BE GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE

Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön leads a six-week retreat on awakening the innate human ability to love and care about others. The retreat, focused on tenth-century Lojong (mind-training) teachings, enables Chödrön to dive deeply into the topic of compassion. The hefty production includes an exploration of the awakening of bodhichitta, guided Tonglen practices, and multiple question-and-answer sessions with the participants. Chödrön relates Buddhist teachings to listeners’ daily lives with her trademark good humor and ability to dissolve the barriers between “us” and “them.” Perhaps Chödrön’s greatest skill is turning everyday experiences into moments of teaching, an idea that is at the heart of the Lojong teachings that she so masterfully offers up to listeners. J.T. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]