The Magic of Pema" | NEW Pema Chödrön Special Issue

 

“There is a magical timeliness to Pema’s teaching...  She is not a guru peddling false promises and she does not simply pacify people or make them feel comfortable. She is not asking anyone to join a club. She presents the dharma straight and true in a way that connects to ordinary people. Pema knows who she is and where she is coming from, which inspires others to be more accepting of who they are. She does not pretend that life is easy, and she is a living example of the warmth and humor that can arise when we stop pretending otherwise. Over the years I have met many people for whom Pema’s books have been life- changing. Her teachings have provided a kind of life raft for people drowning in difficulties. In particular, she has touched the hearts of many struggling women, and given them the insights and tools to face the challenges of a harsh and patriarchal society. She is like everybody’s favorite grandmother, who’s been around long enough to know what’s what and who shares insight and wisdom without hesitation. For many people it is a revelation to meet someone you can trust with your heart, someone whose advice rings true. That is the magic of Pema.” –Buddhist teacher Judy Lief honoring her longtime friend Lion’s Roar is pleased to reissue our popular commemorative publication celebrating the inspiring life and profound wisdom of Pema Chödrön. Read More in Pema Chödrön: Commemorative Edition ORDER TODAY Take a Sneak Peek Inside: In “Becoming Pema”, Lindsay Kyte tells the story of how Deirdre Blomfield-Brown became Ani Pema Chödrön. “When she was about six years old, Pema Chödrön received a teaching from an old woman sitting in the sun. The young girl was walking along, kicking at whatever came across her path, because she was feeling lonely, unloved, and angry. The old woman laughed at her and said, “Little girl, don’t you go letting life harden your heart.” Though she didn’t know it at the time, these simple words would be her path to becoming one of the most beloved Buddhist teachers of our time.” In “The most important thing in life”, Pema describes how “just leaving a little gap” is the key to working with your mind. “One of the most effective things we can do when we see the gathering storm of our habitual tendencies is the practice of pausing, or creating a gap. We stop and take three conscious breaths, and the world has a chance to open up to us in that gap. We allow space into our state of mind. Meditation practice itself is a way to create gaps. Every time you realize you are thinking and you let your thoughts go, you are creating a gap. Every time the breath goes out, you are creating a gap. If you don’t fill up your practice time with worrying and obsessing and all that kind of thing, you have time to experience the blessing of your surroundings. You can just sit there quietly. Then silence will dawn on you and the sacredness of the space will penetrate.” Read More in Pema Chödrön: Commemorative Edition ORDER TODAY