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HomeMedia/BooksBooksWhen Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala Classics) |
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 When Things Fall Apart Jul 31, 2010
Generally, I prefer fiction, but this book was excellent. It opened my eyes/mind to new ways of dealing with life and gave me ideas on how I can become a better person, rather than focusing on what every one else is doing or not doing.
The book was easy to read and understand and I highly recommend it. The only thing I would change about the book is the title because is tends to make you think the book is for someone who is going through a hard time. Though it would be appropriate for that situation, it is a great read for everyone.
Self Help Jul 18, 2010
I suppose well-intentioned souls have written at least several hundred "self help" books. I may have read twenty or thirty of these, perhaps more. This is the best. Maybe it's because I'm 80 years old, or because I'm going through an especially difficult time in my life. But Pema Chodron's book really helped me get to a good place. I'm so grateful to have it. I read it over and over.
Helpful Advice Jul 16, 2010
In our time of stress and deep crisis people are often overwhelmed on good days. When things start to fall away or people encounter significant loss or change we often don't know where to turn. This book has been one of the greatest gifts I have to give people facing difficult life changes. I can't recomend it highly enough. Rabbi Amy Bernstein
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Good-looking but fake Jul 04, 2010
I was very impressed by the book. Started to mark the place which were particularly interesting and finally found the whole text painted in yellow and pink.
Bought almost all her books.
Now, a few years later I give her only 2 stars. Here are the reasons.
1) She despairingly repeats herself. There are, I agree, things that need to be repeated again and again but what she does is again and again and again and again. If you have a basic intuition, you do not need so many words about one and the same thing (and it is only ONE of so many things you do need to know and practice). If you need a lullaby "what a wonderful book (in fact many books) to read!" that's OK. If you need a practicle teaching - that's too wordy. And that's too worldly, by the way.
2) She lacks a profound understanding of the Buddhism or, at least, she fails to deliver it. She does not explain the emptiness of things, she does not explain the emptiness of ego. In fact, very typical of "American Buddhism" as a whole. Does not have the courage and wisdom to cut the underlining hidden materialistic view of the world, which is the cause of ignorance and suffering. Just another kind of therapy "to feel better" in disguise. But (alas) who asks for more?
3) Her recommendations on meditation practice are vague and very sketchy (to put it mildly). Of course, if you need a book on "how good I could be" you do not need precise recommendations. There are a lot of brilliant and helpful texts on meditation on open Internet resources, in comparison with which her guidance is a kindergarten level.
4) She is not humble. She can be humorous towards herself, but she is not humble. She likes the word "to teach" (that is what she is doing). There were greater teachers, who didn't use the word that often.
5) She publishes a loooooooooot. So many books and CDs and what not. At the same time there are some wonderful, clear, precise and really helpful FREE resources on the web. I am grateful to Pema Chodron to give me enthusiasm to find them.
So, finally, if you need therapy without Buddhism (that is without need for final liberation) more practical instructions (like "The Mindfulness Solution" by Siegel) will be more, much more helpful. If you need Buddhism, you will not find it in here books either.
Interesting Book May 28, 2010
"When Things Fall Apart" is a book that makes you think and helps you to learn how to think about problems and situations that occur around you.
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