23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Popular psychology, Buddhism, and its future, March 9, 2005
This review is from: Taming the Mind (Paperback)
This book consists of 5 main parts which differ significantly. The 1st 3 are a mixture of popular psychology and Buddhism. Much of the material is familiar to readers of psychology bestsellers, but Bhikshuni (an honorific for Buddhist nuns) Chodron makes some pithy statements worth repeating:
p. 92: "If we complain that our parents don't understand and accept us for who we are, we also must ask whether we understand and accept our parents for who they are."
p. 134: "A person who accepts responsibility for his decision is in a position to effect great change in his life while someone who continuously attributes his failures and confusion to others digs himself into a hole...But when we take responsibility for our decisions...then we give ourselves the power to change."
p. 139: "It is very good for children to see their parents sit still and be calm. That gives them the idea that they too can do the same." These are reminiscent of the works of Alice Miller on children emulating parents as well as other books on reframing and positive transformation. Vajrayana is, to a large extent, also about positive transformation: p. 145: "If we direct our mind positively, we can transfer whatever action we do into the path to enlightenment."
In part 4, she describes the spread of Buddhism including concise, yet easily understood, descriptions of various types of Buddhism and how they are practiced in different lands (including monastics): p. 157: "Buddhism is remarkably flexible in the external forms it takes. Thus it has adapted to the culture of each country where it has taken root." She points out that there are different ways of viewing Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as well as parallels between Buddhism and western religions. In part 5, she discusses Buddhism today with intimations of its future in the West, stating that: p. 191: "Buddhism in the 21st century faces two challenges. The first is to clarify people's misconceptions about it." This book appears to be so-aimed; her no nonsense approach and understanding of the dynamics of religious development answer that challenge-in a way that is understandable in the West. Thus, she states that: p. 4: "In fact, our self or `I' exists but not in the way we think it does." As in the Middle Way of the Madhyamaka, she takes the middle ground and promotes a balanced approach and understanding of others' perspectives vice rejecting them for being different. IMHO, this is a wholesome approach.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviews, January 28, 2008
This review is from: Taming the Mind (Paperback)
Thubten Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, has studied and practiced Buddhism in India and Nepal since 1975. She travels worldwide teaching and leading meditation retreats and is the author of Buddhism for Beginners and Working With Anger. We have been especially impressed with the practical nature of her explanations of spiritual practices that can be done on a daily basis as we interact with others.
Chodron begins with an overview of Buddhist philosophy and psychology and ends with the history and development of Buddhism (with explanations of Buddhist temples, centers, ceremonies, and festivals) over the years and today. But for us the most engaging and helpful material comes in two sections on having good relationships and "Taming Bad Habits, Cultivating Good Ones" with pointers on how to practice the Dharma in our daily lives.
Chodron explains equanimity as "remembering that no person is our inherent, ever-lasting friend, enemy or stranger." The result of this practice means that we are not constantly caught up in the confused emotions of attachment, hostility, and indifference. Her simple but elegant example of this really struck home with us: "If we feel hurt or rejected because a dear one hasn't called us in a long time, rather than feel the suffering nature of our own attachment, we criticize our loved one for being unreliable and inconsiderate." By letting this person make or break our day by calling or not calling, we demonstrate that our attachment to that person is far too needy. Equanimity frees us from this constriction and enables us to have an equal feeling of openness toward each and every person.
Chodron hits high stride writing about practices that offset the bad habits of complaining, speaking of the faults of others, and ruminating (living in the past or future). It is possible to generate beneficial habits through positive motivation early in the day. Here is a tip she gives for work: "Think: 'I will use whatever happens at work today as part of my Dharma practice.' Generate the motivation to be open and receptive to whatever you experience that day. If someone praises you, remember that your qualities came due to the kindness of your teachers and others and in that way avoid being arrogant. If someone criticizes you unfairly, realize that he is miserable, and instead of taking the comment personally, care about the suffering of the other person. On the other hand, if someone criticizes you for a mistake you made, acknowledge it, apologize, and learn from the error. There's no need to become defensive or angry." Chodron, as you can see, is a master teacher with many down-to-earth practices to offer. Spirituality and [...]
"This book helps to overcome misconceptions, showing how to find peace and contentment through a practical application of the teachings of the compassionate Buddha."-- H.H. The Dalai Lama
"Ven. Thubten Chodron is someone whose life embodies the virtues of kindness, simplicity and a clarity of vision which lie at the heart of the Buddha's teaching. It is these perennial qualitites that shine through her writings and touch the hearts of readers all over the world."--Thupten Jinpa, translator for H.H. the Dalai Lama
"Thubten Chodron explains in clear, down-to-earth language the essence of Buddhist philosophy and psychology, giving us practical tools to implement immediately in our daily lives. The 'How to have good relationships with others' section grew from requests made by young Westerners being taught meditation by this exemplary teacher... A must-have book you can give to your family members or friends who haven't a clue about Buddhism."-- Mandala: A Tibetan Buddhist Journal
"Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, here offers her second introduction to Buddhism for Western audiences, but unlike Buddhism for Beginners, this book has a practical bent, showing readers how to carry out the practices of Buddhism in daily life. Sections include fine and concise overviews of the history of Buddhist traditions and an overview of Buddhism today. Best of all, perhaps, for the curious reader is a section called 'Taming Bad Habits,' which contains advice on how not to complain, speak of the faults of others, live in the past, or take part in any of the world's other transitory pleasures. Highly recommended."-- Graham Christian, Library Journal
"Offers useful advice... using simple language, in western concepts.... This book will delight the author's many admirers."-- The Middle Way, Journal of the Buddhist Society
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