Pure Meditation: The Tibetan Buddhist Practice of Inner Peace

by Pema Chödrön

Tibetan Buddhists regard shamatha/ vipashyana (peaceful dwelling/ insight) as both the fundamental and the most advanced spiritual practice of all. On Pure Meditation, Pema Chödrön takes you step by step through this timeless and elegant meditative form. A straightforward, authoritative guide to an authentic Tibetan Buddhist meditation that has brought its practitioners relaxation, peace of mind, and deeper awareness for hundreds of years.

Runtime: 2 hours.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Meditation, Audiobook, Spirituality, Philosophy, Health

2 pages, Audio CD

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Ani Pema Chödrön (Deirdre Blomfield-Brown) is an American Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition, closely associated with the Kagyu school and the Shambhala lineage.

She attended Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She taught as an elementary school teacher for many years in both New Mexico and California. Pema has two children and three grandchildren.

While in her mid-thirties, she traveled to the French Alps and encountered Lama Chime Rinpoche, with whom she studied for several years. She became a novice nun in 1974 while studying with Lama Chime in London. His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa came to England at that time, and Ani Pema received her ordination from him.

Ani Pema first met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Trungpa, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection, studying with him from 1974 until his death in 1987. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full bikshuni ordination in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong.

Ani Pema served as the director of the Karma Dzong, in Boulder, CO, until moving in 1984 to rural Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to be the director of Gampo Abbey. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave her explicit instructions on establishing this monastery for western monks and nuns.

Ani Pema currently teaches in the United States and Canada and plans for an increased amount of time in solitary retreat under the guidance of Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.

Reviews

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading)]

I am such a fan of Pema Chodron’s works and messages... I feel I grow everytime I read or listen to one of her books.....

[Tina Panik]

An excellent resource.

[Julia]

"The reason you meditate is to see clearly and be steadfast with yourself." Pema. This is an audio only book that I got from my library. It definitely was a valuable resource for the purpose of meditation and the reason to commit to it for a lifetime.

[DK]

I am sickened to learn that Pema Chodron has been complicit to the sexual abuse in the lineage. Many women reported abuse to her, Judith Simmer-Brown and Judy Leaf. They did nothing. Pema never stepped down as a teacher. She never retired. She gave up her title. Everyone gave up their titles. This isn’t a virtuous gesture.

Before you lay into me with your defense for this woman, I strongly suggest you Google Shambhala sexual abuse. The history of rape, child molestation and abuse is endless and g continues to this day. Her head monk was just charged with voyeurism at her monastery - Gampo Abbey. The money from the books we buy goes to continue supporting this sick organization. It is absolutely heartbreaking to me she has become an apologist and has never come to support the victims.

https://matthewremski.medium.com/the-...

https://www.gurumag.com/pema-chodron-...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-s...

I have more esteem for my spiritual development than to follow a sham.

[Russell D]

This is marvelous instruction on how to approach meditation with openness and reasonable expectations. I find in my travels that even spiritual practitioners find meditation challenging and that’s because it is! Pema urges us to be kind to ourselves while pointing out that this practice is a lifetime journey that is well worth the effort. I recommend this book to anyone who has thought about meditation and ran away fearing it is too difficult!

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs)]

I don't appreciate "jokes" about su***de, ESPECIALLY during a book about meditation. I'll paraphrase: Pema is giving a talk in front of an audience. She says that if you think meditation is about getting rid of all thoughts, you might end up being so depressed about the futility of that and un**ive yourself. The audience titters and laughs.

No, just no. Like a record screech for me. I know this takes place in around 2000, but c'mon, man.

[GW]

2.5 stars

[Joe]

Was not as engaging as I expected given the recommendation by Seth Godin on the Tim Ferriss podcast. I'm going to try an actual book next vs a seminar recording.

[Sarah]

I liked this book and how Pema is authentic.

[John Harris]

Good details on why meditate and the true goals and results of meditation.

[Mr. Wakiki]

The three but it probably is a 3.3 3.4

It’s good
Send retaining
And it’s short

President wow me

[✨Abi✨]

*3.5

[Rolf]

A very useful “meditation 101,” with great guided activities.

[Michelle]

I like Pema Chodron very much. Perhaps because she is also American, she explains Tibetan meditation in a way that seems accessible and makes sense to my American mind. She has a peacefulness and openness about her, mixed with just the right amount of humor that helps me not take myself too seriously. This audiobook contains detailed instruction, very helpful for a beginner.

[Wilma Rebstock]

Excellent.

[Marg]

Excellent chance to experience Tibetan meditation.

[MaryJohanna]

Loved it!
Poor recording quality and choppy editing.... but what's left is great content.