"When something is bothering you--a person is bugging you, a situation is irritating you, or physical pain is troubling you--you must work with your mind, and that is done through meditation. Working with our mind is the only means through which we'll actually begin to feel happy and contented with the world that we live in." --Pema Choedroen Pema Choedroen is treasured around the world for her unique ability to transmit teachings and practices that bring peace, understanding, and compassion into our lives. With How to Meditate, the American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun presents her first book exploring in depth what she considers the essentials for a lifelong practice. More and more people are beginning to recognize a profound inner longing for authenticity, connection, and aliveness. Meditation, Pema explains, gives us a golden key to address this yearning. This step-by-step guide shows readers how to honestly meet and openly relate with the mind, embrace the fullness of our experience, and live in a wholehearted way as we discover: - The basics of meditation, from getting settled and the six points of posture to working with your breath and cultivating an attitude of unconditional friendliness - The Seven Delights--how moments of difficulty can become doorways to awakening and love - Shamatha (or calm abiding), the art of stabilizing the mind to remain present with whatever arises - Thoughts and emotions as "sheer delight"--instead of obstacles--in meditation "I think ultimately why we practice is so that we can become completely loving people, and this is what the world needs," writes Pema Choedroen. How to Meditate is an essential book from this wise teacher to assist each one of us in this virtuous goal.

Here is a treasury of short selections from the best-selling books of Pema Chodron, the beloved Tibetan Buddhist nun. Sized to fit easily into a pocket or purse, this little book can be taken anywhere, providing on-the-go inspiration. Topics of this book include opening the heart; becoming fearless; breaking free of destructive patterns; developing patience and joy; and, discovering one's natural warmth, intelligence, and goodness.

When her granddaughter was accepted to Naropa University, the celebrated author Pema Choedroen promised that she'd speak at the commencement ceremony. Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better contains the wisdom shared on that day. "What do we do when life doesn't go the way we hoped?" begins Pema "We say, `I'm a failure." But what if failing wasn't just "okay," but the most direct way to becoming a more complete, loving, and fulfilled human being? Through the insights of her own teachers and life journey, Pema Choedroen offers us her heartfelt advice on how to face the unknown-in ourselves and in the world-and how our missteps can open our eyes to see new possibilities and purpose. For Pema's millions of readers, prospective graduates, or anyone at a life crossroads, this gem of clarity and reassurance is sure to find a welcome place in many a kitchen, office, and backpack.