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From Publishers Weekly
Das, an American-born lama in the Dzogchen lineage of Tibet and author of the bestseller Awakening the Buddha Within, here explores the losses and changes that inevitably mark our lives. He argues that what is important is not that difficult things happen (Buddhism's first truth, after all, is that life is suffering), but how we deal with them. Pure detachment from loss and sorrow is not sufficient, he says; the goal is non-attachment to circumstances that are by nature impermanent. Despite losses and pain, we still need to be fully engaged with the world: "Spiritual detachment or equanimity should never be equated with indifference or complacent resignation." One of the strongest sections of the book is Das's simple chronicle of various losses he has suffered, both enormous (the death of his father) and mundane (a stolen bike). Thus acknowledged, his echoing pain prevents the book from being self-help pabulum about how bad things make good people stronger. The writing style, composed mostly of short, choppy sentences, seems well suited for effective public speaking, but unpolished for a book. Many of Das's recommendations-meditating, journal writing, "naming" your feelings, visualizing attachments, chanting a healing mantra-are fairly standard self-help ideas, as are the classic and familiar Buddhist anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. But there are also great and original nuggets of wisdom here, as when Das advocates the ancient Tibetan practice of chod, a hero's quest-like ritual to confront personal fears.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
“During these challenging times when fear and self-doubt become our constant companions this beautiful book provides the guidance we all need to use change and loss as a catalyst for our spiritual evolution.”
–Cheryl Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of Take Time for Your Life
“It is inevitably painful to deal with transition, change, suffering, death, and other losses. They are realities we would prefer to avoid, or minimize, but they are essentially part of life. We must face them with courage, grace, clarity and wisdom. Lama Surya Das teaches us how to do so in the spirit of enlightenment, great practical wisdom, humility and effective compassion. Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be is a further tribute to his masterful talents as a spiritual teacher.”
–Wayne Teasdale, author of The Mystic Heart
Praise for the landmark Awakening Trilogy by Lama Surya Das
Awakening the Buddha Within
“Lama Surya Das communicates the wisdom of Buddhism to the people of his times and environments. To me this is a great achievement and I feel deeply grateful for it.” –Thich Nhat Hanh, author of Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames
“This open-hearted offering of the Buddha’s teachings ranges from the fundamentals to magic. It is a wonderful gift.” --Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Our Own Deepest Experience
“Wise and wonderful, gentle and profound.…This is surely one of the finest spiritual manuals meant for a larger public and it succeeds brilliantly.” --Ken Wilbur, author of A Brief History of Everything
Awakening to the Sacred
“Awakening to the Sacred will bring great gifts into the lives of its readers. It is user-friendly—filled with beautiful teachings, gracious stories, dozens of practices, humorous takes and wise practical ways to invite our hearts to awaken to the highest wisdom in every part of our lives.” --Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
“Lama Surya Das offers a fresh and invigorating approach to the perennial quest which gives natural spirituality its rightful place at the center of things.” --Mitchell Kapor, founder of the Lotus Foundation
“Awakening to the Sacred is a feast for the soul.” --Mark Epstein, author of Going to Pieces without Falling Apart
Awakening the Buddhist Heart
“In Awakening the Buddhist Heart, Lama Surya Das brings the depth of wisdom and understanding to the realities of our everyday life. This is a helpful guide for all those walking the path to awakening while living in the world.” --Joseph Goldstein, author of Insight Meditation
“When we come to the end of our lives, what will matter most are the relationships we’ve shared with loved ones. Awakening the Buddhist Heart takes you on a spiritual journey that will return you to this important priority.” --Cheryl Richardson, author of Take Time for Your Life
"Lama Surya Das makes the Buddha nature seem very real and accessible. I feel lighter, I feel calmer, I feel more peaceful. This book is a blessing on my bookshelf and a blessing on my heart." --Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love
From the Hardcover edition.
–Cheryl Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of Take Time for Your Life
“It is inevitably painful to deal with transition, change, suffering, death, and other losses. They are realities we would prefer to avoid, or minimize, but they are essentially part of life. We must face them with courage, grace, clarity and wisdom. Lama Surya Das teaches us how to do so in the spirit of enlightenment, great practical wisdom, humility and effective compassion. Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be is a further tribute to his masterful talents as a spiritual teacher.”
–Wayne Teasdale, author of The Mystic Heart
Praise for the landmark Awakening Trilogy by Lama Surya Das
Awakening the Buddha Within
“Lama Surya Das communicates the wisdom of Buddhism to the people of his times and environments. To me this is a great achievement and I feel deeply grateful for it.” –Thich Nhat Hanh, author of Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames
“This open-hearted offering of the Buddha’s teachings ranges from the fundamentals to magic. It is a wonderful gift.” --Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Our Own Deepest Experience
“Wise and wonderful, gentle and profound.…This is surely one of the finest spiritual manuals meant for a larger public and it succeeds brilliantly.” --Ken Wilbur, author of A Brief History of Everything
Awakening to the Sacred
“Awakening to the Sacred will bring great gifts into the lives of its readers. It is user-friendly—filled with beautiful teachings, gracious stories, dozens of practices, humorous takes and wise practical ways to invite our hearts to awaken to the highest wisdom in every part of our lives.” --Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
“Lama Surya Das offers a fresh and invigorating approach to the perennial quest which gives natural spirituality its rightful place at the center of things.” --Mitchell Kapor, founder of the Lotus Foundation
“Awakening to the Sacred is a feast for the soul.” --Mark Epstein, author of Going to Pieces without Falling Apart
Awakening the Buddhist Heart
“In Awakening the Buddhist Heart, Lama Surya Das brings the depth of wisdom and understanding to the realities of our everyday life. This is a helpful guide for all those walking the path to awakening while living in the world.” --Joseph Goldstein, author of Insight Meditation
“When we come to the end of our lives, what will matter most are the relationships we’ve shared with loved ones. Awakening the Buddhist Heart takes you on a spiritual journey that will return you to this important priority.” --Cheryl Richardson, author of Take Time for Your Life
"Lama Surya Das makes the Buddha nature seem very real and accessible. I feel lighter, I feel calmer, I feel more peaceful. This book is a blessing on my bookshelf and a blessing on my heart." --Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love
From the Hardcover edition.
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Letting Go In So Many Respects Present Here,
By
This review is from: Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be: Lessons on Change, Loss, and Spiritual Transformation (Hardcover)
Lama Surya Das is a profound teacher when it comes to Tibetan Buddhism. He remembers that his teachers always observed that the most important step in dealing with grief and suffering was to look at the losses pragmatically. Surya Das adds: "Like the Buddha, we want to find the lessons that lie buried in suffering and pain. Questioning is an essential part of the spiritual path: self-inquiry, introspection, philosophy - all involve genuine doubt and skepticism as propellants fueling the spiritual journey. We find meaning in the seeking itself." In short, we must find the answers for ourselves. No text, as wonderful as it might even be, can do this exploration for us. As opposed to trying to escape from bereavement and hindrance, we can face them with insight and strength.There is an enormous breadth of teachings stories in this book. From something jotted down in a Nursery school by a toddler, to Zen allegories-Surya Das unabashedly draws from the best of so many sources to bring us a book so full of the good teachings. As he's done in his earlier books, Surya Das proposes precise practices in his dialogue of the circumstances we may all find ourselves in. For instance, mention how the loss of a loved one can make us "wrap up" or become solitary, he counsels using prayer to confirm our aspiration to keep our hearts unlocked and free. Like the old saying, "A bird only can stay in your hand without you killing it if your hand is open." We must cherish and love all that is, while being prepared to let go at any moment. This is how we should practice. Letting go. The Hindu text The Bhagavad-Gita states: "Death is certain for anyone born, and birth is certain for the dead. Seeing how this cycle is inevitable, you have no cause to grieve." Those are some really sobering words. This book answers a lot of our toughest questions in life with a kind and gentle hand. Enjoy it!
2.0 out of 5 stars
Unfortunately - a big question mark,
By
This review is from: Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be: Lessons on Change, Loss, and Spiritual Transformation (Hardcover)
Well, I'm familiar with Surya Das teachings in person, and they are always excellent.His previous books are OK. but this one is definitely not a masterpice among hundreds and hundreds of profound Dharma writers.
5.0 out of 5 stars
An outstanding book for transformation!,
By Truth Seeker (Arizona) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be: Lessons on Change, Loss, and Spiritual Transformation (Hardcover)
Lama Surya Das has given us a handbook on living. "Letting Go" is an excellent book for anyone going through loss, change, illness, or a desired transformation of being. This book is easily read and has been written like he is talking to you in person. While it is very Buddhist in background, this is a book anybody from any religious background can gain from. I resell many of my buddhist books but this is one I will be keeping in my library to re-read in the future. Surya Das has a easy way of explaining Buddhism in a more westernized way that makes this an excellent book for newcomers to this faith and way of being. I also loved the Medicine Buddha section which gives full instruction on a healing mantra and visualizations for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It reminds me very much of guru yoga for those of you familiar with Dzogchen practice. Read this book for yourself and give out several for gifts. Surya Das, I can't wait for more of your writings. You are one fine writer! Bodhi Leaf, Buddhist and Reiki Master.
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