Into the Haunted Ground: A Guide to Cutting the Root of Suffering

by Anam Thubten

In Into the Haunted Ground, Anam Thubten invites us to embrace every aspect of our lives, from the most difficult to the most joyful. For those of us who feel caught in endless anxious thoughts and stuck in personal relationships, Anam Thubten offers a direct and practical approach to dismantle our conceptual fixations, reveal the deeper habits that motivate us, and step into the immediate open spaciousness that can heal ourselves and the world.

Weaving together personal stories with philosophical explanations, Anam Thubten offers swift and straightforward methods to cut through old habits that no longer serve our best interests or reflect our true nature. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this book presents the core lessons of the Tibetan practice of Chöd as a fundamental wisdom that is accessible to any of us willing to enter the “haunted grounds” of our own minds.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Joseph Wickland]

Great introduction to the theory of Chod

[Mer]

It's hard to put my finger on but there are disconnects for me between what the title says, the chapter titles say, and what's actually presented in the chapter.

I can't seem to see the connection between the reference to 'haunted grounds' and the subject presented in the chapters. Or between the practice of Chod and the subjects presented in the chapters.

It's like there are mentions of Chod but not real details for me. And very little about how the subjects of the chapters actually relate to haunted grounds. I'm sure others will see this but I can't.

[Lily Holliday]

A wonderful introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Chöd. Anam Thubten Rinpoche always writes with great clarity, helping ideas and practices become accessible.

[Rhoda]

Clear, precise and wonderful introduction to Chöd practice

[Elizabeth Traver]

The content is excellent and great for beginners to more experienced practitioners. I appreciate how Anam Thubten makes Buddhism such a simple and practical practice. My only qualm with the book is that I thought it would dive deeper into Chod rituals but instead it presents Chod as one of many methods or systems for cutting through ignorance.

[EIJANDOLUM]

Everything hints at the Chod lately.
Trying, dear Universe, trying!

[Elizabeth Chapin]

very readable explanation of chod. It was super helpful to me

[Karin Williams]

So many Buddhist teachings explained with clarity and modern day examples

[Choyang]

'Into the Haunted Ground: A Guide to Cutting the Root of Suffering' written by Anam Thubten (Audible and book and Kindle)

September 2026

(actually, this is a book I have in multiple formats, plus in-group teachings in person from this Buddhist teacher. I have been dipping in & out of these teachings for a few years now, and it's on my permanent re-read/listen-to shelf)

These are amazing teachings! Love listening to on Audible as the narrator is excellent!

First of all I want to say that Anam Thubten is a wonderful teacher! In addition to several of his books, which I re-read (or listen to), I've participated in some of his classes in person and he's knowledgeable and patient in translating and explaining complex Buddhist concepts and beliefs to those with Western mind thinking constructs.

Chöd is the art and method of "cutting through" mental suffering to achieve clarity of mind and cessation of that suffering. Utilizing this method is one of the proofs that one does not need to wander through a desert or isolate oneself in a cave for years to achieve mental clarity and understanding of the nature of our existence, and how to use that understanding to help others.

"Anam Thubten offers a direct and practical approach to dismantle our conceptual fixations, reveal the deeper habits that motivate us, and step into the immediate open spaciousness that can heal ourselves and the world." (Amazon)

He is an amazing teacher!

Two thumbs up! 👍👍