Start Living Compassionately: A Guide to Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness

T.McConnell: Peña Chodron writes so down to earth and right to the point. A must read for everyone!

United States on Oct 26, 2023

pxg: Love this. Can only do a chapter at a time and think about the message for days.

United States on Jul 19, 2023

Jwells: The words, the teachings, and the feelings are profoundly life changing! Written in a way that all can understand, the impact created a far better outlook than thought possible. Thank you so much!

United States on Apr 13, 2023

C. Alexander: What an extraordinary book. Buddhism when explained well teaches us to soften and open up to life’s experiences rather than close down and harden. It understands our relationship and reaction to pain and suffering. It helps us love and understand ourselves, and by doing this love and understand everyone else. We need this on our crazy life journey. I’m so grateful to Pema for all her work. When you read this book you’ll meet yourself. And you’ll meet everyone else.

United Kingdom on Apr 07, 2023

W. Smith: I absolutely adore Pema Chodron, an amazing lady so full of wisdom! Every book I’ve read written by Pema has been so knowledgeable. One thing I am learning as I am trying to apply self compassion, is that no amount of just reading is going to change anybody, including myself! It genuinely is about applying the knowledge into everyday life, every single opportunity that each day presents to each of us. Self compassion isn’t easy! So I’m learning to accept that as well, though it does take patience and kindness. However it won’t ever stop anger and other negative emotions form arising, but it definitely helps to deal with those negative emotions!
Thank you once again Pema! One day I will go to Kampo Abbey! X

United Kingdom on Sep 03, 2019

Phil Friedman: As good as it gets, as are all of her books. My favorite is The Wisdom of No Escape and Don't Bite the Hook (a recording of her talks on the sayings of Shantideva

United States on Feb 17, 2019

Billie: Pema Chodron's books are changing my life, slowly one step at a time but this is one of those books that has had a massive impact on my life in a good way. I struggle with anxiety, depression and more recently acute grief. The world was feeling more and more a place where I didn't want to be, or see place for me in it. Pema helps you look at the world in a different way, and her techniques have really helped me look at the world in a different way.

If you struggle with anxiety, stress, depression. If the world in spinning too fast for you; Get this book. These conditions are not easy or quick to fix but this book makes a big difference to how you live 'with them' and this makes more things seem possible. If you are wondering which of Pema's books to get and you can only get one, for anxiety issues I'd recommend starting with this one.

United Kingdom on May 20, 2015

Sidney MacHin: I didnt find Pema for a while after I started practicing Buddhism but since I have my life and practice have totally transformed. What makes Pema's teachings in this book and others so profound is that she doesnt tell you to get rid of anything. Unlike a lot of Buddhism that can often describe practice as removing or fixing things within yourself, Shambhala Buddhism (which is taught in this book) starts and finishes with you being perfect just as you are. There is nothing to change. Hence the title "Start Where You are". Her teaching is about connecting with the tenderness beneath all of the suffering, justification and confusion. The tenderness of the heart is something that we all share, without exception. This is why this book will change your life.

I would recommend it to everyone but especially those who seem to struggle with self-doubt or self aversion. I find all Buddhism is basically the same underneath its just some types suit different types of minds.

United Kingdom on Aug 21, 2013

Priscilla Zig: After the death of my most important loved one, I contemplated life and living without him in it...It was a dark path down a frightening road; not even a flicker of light met me on the road ahead. A friend lent me this book and I read it cover to cover in one sitting...and, amazingly I realized that someone understood me and my pain. I bought myself a copy and dragged it with me everywhere I went-it was for me as my blanky had been as a child. I read it over and over until it fell apart. I have since bought at least 6 more copies of this book, intending to keep them. And yet, somehow, I always found myself giving it away to someone I cared about. The day I bought my Kindle Fire, I downloaded it and still always have it with me...and I am not giving this copy away. :) I do however, still find myself buying this book for friends... I now read it when I am feeling content, scared, happy, or sad-it seems to speak to me regardless of my mood. When I say this book saved my life- I mean it. Surviving a loved one's suicide is the most intense grief I have ever, and will ever, experience - but this book kept my pain at bay and my loved ones from experiencing the pain of my not possibly...

United States on Mar 24, 2013

Eric Nicholson: Another book about mindfullness. You will read nothing new here - it has all been written about before. However, if you are new to Buddhism it could be a good introduction. As with other books about spiritual practice, it is one thing to understand intellectually, another thing to put the teaching into practice. I found some of the so called techniques wishy washy and obscure!

2011
I can't believe I wrote the above - it just shows how experience can change opinions. I would highly rate this book now having studied it and re-read it a number of times. The techniques are NOT wishy washy! The book is about how to deal with traumatic events in your life.

United Kingdom on Jul 27, 2009