Customer Reviews

True Happiness

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This 2 CD set (CD1 runs 1:19 in 11 Tracks/CD2 runs 1:08 in 7 Tracks) complements Pema's "No Time to Lose" commentary on Shantideva's classic on Bodhisattvas including a guided meditation on sharing happiness & the root of happiness at the very end. She begins (similar to her "Practicing Peace in Times of War") by addressing obstructions to happiness--our dysfunctional techniques to achieve it which actually cause unhappiness--"Moths are us," seeking the flame they destroy themselves. She proposes we develop "the courage to be happy" by facing our compulsions, habits, & addictions, using Buddhist precepts (a chart is included) to detox ourselves. Otherwise, our self-protective ego is a "walking target" (i.e. "offended waiting to happen"). "You need to acknowledge boundaries before you can dissolve them" (i.e. recognizing the problem is ½ the solution). We can avoid being irritable & miserable by developing virtue--as means not ends. She provides examples & exercises to accomplish this--e.g. reviewing our possessions to see which ones we are loath to give away & mentally giving away 100's of them. This parallels the standard Buddhist practice of "dedicating the merit" which Pema says connects us with the world--choosing freedom over a "poverty mentality."

This set is a lovely introduction to Pema's Western approach to Tibetan Buddhism (with references to Nagarjuna, Shantideva, & Longchenpa)--especially recommended to those relatively unfamiliar with Pema's works. For those immersed in her works, it can serve as a refresher with a few additional insights & exercises--but not a great deal of new material. But, perhaps the greatest value in her audio & video recordings is the experience of "being with" Pema--the emotional or feeling value often equals or exceeds the intellectual or thinking value.

This book was listed in a little catalog that came in the mail to me. Reading the indepth description covering nearly two pages was in itself almost therapy for me. Pema Chodron's book is for those of us who have placated our bodies and brains with food, alcohol, sex or medications/drugs to drive away the stresses, insecurities and pains of life. The book addresses this cycle of self-denigration, blame, anger, and other emotions which keep us from experiencing happiness. I am planning on purchasing these cd's.

I had not listened to Pema speak until I bought Getting Unstuck and True Happiness...Found them both to be very uplifting and just great. She uses real life examples and is easy to understand to relate to. Great.

Good life lessons from a Buddist Nun. Soothing and Helpful, people for all walks of life can certainly benefit from listening to this retreat. I have not ever been disappointed by listening to Pema Chodron.

Pema Chodrn provides valuable insights into the nature of true happiness that are practical and humerous and appealing to anyone interested in this important topic in a society where fleeting pleasures and 'highs'are so often confused with happiness. It also has much to inspire serious spiritual seekers to revitalize their practise.

The practices that she suggests are clear and uncomplicated, but if followed can be remarkably transformative and enhance personal and spiritual growth.

Liked it a lot, but was more impressed with Getting Unstuck by the same author.

Recorded at Gampo Abbey Monastery in Nova Scotia, True Happiness leads you through seven hours of spiritual meditations and practices designed to guide you to the source of basic goodness and happiness. Pema Chodron is a well-known Buddhist author.

I loved this audio book very much and I am sure I will read or listen this book time and again.

Once again, the calming voice of Pema Chodron provides wisdom and sanity on this recording of an exceptional presentation she gave during a retreat at Gampo Abbey. Chock full of insights, lessons, and inspiration, this CD is sure to please Pema fans as well as those new to her teachings.

I thought this would be something I would listen to often, but once was enough.