When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times | 
| Author: Pema Chodron
Publisher: Shambhala
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
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Avg. Customer Rating:  121 reviews
Sales Rank: 552
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 208
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 3.9 x 0.8
ISBN: 1590302265
Dewey Decimal Number: 294.3444
EAN: 9781590302262
ASIN: 1590302265
Publication Date: January 11, 2005
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Amazon.com
Much like Zen, Pema Chodron's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism takes the form of a nontheistic spiritualism. In When Things Fall Apart this head of a Tibetan monastery in Canada outlines some relevant and deceptively profound terms of Tibetan Buddhism that are germane to modern issues. The key to all of these terms is accepting that in the final analysis, life is groundless. By letting go, we free ourselves to face fear and obstacles and offer ourselves unflinchingly to others. The graceful, conversational tone of Chodron's writing gives the impression of sitting on a pillow across from her, listening to her everyday examples of Buddhist wisdom.
Product Description
There is a fundamental opportunity for happiness right within our reach, yet we usually miss it?ironically, while we are caught up in attempts to escape pain and suffering. Drawn from traditional Buddhist wisdom, Pema Choedroen's radical and compassionate advice for what to do when things fall apart in our lives goes against the grain of our usual habits and expectations. There is only one approach to suffering that is of lasting benefit, Pema teaches, and that approach involves moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, relaxing into the essential groundlessness of our entire situation. It is there, in the midst of chaos, that we can discover the truth and love that are indestructible. Included in the book are: Ways to use painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage Methods of communicating that lead to openness and true intimacy with others Practices for reversing negative habitual patterns Techniques for working with chaotic situations Tools for cultivating compassionate, energetic social action
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| Customer Reviews: Read 116 more reviews...
 thoughtful and inspiring June 24, 2008
When Things Fall Apart is another compilation and distillation of several of the Pema Chodron's lecture and talks, in this case focusing on dealing with pain, anger, fear, and other emotional challenges that face us daily. Chodron's inspiring and gentle Tibetan Buddhism approaches every challenge in a positive way; rather than recoiling, retreating into an emotional shell, or attempting to fend off issues, Chodron argues that the constructive, liberating and ultimately best approach is the opposite, to make friends with our fear, or pain, to investigate it, look at it from every angle, and we will find our fears shrinking, disappearing, leaving us with a richer and more positive life experience.
Much of the book's theme could be considered simply as letting go...letting go of our dependence on stability, our need for explanations and justifications, and so on. Life on earth is inherently unstable, and the things we initially most think we need or want or depend on are actually hindrances to us in living complete lives, acting as faulty crutches. By letting go of these things we come closer to what is real.
Chodron also addresses our responsibility to others, the benefits to others but also to ourselves of maitri, of giving of ourselves to all, regardless of the perceived payback.
Chodron's is a gentle, introspective Buddhism, and reading this book allows a glimpse of what it would be like to live a courageous, generous and fully emotionally independent life based on a full understanding of what is needed to enjoy real inner peace. Her voice, her stories, her approach all inspire us to follow such a path. It is easy to underestimate the effort and dedication required to do so. Our crutches *seem* to make life easier for us, and we resist letting them go. But with time, dedication, and consistent effort, dedicated students could find the same courage to live their lives in this kind of pure and positive way.
kathy in NM June 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought this book in 2001 for myself at A Cancer seminar and just got to reading it this year, 2008!! Maybe I was afraid to read it then?! My Dad had died in Feb 2001, my intimate relationship was yucky.
But in 2008 things were no better, but then better. I'm sorry for the strange contradiction but that is how the last 3 years have been.
The yucky relationship ended dramatically, but oh so worse my 37 year old son died of cancer!! But, my son, Mike gave me so much strength and courage thru his, that nothing for me can ever be as difficult, ever again.
To that end, I started reading Ms. Chodron's book and I feel such a heartfelt connection!!! She is most wonderful.
I love the practical Buddist way which is so close to the Native American way, I think.
My church, my spiritual connectedness is with Mother Earth, Father Sky, but Ms. Chodron's book also feeds my soul.
I bought these copies for friends.
I had wanted softbound copies, and it was not stated that they were not such. That is my only disappointment. I so dislike paperback.
I bought other books of hers In Boulder Colorado when I was there in May.
Thank you so much.
Just read it June 18, 2008
There are many beautiful flowers to be found in this small book.
I have learned speed-reading and normally read books pretty fast.
This one, though, has so many poetic nuances in the language, so I actually enjoyed reading it slowly aloud to myself.
Try it!
I don't find the book to be as much about specifically difficult times, more as insights about life itself.
The difficult times a life is comprised of - if you will... ;-)
It's like a chat with a good friend about your life, and along the way you discover areas to be changed, but without guilt or comdemnation.
 When things fall apart June 17, 2008
I love the book, but I believe I will get more from it as I read it a 2nd and 3rd time. It is very difficult to have a 'still' mind, yet that is the premise of her teachings
Strong Medicine June 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Pema is the only author I've read who truly describes the soul's work without any sugar coating. No fake comfort, just the bare essentials of reality. Her advice has been a rock to hang on to during some very turbulent times. If you are ready to listen, she will show you the path to sanity. It ain't easy or quick, but it's working for me. For the same advice from a neuroanatomist's perspective, try "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor, who accidentally arrived at nirvana by way of a massive stroke. These two women show us that peace resides within our right brains and is accessible at all times, if we'll just tell our left brains to shut up! God bless.
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