Pema Chodron And Alice Walker in Conversation

by Pema Chödrön, Alice Walker

How can human suffering become good medicine? Through "tonglen: " the ancient Tibetan meditation that transforms pain into compassion on the medium of your own breath. "Pema Ch?dr?n and Alice Walker in Conversation" reveals the revolutionary power of"tonglen" through a dialogue between two hearts and minds forged in very different cultures-and yet deeply joined in the simple practice of compassion. Take a front-row seat as the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker and American-born Buddhist nun Pema Ch?dr?n reflect on anger, joy, fear, and the union of spirituality and social activism. Hear their personal experiences of the "giving and taking" meditation and how it has helped heal their lives. Let their combined wisdom illuminate the realm, available to us all, where the barriers between self and others dissolve. Recorded live at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, "Pema Ch?dr?n and Alice Walker in Conversation" comes with a seven-page booklet covering tonglen instructions and suggestions for further reading. Includes a lively Q&A session.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, Meditation, Religion

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 1999

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

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything this woman writes is relevant to life and learning how to be human.

[Monica Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so thoroughly enjoyable. I think I might need to listen to this every Monday. Or once a month. It was useful and heartwarming.

[Amy "Mrs. V" Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio recording of a conversation between Pema and Alice Walker is such a comfort. These two women have voices that exude the soulfulness and wisdom that each possesses and what they share during the course of their conversation is a deep and comforting insight about the nature of suffering and the necessity of Tonglen meditation. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in this meditative practice. Those who are unfamiliar will find foundational insight in the liner notes or should conduct some introductory research before listening. I will listen to this again and again.

[BookChampions · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only downside to the very special audio recording by two of my biggest inspirations is that it's so short. But honestly the 60 minutes are that much more ripe for listening over and over again. I'm glad it's officially a part of my audible collection for ever and ever!

In this conversation (as they are everywhere, honestly), Pema and Alice are encouraging and wise, and they are kindred spirits to one another. Their voices are even similar! I aspire to have this much grace, self-forgiveness, and peace one day.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was something wonderful about finding a CD player to listen to this hour long conversation between these two incredible humans. The focus of the conversation was the practice of tonglen, a breath practice in suffering. It was a gift to listen.

[Wren Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom. And so relatable.

[Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful conversation between Pema Chodron and Alice Walker at a live recorded public event that includes so many simple nuggets to learn from, not just from Pema but also from Alice. Both bring such a heart-opening humor and wisdom to the teachings that it is a joy to listen to the short audiobook.

[Jen Cheaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

oooohh...two of the coolest chicks talking about juicy life stuff. good listening

[Merrikay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pema Chodron & I like Alice Walker very much: I was very surprised and very pleased to come across this book! And happily I was not at all disappointed, except, maybe, that it was too short.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, engaging, funny, profound. Two of my favorite authors and teachers. How could you go wrong?

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've listed to the audio, as this was a live conversation. Very inspirational. Great teachings of taking in the bad and breathing out light and life.

[Jinnifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always beautiful to hear these two speak from the heart

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to love here? Only wish it were longer. An enlightening and honest conversation between two wise and warm souls, exploring their journeys along a noble path.