Places That Scare You [Paperback]

Pema Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2004

One of the most inspiring spiritual teachers of our time offers simple, practical advice for living with less fear, less anxiety and a more open heart. Bought in a hotly contested auction, The Places That Scare You is now available in massmarket, taking Pema Chodron 's spiritual teachings to a wider audience. We always have a choice, Pema Chodron teaches: we can either let the circumstances of our lives harden us and make us increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kind. This unique book shows us how to awaken our basic goodness and connect to others. In her lively, contemporary voice, Chodron translates the wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for the layperson. Her wisdom cuts across all traditions and religions -- appealing to everyone from the Dalai Lama's followers to ordinary people trying to make sense of their lives. This title has gone straight onto the bestseller lists in the USA, where it has just been published. Recently profiled in Oprah's O magazine, Pema Chodron is a spiritual teacher for anyone -- whether they have a spiritual path or not. Her heartfelt advice and wisdom (developed in her 20 years of practice as a Tibetan Buddhist nun as well as her years previously as a normal 'housewife and mother') give her a wide appeal. Particularly in these difficult times, this advice strikes just the right note, offering us comfort and challenging us to live deeply and contribute to creating a more loving world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'It's short, and so beautifully written that the reading is a pleasure -- speaks to people of all religious persuasions. The clearsighted practicality of Chodron's approach to the practice of meditation is a persuasive introduction to its benefits in our daily lives. Her voice is , understanding, gently humorous, always kind and seemingly infinitely wise.' The LA Times 'As one of Pema Chodron'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 'It is a lively and accessible take on ancient techniques for transforming terror and pain into joy and compassion.' O, the Oprah Winfrey magazine "Pema's deep experience and her fresh way of looking at things are like mountain water -- clear and deep.' Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart and After the Ecstasy, the Laundry.

Book Description

Our first response to troubled emotions is to distance ourselves from the pain. But true healing comes from doing just the opposite. In this inspiring new program, beloved Buddhist teacher Pema Chvdrvn teaches us how to embrace vulnerability and the "soft" feeling that lives in the center of our hearts to ignite our inborn bodhichitta - our power of compassion for ourselves and others. Includes basic instruction in core Buddhist teachings. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Element Books (August 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 000718350X
• ISBN-13: 978-0007183500
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD; Great Pema; Great Voice/Reading, July 23, 2008

By 

Marshall Glickman "Author of Beyond the Breat... (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Places That Scare You (Audio CD)

I totally disagree with the other two previous posted reviews [at this writing only 2 other reviews]. The reader Tami Simon, Sound True's publisher and founder has a wonderful smooth and relaxed voice. I think these are reader's/reviewers were just expecting to hear Pema. Perhaps yet another example of expectations effecting our perception of reality as-it-is?

Anyhow,I really liked the reading and the CD; I don't think you'll be disappointed as long as you know you're not going to hear Pema's voice.
enjoy!

2.0 out of 5 stars Great content but Disliked the vocals, April 15, 2007

By 

White Bear Daughter (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Places That Scare You (Audio CD)

I too was disapointed this was not Pema's voice. In fact, I disliked the low tone of the voice used on this CD. Content was fabulous!

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing Voice Over, January 13, 2007

By 

Jen (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Places That Scare You (Audio CD)

I buy Pema's CD's because I love her teachings, but also because I love her voice! I find it incredibly relaxing and adore that I can "hear" her smile. I have 5 other CD's, and they are all recordings of Pema's talks.

I was very sad to find that this CD is a woman reading Pema's book, not Pema speaking. Otherwise, the content is still fantastic.