It's Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path

On the spiritual path we speak of enlightenment. But how do we reconcile the idea of enlightenment with what we see when we look in the mirror—when insecurities, doubts, and self-centered tendencies arise in our minds? Dzigar Kongtrül suggests that we need not feel “doomed” when these experiences surface. In fact, such experiences are not a problem if we are able to simply let them arise without judging them or investing them with so much meaning. This approach to experience is what Kongtrül calls self-reflection.

Self-reflection is a practice, a path, and an attitude. It is the spirit of taking an interest in that which we usually try to push away. When we practice self-reflection we take liberation into our own hands and show more accept the challenge and personal empowerment in Kongtrül’s title: it’s up to you. show less

An insightful book that has helped me to be more philosophical about life and get through bad days more easily and with less anger. The chapters are short and the book itself is short so you can do a few chapters a night. Also relatively free of jargon.