How to Meditate with Pema Chodron: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind [Audiobook, CD, Illustrated, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

I am new to meditation and thought that a CD set with a title of "How to Meditate" would be a good choice to learn. Not with this set. This was recorded at a 5 week retreat, so most people there would know something about meditation. And this knowledge shows in how the teacher speaks. There are postures and other terms used that a new person, like myself, would not know. Some are described, but "like this" does not help when listening to a CD. If you know how to meditate this maybe good to further your meditations. But if you are new, start somewhere else.

Pema Chodron is a wonderful teacher, of whom I have the greatest respect. This is another example of her down-to-earth, humorous and loving teaching style. For me, it was an excellent choice. However, just so you are not disappointed, be aware this is a specific type of meditation. She is teaching Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques, which are a little different from other styles. In this style your eyes remain partly open to maintain a level of awareness. It is not the type you use to generate a trance state.

If you are unfamiliar with meditation and this is your first exploration, you may want to look at "The Art of Meditation by Daniel Goleman". It is an excellent first step.

Pema's training can take you to a deeper level of understanding, but may be a little too deep for your first attempt. Also, the fact her CD is speaking to those who have a background in Buddhism does'nt mean you won't learn from this CD. Buddhist are experts at meditation because it is part of their belief. The techniques taught can apply to any faith.

Pema's Chodron is an excellent speaker and this is another excellent example of her work. With the understanding that I would not advise this as the first meditation book I would read/listen to, I believe it is a valuable resource for those interested in this style of meditation.

Namaste

In this 5 CD set, Pema Chodron expands on her prior works (but see Pure Meditation), honing in on Buddhist Shamatha (tranquil or calm abiding) meditation. This is a basic, eyes-open, being-fully-present technique (akin to mindfulness practice). It differs greatly from transcendental types as well as from Vipashyana (insight) meditation. Total time=5:52:48 in 46 tracks (CD1=65:18/9 tracks; CD2=63:29/10 tracks; CD3=69:54/9 tracks; CD4=74:53/9 tracks; CD5=79:14/tracks). Her presentation is comprehensive, including: Physical--much detail on 6 points of posture (seat, legs, torso, hands, eyes, & mouth); Emotional--being fully present, attention to tension, observing your pain/stress; Mental/Psychological--generosity, patience, sense of humor; & Spiritual/Mystical--(per Trungpa Rinpoche) "Mixing mind and space." Each CD includes a meditation experience & practices for the ensuing week.

Ani Chodron explains the basic Tibetan Buddhist/Vajrayana approach of transforming poisons (kleshas or afflictions) into medicine (wisdom/enlightenment). This is similar to judo (vs. karate) & to transcendental alchemy (The Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life) with kleshas being the prima materia. Tibetans differentiate between pain and suffering; the latter being more psychological than physical--reaction to pain vs. pain itself. She, thus explores Shenpa, the process of getting hooked--see Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions. Pema also briefly discusses Tonglen (exchanging oneself for others), a highly empathetic technique--see Tonglen, the Path of Transformation or Good Medicine: How to Turn Pain into Compassion with Tonglen Meditation; & includes some more advanced Mahamudra meditation, which I find particularly helpful, quoting a poet: "Thoughts are like clouds in the sky; they shimmer when they fly." Her use of sounds, sights, touch over the body is reminiscent of both the Western allover (or overall) exercise (Wisdom of the Mystic Masters) & the Dhyani Buddha families (The Mandala of the Enlightened Feminine). Overall, Pema's voice & presentation are extremely peaceful & meditative--quite conducive to these practices, though she aims at you becoming "your own meditation instructor." To have a more complete appreciation of Pema, see her Good Medicine video. This set is valuable for newbies (though some of the terminology may be unfamiliar) as well as those who have practiced meditation before. It is also a nice refresher.