Bodhisattva Mind: Teachings to Cultivate Courage and Awareness in the Midst of Suffering

Awesome awesome awesome! I wanted this collection since it was new, finally got a copy, and find it to be a wonderful distillation of teachings. I have most of Ani Pema's books and many other audio CDs including Don't Bite The Hook and Getting Unstuck, two of my favorites. I listen to Pema while I am working with my hands at various jobs and also when painting or drawing. I have been a student of hers for around 18 years. I've listened to my other Pema Chodron CDs over and over because that is what it takes to start really recognizing and then changing one's perceptions, attitudes and patterns of behavior. It's a lifelong process and there is so much plain spoken wisdom here to help us on the path. This is a wonderful investment whatever one's personal path, the wisdom is timeless and the teaching is very accessible. Pema has a gift for us and here it is.

I have almost all of Pema Chodron's CDs and this set is one of the very best because it takes one through the philosphy of the Bodhisattva Mind with easy to follow continuity. I've been learning about Buddhism for several years and this retreat's teachings just make sense to me. As always, sprinkled with bits of humor and wit along with her typical wisdom. These teachings help one learn how to face the hard realities of life, and, oh yes, death.The lectures move along at a good pace. Really, it felt like being at the retreat and that felt good.The is my second purchase of this product. I sent it as a gift to a dear friend in South Africa.

This teacher will go straight to your heart with her plain words about being human. I listen whenever my heart has gone hard or when I'm suffering. When I loan it to friends who don't care to meditate, they say that her voice alone brings about a good change.

I have many of her c.d.'s and this is among my favorites. She really gets to the heart of things and includes us all.

Basically, this is a text being segmentally re-read by numerous volunteers at a retreat, then interpreted by Pema Chodron. It just didn't wow me.

Set of 7 CDs avg=69:36 on 70 tracks, avg=6:58/track that do not match days or sessions of a weekend (college credit) retreat @ Naropa U.="Pema's Book Club" commentary on Shantideva's The Way of the Bodhisattva. A fine companion to her No Time to Lose: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva book & Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions 3 CD set--with differing emphasis--to be well enjoyed by fans C7T7--"Mainlining Pema" for a fresh, Western view of a classic medieval text using personal experiences (esp. of Chogyam Trungpa) & humor.Main topics: mindfulness/alertness, shamatha, C1T8--natural state of being fully present=bringing the mind back home, 6 paramitas for us Bodhisattvas in training, value of intention, C4T1--finding your own balance- not too tight/loose, remain like log vs. self-righteousness, C5T5--3 disciplines=don't' harm, gather virtue, & help others, pitfalls of gathering virtues=smugness/self-satisfaction, C5T8--attachment to possessions, body, customs/virtues, C6T1--patience like heron fishing, start easy then stretch, C6T5--3 bite (eating) practice=offer 1st to teachers--2nd to those kind to you--3rd to all who suffer.Pema quotes her teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche: C2T1--"How do I do my best when I feel my worst, C3T3--we throw kerosene on the fire with the hope of putting it out, C5T7--live life as an experiment, C7T5--the job of spiritual teacher is to insult your ego, & C4T5 her illicit doodling.She adapts Buddhism to the modern West: C2: "teachings must be relevant to the context of the world today, we need self-compassion--to de-escalate the "bad me" syndrome & establish a good relationship with yourself, C4T5--multitasking & habits--catch yourself getting hooked & do something different, C5T10--self-loathing is self-absorption too, C6T3--taking the teachings and making them real in your life...expect to relapse...lower your standards, reframe [change context/meaning], C7T1--benefit others @ level you can=iterative process, C7T2--avoid idiot compassion=stop people from harming themselves, C7T3--cultural norms of India don't necessarily apply here, C7T4--join parents activities & create rapport, teach people at their own level, C7T5--The Vinaya can adapt to the times, & C7T6--use what helps you."She makes humorous observations: C1T6--"Mind Training was a Buddhist breakthrough, C1T7--hell= worst case scenario, C1T7--eating poisonous seeds & wondering why you keep getting sick, C2T1--get seriously lighthearted, C3T3--we practice distractedness vs. mindfulness, C4T5--Little Joe Gomez & people with chalk boards story, & C6T11--3 Bodhisattva approaches =king, ferryman, & shepherd,And provides profoundity: C3T5--"life is paradoxical so teachings can seem to contradict each other, the resonance principle--the benefit from being with teachers, C4T4--life of emotions is shattered by mindfulness, C4T8--rerun a story to relive & get in touch with the feeling/memory in retrospect, C6T7--mindfulness is the opposite of ignorance, & C7T1--Buddha killing pirate to save him from karma story.

I have been reading and listening to Pema's audiobooks and I always get something new and inspiring from her talks.

It is fantastic, thank you!!!!