very lucky to meet a spiritual teacher without a chip on their shoulder, Pema is a shining beacon.

In other words, this is a valuable and precious compilation transmitting teachings of a profound spiritual tradition through an accomplished, compassionate and selfless teacher. One of the best introductions to spiritual practice possible. And if you're serious about Buddhist practice, this is one of the best investments you will make.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of her best, most accessible cd series, April 27, 2011

By 

silverfish - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perfect Just as You Are: Buddhist Practices on the Four Limitless Ones--Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity (Audio CD)

I have listened to many of Pema Chodron's cd's and I found this series to be one of my favorite. It is very accessible material, presented in a warm, engaging way. The recording is from a six-week "urban retreat" where participants attended sessions weekly and then take the material and practice back into their daily life. Consequently, the material is broken down into very "do-able" lessons, and there is homework for the attendees to do between sessions. This structure encouraged me to actually work along with the class instead of skipping over exercises.
I really love Pema's teaching style. Her humor and humility and commitment are so inspiring in my own practice. Her insight and guidance is a real gift in my life.
One review commented on the slowed down sound of Pema's voice on this recording. I found it a little odd,too, since it sounded different from her natural voice that I know from her other recordings. The good news is that this slowed down voice is only on the first disc. After that , back to normal. So do not let that discourage you from exploring this beautiful, healing series!
My other favorite of Pema's recordings is "Getting Unstuck." All of her books are fabulous.
Namaste!!

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Old recording?, January 31, 2010

By 

T K "Have brush, will paint!" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perfect Just as You Are: Buddhist Practices on the Four Limitless Ones--Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity (Audio CD)

This is a 2009 release but it does not sound at all "current" regarding both the teaching content and Pema's style. It doesn't seem as evolved as her other teachings. I've been to listening to Pema for years now, and there is something not quite right here. The audio seems to be slowed down, and I have no idea if it's done to make Pema's voice sound younger by making it deeper, or to stretch out the number of minutes to make it seem like you're getting more content. Whatever it is, it is irritating, so there's some continuous practice involved (accepting without aggravation) in listening to this. The teaching is fine but it's been done as well or better in previous recordings, several for a better price. I'd recommend True happiness, Getting Unstuck or Don't Bite The Hook over this title.