Asking challenging questions leads to powerful insights. That’s the premise of this first book by Buddhist teacher Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel. How do we find a resting place in a world that is complex and always changing? How do we practice spirituality beyond the limits of blind acceptance and doubt? Elizabeth proposes that we access our deepest intelligence through asking these kinds of questions. “When we ask a question,” she suggests, “our mind is engaged yet open. The process of inquiry protects us from our tendency to reach static conclusions. Instead, we can respond to uncertainty and change with inquisitiveness and a sense of wonder.” Her book guides us on a provocative, playful, and spiritually enriching journey of contemplation that could last a lifetime.
The Power of an Open Question
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“A bold, playful, and invigorating book about the Buddha’s most important and subtle teachings.”—Pema Chödrön, author of Taking the Leap
“The reader will harvest the fruit of Elizabeth’s mature humility.”—Dzongsar Khyentse, author of What Makes You Not a Buddhist
“Elizabeth Namgyel has written a totally accessible book, one which shows tremendous depth of understanding.”—Diana J. Mukpo, author of Dragon Thunder
“Personal and insightful. Mattis-Namgyel writes with the clarity and grace one hopes for from such a dedicated student of Buddhist tradition.”—Library Journal
“Mattis-Namgyel understands her Western readers. She reaches out gently to them, with compassion born of twenty-five years of Buddhist practice. She knows the questions that readers need answered. She anticipates the challenges that will arise for them as they attempt to drastically change their mindsets. Reading this book is a beautiful experience on the journey in search of enlightenment.”—New Age Retailer
“Mattis-Namgyel’s book guides us on a provocative, playful, and spiritually-enriching journey of contemplation.”—The Messenger
“An edifying examination of openness.”—Spirituality & Practice
“The reader will harvest the fruit of Elizabeth’s mature humility.”—Dzongsar Khyentse, author of What Makes You Not a Buddhist
“Elizabeth Namgyel has written a totally accessible book, one which shows tremendous depth of understanding.”—Diana J. Mukpo, author of Dragon Thunder
“Personal and insightful. Mattis-Namgyel writes with the clarity and grace one hopes for from such a dedicated student of Buddhist tradition.”—Library Journal
“Mattis-Namgyel understands her Western readers. She reaches out gently to them, with compassion born of twenty-five years of Buddhist practice. She knows the questions that readers need answered. She anticipates the challenges that will arise for them as they attempt to drastically change their mindsets. Reading this book is a beautiful experience on the journey in search of enlightenment.”—New Age Retailer
“Mattis-Namgyel’s book guides us on a provocative, playful, and spiritually-enriching journey of contemplation.”—The Messenger
“An edifying examination of openness.”—Spirituality & Practice
About the Author
Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel is the wife of Tibetan Buddhist master Dzigar Kongtrül and the editor of two of his books (It’s Up to You and Light Comes Through). She has studied and practiced in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for twenty-five years under his guidance and completed years of solitary retreat. As a Buddhist teacher, she leads weekend retreats throughout the United States and Europe.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Larry
Format:Hardcover
The open question which Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel exhorts us to appreciate and tolerate extends to the book and its author as well. Completely open and free of the reifications which compromise so many Dharma books, she resists labels, easy answers and pain-killers of any sort, offering us both the authority earned from years of practice and the Dharma friendship of one who never forgets that, like all practitioners, she remains a beginner on the path.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Marie
Format:Hardcover
I truly enjoyed reading The Power of An Open Question by Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel. She shares her experience and understanding in terms and images that are thought provoking and yet accessible to understand. Reading the book felt like having a chat with the author. She shares her intimate experience of her own exploration into the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and into her own relationship to them. Thank you Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel for writing The Power of an Open Question with such heartfelt intelligence!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By SPG
Format:Hardcover
I found "The Power of an Open Question" to be an incredible articulation of what it means to follow the Buddhist path. Not only is it well articulated, the book is also an encouragement to go further and look deeper.
As someone who has been attempting to follow the Buddhist path for 15 years, I found in this book a very clear re-introduction to the basics of view and practice. I think Buddhists from any tradition will find this book a wonderful support, as it is the story of Siddhartha and his quest for truth which serves as the backbone of her exploration.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I found the presentation of the concepts and material to be very engaging, and felt my perceptions and engagement with the world being further awakened through her encouragement. The author has done an amazing job of pointing toward something profound without objectifying it in any way.
As someone who has been attempting to follow the Buddhist path for 15 years, I found in this book a very clear re-introduction to the basics of view and practice. I think Buddhists from any tradition will find this book a wonderful support, as it is the story of Siddhartha and his quest for truth which serves as the backbone of her exploration.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I found the presentation of the concepts and material to be very engaging, and felt my perceptions and engagement with the world being further awakened through her encouragement. The author has done an amazing job of pointing toward something profound without objectifying it in any way.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book!
For such a small book, it has a lot of "meat" in it! Lots of ideas for discussion. It's not trying to be a treatise on Buddhaism, but it gives one a good sense of what... Read more
Published 22 days ago by Mary J. Lord
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the great books about the balance between the ego centric focus...
This is a book of great depth and yet simplicity, written in an easy conversational style. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have found in it, much to think about and ponder.
Published 1 month ago by D. Crane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dumping certainty+embracing ambiguity=freedom
This is a short book, broken down into digestable chapters. Each makes us think. Her Big Idea: ambiguity is our friend,not our enemy. Read more
Published on February 13, 2011 by Michael P. Maslanka
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Read
I loved this book and will continue to read it again and again. It makes a wonderful gift for the contemplative-minded. Read more
Published on December 12, 2010 by AJ
2.0 out of 5 stars
Good Intentions, Lacking Coherence
Much is good in this book. Not the least being the good intentions. Still, unlike other reviewers, I found the book disjointed and lacking coherence. Read more
Published on December 5, 2010 by R. Russeth
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Insightful and clear
Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel's open question serves as an insightful meditation on the point of meditation itself. Read more
Published on November 20, 2010 by Gregory M. Seton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Authentic Buddhism in plain language!
In The Power of An Open Question, Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel presents the essential teachings and spirit of the Buddha in a modern, accessible, lively and NON-DOGMATIC fashion. Read more
Published on November 14, 2010 by Chris Holland
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