Come to find out, "Awakening Lovingkindness" is an abridged version of this book. This one has four extra chapters. It's completely awesome. Pema Chodron is the best. ( )

Maybe the best introduction to Buddhism as a way of life. For optimists who are "there" already emotionally, and want to be seriously grounded in this impressive doctrine, here's a bunch of solid reasons to think of life as a great adventure :-) ( )

Originally published in 1991, this book presents the transcripts from 18 teaching by Ani Pema presented over the course of a 1989 month-long retreat at a Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. Each chapter can stand alone, but each does build on the others. Tonglen practice is presented and explored. In addition to Chogyam Trungpa, Pema quotes Thich Nhat Hanh, Black Elk, and Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Wonderful book. ( )