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Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living (Shambhala Classics) Paperback – August 21, 2001

by Pema Chodron (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,457 ratings
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Start Where You Are is an indispensable handbook for cultivating fearlessness and awakening a compassionate heart. With insight and humor, Pema Chödrön presents down-to-earth guidance on how we can "start where we are"—embracing rather than denying the painful aspects of our lives. Pema Chödrön frames her teachings on compassion around fifty-nine traditional Tibetan Buddhist maxims, or slogans, such as: "Always apply only a joyful state of mind," "Don't seek others' pain as the limbs of your own happiness," and "Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment."

Working with these slogans and through the practice of meditation, Start Where You Are shows how we can all develop the courage to work with our inner pain and discover joy, well-being, and confidence.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Shambhala
  4. Publication date
    August 21, 2001
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.45 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781570628399
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1570628399
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pragmatic and to the point, Pema Chödrön cuts to the very heart of practice, right to the tender pink spot we want to cover over and keep safe. In the context of being kind to ourselves, Start Where You Are shows how our greatest asset is our own vulnerability that we so desperately protect. Pema Chödrön guides us to the understanding that, rather than hiding from or resisting the pain of our existence, we can learn to relax with the situation just as it is."— Tantra magazine





"Pema Chödrön uses modern Western idiom and lyrical language to bring to life ancient Buddhist Wisdom. She weaves a poetic tapestry which invites the reader onto a path of compassionate living which is both new and familiar."—Loch Kelly, M. Div., C.S.W.

About the Author

Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is the author of many books and audiobooks, including the best-selling When Things Fall Apart and Don't Bite the Hook.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1570628394
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; Later Printing Used edition (August 21, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781570628399
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1570628399
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.45 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,457 ratings

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Pema Chodron

Pema Chodron

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Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is also the author of many books and audiobooks, including the best-selling When Things Fall Apart and Don't Bite the Hook.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,457 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Steven Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars Be calm and let compassion guide your future.
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2014
Verified Purchase
A delightful, thought-provoking book that requires a second, slower and more contemplative read.

My initial thoughts are that this book could be summed appropriately with the philosophy "Don't sweat the small stuff. And don't sweat the big stuff either. In fact, don't sweat at all."

Equally though, it also counsels not to get overly ecstatic or confident when things go your way.

The key seems to be not to let hurdles, obstacles or setbacks get you too down for too long. Equally, to not let successes think you cannot fail. Be calm and mild, either way.

So, wherever you are, at any time, start from there, taking a middle path of not too much fear or sadness as well as not too much confidence and elation. After all, all feelings and situations are temporary.

I'm glad I read it and look forward to having time to read it again slowly and contemplatively.
36 people found this helpful
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Word Junckie
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless, practical teachings
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2023
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Another fabulous title by this author. a timeless reference for those who wish to live a kinder, more self-examined life and to shine the light of compassion.
One person found this helpful
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Treenerd
5.0 out of 5 stars Delivered on time
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
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I bought the book as used, good condition. The book itself is in very good condition, and the only thing that I noticed is a small tear in the book jacket. Overall, I'm very pleased with this purchase
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Brygida
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
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Very good book, no need to say anything else. Recommended.
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Chip B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Review of the CD Audio Book
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2008
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You should know that the CD Audio Book CDs have .WAV files on them rather than regular CD files or .MP3s. The reader is clear and easy to follow. If you liked the book, I think you'll like the CD version too.

I picked this book after reading Eckart Tolle's New Earth. Pema Chodron speaks to many of the same issues from a little different perspective that, while perhaps more religious, seems clearer to me; more understandable. At the same time, I also think it's possible that many of us need to read both perspectives to gain a better understanding.

I was attracted to this book by the title. Being able to Start Where You Are was an empowering notion. It was the idea that I don't need to wait till I (grow up, finish school, lose weight, get married, get divorced, get a job, retire) to (develop spiritually, be happy, find peace). Most particularly I don't need to stop suffering to be happy, or start my journey. Instead, I can use my suffering to facilitate my development & growth. The CD version is true to all of these ideas.
25 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great inspirational read
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2023
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A friend that follows Pema recommended this book to me as the first one to read. Great book to start with. Great insight into a calmer life, helping yourself and others. Recommended for people wanting more.
5 people found this helpful
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T.McConnell
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023
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Peña Chodron writes so down to earth and right to the point. A must read for everyone!
2 people found this helpful
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Priscilla Zig
5.0 out of 5 stars This book saved my life!
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2013
Verified Purchase
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 being here. Whenever I felt the darkness creeping in, and the hope disappearing, I reached for this book and in all senses of the word-THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE AND TAUGHT ME HOW TO LIVE in a brighter, happier, and purposeful life!
244 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Elesha Lyle
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
Pema has done it again! Such a beautiful read!
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C. Alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
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.
2 people found this helpful
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Kmf
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and inspiring
Reviewed in Mexico on February 15, 2021
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A beautifully written book with easy to follow instructions, explanations, inspiring stories and buddhist wisdom about meditation, compassion and forgiveness.
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Augu
5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo
Reviewed in Italy on September 11, 2019
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La psicologia moderna solo ora sta iniziando a capire la veridicità di questi antichi insegnamenti. Questo libro mi ha aiutato molto in un periodo difficile.
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priyanka
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, awe-inspiring and truly humbling
Reviewed in India on November 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
This book forced u to accept those parts of urself which u have been successful hiding for a long time. The words are so simple yet so profound. The practices seem so easy but takes enomorous will power to achieve. Truly mesmerizing. It is like a mirror which tries to show u, your real zelf
One person found this helpful
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