One of the Truly Great Teachers 2010-07-20

Reviewer: Eric Gross

I've had the benefit of attending a week-long retreat with Pema Chodron and can speak personally of her integrity and vitality as a ordinary human being. And when I use the adjective "ordinary" what I mean is that she does not set herself up as someone uniquely special or gifted. Rather, she and us share the same ground of being. Unlike so many other teachers who possess the mantle of "teacher" or even "guru", Pema is a regular human being (although I might regret her decision to take on a foreign name and use religious garb - there are her choices and would have been mine). What makes Ms. Chodren vital is that that she speaks from a place of direct experience. When she addresses issues of fear and insecurity, you can hear in her voice that she has, like us, walked the very same path. Her experience becomes ours'. In this way, she is like a good friend, who, through her long engagement with Tibetan Buddhism, is able to impart her great depth of knowledge with love and compassion. Her voice speaks intimately with our own being.
Very strongly recommended.
Liberation from the Lie: Cutting the Roots of Fear Once and for All

Good, but just a recording of live sessions 2010-04-25

Reviewer: J. Schneider

Pema Chödron is a disarmingly wonderful speaker and as such, these are excellent and worthwhile sessions. Positive and uplifting and informational. However, the session isn't for me, the purchaser of the recording. The only similar offering I have to this is by Wayne Dyer, and his is recorded in a studio specifically for the purchaser of that audio recording. It really does make a difference.

Nonetheless, she does speak very well, and focusing just on her message, is as stated very inspiring and uplifting. You walk away with a head (and body, being) full of positive energy and focus. My only complaint really is just the tangential nature of it. We're listening in on something wonderful, but aren't really being spoken to directly.

Worth the money.. 2010-04-19

Reviewer: predfan

Really like this CD. Really gave me some things to think about and improve my personal situation.

Play when you're under stress about a situation 2010-04-18

Reviewer: Daydream Believer

I am familiar with Pema Chodron's excellent books, particularly When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times but this is the first time I've listened to her CD's. I have to admit when I first played it I was a little bored. It's very mellow and quiet, as you might expect, and I found some elements distracting-- I think the microphone wasn't well-placed and there's this strange "clicking" sound- can't tell if she needs a drink of water or if it's something in the background. Anyway, while I enjoyed her talk I was distracted.

But then--I was going through a particularly stressful week with a lot of challenges and questions running through my mind. The CD was in my car stereo, so I played it on the way into work and instantly found myself soothed, calmer, and ready to handle the situation. So...it may be one of those cases where you have to be ready to really hear the speaker.

I found both the lecture and the interview full of interesting concepts-- so keep it around for a stressful time.

Developing Courage...Not Made Simple but Honestly! 2010-03-14

Reviewer: Jim Jenkins

I'm a huge Pemma Chodron fan and this is yet another one of her great teachings. If you want an honest path toward developing your conscious self through trust and courage, this is a delightful set. At first, these teachings will make sense to you (nothing here should be new), but then you have to put it into practice and the work begins! An amazing listen...requires at least two to three for it to finally sink in!