The Fearless Heart: The Practice of Living with Courage and Compassion

by Pema Chödrön

Fear and guilt are two of the greatest challenges we face on the spiritual path—but there is a way to transform these painful feelings into courageous self-acceptance. Here Pema Chödrön presents the five aphorisms for developing fearlessness that were given to Machig Lapdronma, one of Tibetan Buddhism's greatest female teachers. Pema comments on these aphorisms, holds question-and-answer sessions, and leads guided meditations to help

   •  overcome shame and guilt
   •  remain courageous in the face of pain
   •  transform our relationships with difficult people
   •  increase our feelings of generosity and compassion


This program also includes a card with the five aphorisms and study.

5 CDs, 5 hours

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Audiobook, Meditation, Religion

300 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, of course. When in the midst of struggles, I will try to remember:
1. Confess your hidden faults / reveal your hidden flaws / have a willingness to pay attention to the whole catastrophe
2. Approach what you find repulsive
3. Help those you think you can't help (or do not want to help)
4. Anything you are attached to, give that (or let it go)
5. Go to the places that scare you.
Thanks Pema!

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used it while working on my art, kept my interest enough to finish it.
This is above my head intellectually. I am spiritual, have some interest in Buddhism, but basically Catholic. I liked that this was a recording of a weekend seminar she gave. My version was from the library repackaged by Midwest Tape. Pema is a good speaker and pretty funny. Although her humor seems like it was added in because the "good speaker" handbook suggests it."

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought I was getting a book but it turned out to be audio CDs. This type of Tonglen meditation was way beyond my level but an intriguing practice of residing in the difficult emotions associated with repulsion and giving away things to which you are attached.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. For my review go to:

http://lauriej.typepad.com/lorelei/20...

[Marie GratefulDreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy or peaceful meditation practice but one that builds strength and resilience in the face of life’s unpredictable hard times.

[Sol Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three-stars feels like a hit job on a Chodron title. It’s not that it was bad, it’s that it’s adapted from a talk that she gave, which is fine, but is not as in-depth as her normal writing. It’s still very refreshing as a reading. Not my first recommendation of hers.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the audio quality somewhat poor for this book. I listened to it on Hoopla. Love the meditations. I no longer practice Buddhism but I still meditate.

[Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 First of all, I love Pema Chodron, and whenever possible I choose the audiobook versions of her work in which she herself is the narrator, because her sense of humor and wit come through in a way that aren’t as easily discernible in book format. Best of all, sometimes she just makes me burst into laughter. I could be stuck in traffic, and in the most far off mood, and suddenly I am laughing so hard I get tears in my eyes. It’s brilliant to me how she can turn some of the most painful and cynical moments of human nature into something funny, something shared, and something to laugh at and forgive yourself and others for.

As much as I’m not the type to go to workshops and retreats, I’d love to go to one of Pema’s, however since that is unlikely to happen I listen to the audiobooks (and read the books) that she kindly puts into the universe, and get my doses of her wisdom that way.

So this is probably silly, but I chose this audiobook because it was the one with the longest running time. That was all I looked at. The only criteria. I didn’t really pay attention to the topic or read the description. I simply chose based on length and knew it would be good because it is Pema’s. That might have been a bit of an error on my part though, because I was already reading a book that was a little too emotionally demanding of me, and the two coupled together were overwhelming to say the least. Also, this book contains a lot of moments in which you are encouraged to meditate and deeply reflect on topics, which I obviously could not do while driving to work or walking around on my lunch break.

It was still good though. Wow. I spent my morning commutes and lunch breaks dwelling heavily on the things that frightened and repulsed me about myself and others and well, guess what? If you’re focusing on the big hurts and fears, I mean really confronting the raw truth of what your fears are, It does make the small annoyances and petty grievances feel less important, and even kind of silly and like a waste of time.

I can see how acknowledging your fears and horrors can help rid you of some unnecessary suffering, and while I completed the book and did benefit in a lot of ways, I’m flagging this one to read/listen to again at a time I am less distracted because I think it has more to offer than what I utilized.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, appreciated this set of audio tapes from a retreat by Pema Chodron. I also liked the times at which one was led in meditation, though since I was listening on a car trip, I couldn't quite concentrate! Will review again once I'm home, but these always help me to activate the ideas that she is discussing.

[Kelly Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found certain portions of the teachings I couldn't relate to- meaning it wasn't a problem I had because I am working on healing in those areas due to PTSI. I would say that if the first part doesn't vibe with you, continue on and you will probably find something worthwhile.

Pema always brings out the bangers and this one is no exception. I'm thankful for her teachings and lineage.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have liked being at this retreat. I hope to absorb a little of this courage and compassion she talks of... so I'm trying to listen more, and surround myself with people who practice like this.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 💗 Pema!!!

[Boostamonte Halvorsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advise and full of guidance that I hope I can follow

[slp · Rating 5 out of 5]

having listened to many, many Pema recordings, i put this up in my top three favorite teaching/lecture/retreat recordings.

[Sandra The Old Woman in a Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pema’s books are always a good check in during a life transition. This one is good, worthy of more than one listen.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set of teachings by Pema Chodron focuses on the tong-len Taking & Giving practice and some of its practical variations. I found it very helpful as tong-len is a precious practice that can be taken with the practioner anywhere, not just confined to formal sitting. As always, Pema Chodron's experience speaks volume and she delivers her teachings with humility, clarity & a great sense of humour. I highly recommend reading / listening to these teachings.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio book is actually the talks she gave during a weekend retreat. I thought she had a great sense of humour and was able to laugh at herself. It's too bad it was a library book, it won't be easy to "re-read" & put stuff into practice.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to methods of living in mindfulness and cultivating awareness.

[Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Pema Chodron book on CD that I listened to.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites. As good as her 'Awakening Compassion'.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great audio presentation! She has a great sense of humor and her teachings are wonderful.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great listen. Fast moving and insightful.