Recent Teachings The Four Limitless Ones
Tonglen and Lojong The Way of the Bodhisattva (Shantideva)
The Heart Sutra Discouragement, Depression, Addictions
Mindfulness Awareness Meditation Shambhala Teachings
General Buddhist Path Student-Teacher Relationship
The Paramitas Vajrayana Teachings
Audios by Sounds True and Shambhala Publications
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Poetry from the Kingdom (various)
Robin Kornman: Creating Enlightened Society
If you live outside the United States we urge you to purchase by credit card, in which case the currency exchange is handled automatically. (See “How To Order” page.) An international money order in US funds is also accepted.
Quantity discount: We offer a 10% discount on Great Path audios (not books, videos, or Sounds True products) for any order that includes 20 talks on tape or CD.
New and Recent Audiotapes and CDs
A130: EXPLORING MONASTIC LIFE. This is an excellent set for anyone interested in spending a period of time at Gampo Abbey or in some other monastic context. It is also relevant for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between taking vows, discipline, overcoming emotional obstacles, and community life. 6 talks on 11 CDs $84.50 or 1 MP3 CD $50.70.
Talk 1: What It Means to be a Gampo Abbey Monastic. What guides the monks and nuns? Group dynamic, discipline, working as a community. Encouraging each others’ basic goodness and sanity. Developing bodhisattva warriorship. (2 CDs $14.50.)
Talk 2: Shenpa and Practice. Training on the spiritual path of awakening. Working with emotions and negativity. Getting comfortable with groundlessness. The 4 steps of practicing with shenpa. (2 CDs $14.50.)
Talk 3: Withering the Seeds of Karma. Weakening karmic propensities. Purifying past karma, not collecting more in the present, and not continuing with old habits in the future. The practice of sojong. (2 CDs $14.50.)
Talk 4: The Power of Commitment. A review of how to clean the slate of karma. Working with shenpa in a monastic setting. Making a commitment to work with whatever arises as the means to attain enlightenment. (2 CDs $14.50.)
Talk 5: Connecting with Natural Warmth. Creating a caring society. Compassionate self-inquiry. Making a friendship with your ripening karma. Working with doubt. (2 CDs $14.50.)
Talk 6: Training in Choicelessness. The pain of the bubble of ego being popped. The balance between gloriousness and wretchedness. “Training in choicelessness and kindness, giving up all hope of fruition, we recommit to do our best each day”. (note: a few sound blips during the first 4 minutes). (1 CD $12.00.)
A203: FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE: Women and the Wisdom Tradition of Buddhism. Pema Chödrön, Berkeley, CA, August 1991. In many schools of Buddhism, wisdom is personified as a woman, often in union with a male, who symbolizes compassion. Such wisdom melts solid opinions and eliminates boundaries that separate people. Wisdom opens up our experience of the world and brings the unconditional confidence of basic goodness. To contact such wisdom, it is necessary to overcome resentment. It is important for women and men to find their own voices in bringing Buddhism to the West -- this is happening. In order to do this further, it is necessary to work with fear, and to relate to the reality of death, which puts our life activities in perspective. 1 CD $12.00.
A128: PRACTICING PEACE IN TIMES OF WAR - Shambhala Mountain Center. August 2007. With Acharya Pema Chödrön and Shambhala International President Richard Reoch. This is the third (and last) time President Reoch and Pema Chödrön taught this particular program. Our understanding is that, although the Omega and California programs were excellent, this SMC program most completely fulfilled the teachers' intentions. 12 audio CDs: $87.00,
or 2 MP3 CDs: $50.00
Following are talk titles and costs for individual talks:
Talk 1: The Path of Courage; + Meditation Instruction #1 (2 CDs) $14.50; Talk 2: Shenpa and Natural Intelligence. (2 CDs) $14.50; CD #5: Meditation Instruction #2. (1 CD) $12.00; Talk 3: Natural Openness and Leaning In; + Meditation Instruction #3 (2 CDs) $14.50; Talk 4: Natural Warmth and Maitri; + Meditation Instruction #4. (2 CDs) $14.50; Talk 5: Richard Reoch: Being a Lotus in the Middle of the Fire (1 CD) $12.00; Talk 6: The Power of Joy; Closing Ceremony. also: Richard Reoch: Comments before visiting stupa (2 CDs) $14.50.
A126: PRACTICING PEACE IN TIMES OF WAR - CALIFORNIA. San Rafael, California, July 2007. Pema Chödrön and Shambhala International President Richard Reoch co-taught this weekend seminar on exploring the importance of meditation in finding peace and nonaggression in one’s heart, as well as its relevance in the world.
Talk 1: The Buck Stops Here. Talk 2: Cultivating Non-Violent Mind. Talk 3: Leaning In and Natural Openness. Talk 4: Richard Reoch: Effective Social Action. Talk 5: Natural Warmth and Compassionate Abiding. Talk 6: Groundlessness as the Source for Strength.
6 talks + meditation instructions on CD: $84.50. DVDs: talks only $150.00. Full set: $175 (includes meditation instructions). Individual talks: $25.00 on DVD, $14.50 on CD. Cassette set available for $84.00 ($12 individual talks).
A125: THE MYTH OF FREEDOM. Berkeley, CA, June-July 2007. Pema Chödrön teaches from Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s famous text, The Myth of Freedom. Ani Pema presents many core Buddhist teachings and leads us through the stages of the path of meditation. Talk 1: The Myth of Freedom and The Cosmic Joke; Talk 2: Styles of Imprisonment; Talk 3: Working with Emotions; Talk 4: Meditation in Action; Talk 5: The Open Way; Talk 6: Devotion; plus bonus discs of Meditation Sessions with Jesse Miller. CD set $87.00; MP3 CD $50.00 (includes bonus audio CD of meditation instruction); DVD set $150.00; audio cassettes available for $84.00.
A124: PRACTICING PEACE IN TIMES OF WAR - OMEGA TEACHINGS. Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY, May 2007. Pema Chödrön and Shambhala International President Richard Reoch co-taught this weekend seminar on exploring the importance of meditation in finding peace and nonaggression in one’s heart, as well as its relevance in the world.
Talk 1: Creating Sacred Space and the View of Buddhanature. Talk 2: Transmuting Emotions into Wisdom. Talk 3: Reframing One's Attitude Towards Pain. Talk 4: Cultivating Natural Warmth. Talk 5: Effective Social Action Depends Upon Contemplative Practice (Richard Reoch). Talk 6: The Path of Positive Insecurity.
Full set DVDs: $175. CDs: $108.50 (Full set also includes 3 additional meditation instruction sessions with Richard Reoch). Talks only version (6 talks): DVDs $125.00, CDs: $82.00.
Developing Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity:
The Four Limitless Ones
Also see set AS7 under “Sounds True” section.
A97: UNCOVERING THE BODHI MIND. Yarne Retreat, Gampo Abbey, December 2002-January 2003. Pema Chödrön's commentary on the “Words of My Perfect Teacher” by Patrul Rinpoche, chapter 2, part 2 of the book. Training the mind in the four boundless qualities; arousing bodhicitta; training in bodhicitta; the 6 paramitas. 10 tapes $120.00; 18 CDs $130.50; or 1 MP3 CD $62.25. There is a buzz in the background of talk 4 (Pema's voice is clear), otherwise good sound quality.
A97-1: The 3 Noble Principles and Introduction to the Yarne Retreat. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-2: The View of Ecumenical. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-3: Loving-Kindness Immeasurable. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-4: Compassion. 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50. (buzz in background)
A97-5: Sympathetic Joy. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-6: Arousing Bodhicitta. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-7: Training in Bodhicitta. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-8: Paramitas as Practice (generosity, discipline). 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-9: Paramitas as Practice continued (patience, diligence, concentration, wisdom). 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50.
A97-10: Closing Talk. (short) included for free with the purchase of the set.
A87: THE FOUR LIMITLESS QUALITIES: Love, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity. Berkeley, 2001 (City Retreat III). This is Pema Chödrön's most thorough and practical presentation of the four limitless qualities to date, rich both in explanation, descriptions and guided practice. A 6-week retreat in 7 sessions. 7 tapes $84.00; 13-CDs $99; or 1 MP3 CD $49.50.
A87-1: An overview of the 4 Qualities. $12.00 audio.
A87-2: Loving-Kindness. $12.00 audio.
A87-3: Guided Loving-Kindness Meditation. $12 audio.
A87-4: Bodhicitta and Compassion: the Power of Attention. $12.00 audio.
A87-5: Three methods for dissolving stuckness, and Joy. $12 audio.
A87-6: Working with upheavals and the Practice of Equanimity. $12.00 audio.
A87-7: Concluding Talk: Continuing Practice in Life. $12.00 audio.
A86: CONNECTING WITH THE HEART: working with grief, emptiness and being overwhelmed Pema Chödrön gives a talk on the intention of practice, answers questions on the compassion practices and gives a short guided meditation. Sonoma, California, July 2001. 1 tape $12.00 or 2-CDs $14.50.
A85: GOING OUTSIDE THE WALLS: question & answer session on fear and the compassion practices Pema Chödrön answers questions from the Grass Valley Shambhala Group, July 2001. Side 1 consists of the question and answer session, and side 2 consists of a guided meditation lead by Pema Chödrön. Some of the questions are faint, but Pema's answers are clear. 1 tape $12.00; 2-CD set $14.50
A62: THE LOVE THAT NEVER DIES. A concise summary and introduction to the “four limitless qualities” of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, with emphasis on the practices of unconditional loving-kindness and compassion. Talk 1: Unconditional Friendliness. Talk 2: The Practice of Limitless Maitri. Talk 3: The Compassionate Relationship. Talk 4: Dissolving the Barriers. Talk 5: Building Inner Strength. 5 tapes $60; 6 CDs $62.50; or 1 MP3 CD $31.25.
A38: NEAR & FAR ENEMIES OF THE 4 LIMITLESS ONES. (formerly titled Misunderstandings of the Spiritual Path). How we typically misunderstand what we’re doing as practitioners. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A0: GUIDED LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION by Dale Asrael. Acharya Dale Asrael was assisting Pema Chödrön at a dathun. An excellent teacher in her own right, this is an outstanding guided contemplation and commentary on maitri. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A26: THE FOUR LIMITLESS ONES. From Gampo Abbey 10/96 dathun. Developing trust in one's own experience by practicing the four limitless ones: unlimited friendliness (maitri); unlimited caring (compassion); unlimited trust in our basic goodness (joy); and unlimited openness - open mind and heart (equanimity). 8 tapes $96; 9-CDs $98.50; 1 MP3 CD $49.25.
Talk 1: Buddha Nature as Path: Overcoming Self-denigration and Self-deception.
Talk 2: Meditation Instruction. Meditation practice as a practice of loving kindness. (some fuzziness on this section). Talks 1 and 2 are together on 1 CD $12 or 1 tape $12.
Talk 3: Unconditional Maitri: the Ground of Trust. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12 (talk 6 is also on this CD).
Talk 4: Maitri: Getting to Know Oneself Intimately. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50 (concludes with talk 5).
Talk 5: Limitless Compassion: Opening with Love to Fear and Pain. 1 CD $12. (talks 5 and 6 are together on one tape - $12).
Talk 6: The Refuge Vow. Taking refuge in the Buddha, dharma, and sangha. 1 CD $12 (on same CD as talk 3).
Talk 7: Practice the 5 Difficulties: the Paramita of Exertion. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
Talk 8: Limitless Joy and the Protector Principle. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
Talk 9: Limitless Equanimity. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
Talk 10: Closing Talk: A Journey For Our Whole Life. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A56-3: IDIOT COMPASSION is alleviating your discomfort around another’s pain. Introduction to the compassion practices. This tape is particularly helpful for the experience of feeling uncompassionate. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A50: A NEW TAKE ON JOY. July 1998. Using the compassion practice of Joy to connect with our heart and humor. The broken heart of bodhicitta as a source of joy. (Rainstorm in background during part of tape, but Pema's voice is strong). 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.
A70: MEDITATION IS NOT ABOUT FEELING GOOD. 5/99. A presentation of maitri (loving-kindness for self) with humour. (This tape is part of the Sounds True “Pure Meditation” set). 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A56-2: EQUANIMITY IS NOT DETACHMENT deals with our tendency to avoid the pain of life instead of transforming it. Includes a guided equanimity practice. 1 tape $12; 2-CDs $14.50.
A53: "WHY AM I DOING THIS?" On Anger and Equanimity. RMSC 8/98. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A31: SELF-COMPASSION A teaching on the four limitless ones. Omega Institute, May 1999. 1 tape $12. 1-CD $12.Developing Compassionate Heart:
Tonglen and the Lojong Slogans
Books which include excellent commentary on lojong and tonglen include BP5: Tonglen, the Path of Transformation and BP4: Start Where You Are, by Pema Chödrön; The Great Path of Awakening, by Jamgon Kongtrul the Great, and BR5: Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving Kindness, by Pema’s teacher Chögyam Trungpa. See Books section for other titles.
A78: TRAINING THE MIND. (City Retreat II, Berkeley
11/99). A fresh approach to Lojong. This is
the definitive presentation of the Lojong material. 7 tapes $84; 13 CDs $99; MP3 CD $49.50; 7 DVDs $175 (see V78 in video section)
A78-1: Intro to lojong, points 1 & 2: Absolute bodhicitta. 1 tape $12.00; 2-CDs $14.50.
A78-2: Point 2: Relative bodhicitta slogans. 1 tape $12.00, 2-CDs $14.50.
A78-3: Point 3 slogans: Transforming painful circumstances. $12.00, 2-CDs $14.50.
A78-4: View and Guided Practice of Tonglen. 1 tape $12, 1 CD $12. (note: this CD is included in “The Compassion Box” see Books section).
A78-5: Extending Lojong to One's Whole Life. 1 tape $12.00; 2-CDs $14.50.
A78-6: Courage, Empathy,and Putting Other's First. 1 tape $12.00; 2-CDs $14.50.
A78-7: Lojong Slogans, Points 6 and 7. 1 tape $12.00; 2-CDs $14.50.
A79: SETTING BOUNDARIES/REMOVING BARRIERS: Bodhicitta, Forgiveness, and Working With Death
. 7/8/00. Extremely practical guidance for anyone working with loving-kindness or lojong teachings. Pema Chödrön responds at length to questions put forth by practitioners in Berkeley, California. Subjects addressed include the practice of loving-kindness, absolute bodhicitta, working with death, the anger of others, “closing down”, clear-seeing, self deprecation, and forgiveness. Highly recommended. 1 tape $12.00 or 2-CDs $14.50.A98: WORKING WITH OBSTACLES IN TONGLEN PRACTICE. January 2003, Gampo Abbey. For those who have had basic tonglen instruction. Pema Chödrön gives a talk on working with what arises in practice, gives guided tonglen instruction, and answers questions from the Yarne participants about the practice. 1 tape $12. 2-CDs $14.50.
A76: LOJONG TRAINING. January 2000, Gampo Abbey. Although the first two talks of the series are missing, this set is an extremely straightforward presentation, working with the seven points and slogans in a systematic way with relatively sophisticated students. The missing talks from the series were devoted to introducing the lojong teachings, the point one slogans, and the point two absolute bodhicitta slogans. These missing points are available in the “City Retreat II” tape A78-1; or the "Working with Pain" tapes A66-1 & A66-2. 6 tape set $72; 9 CDs $77.
A76-1: Relative Bodhicitta Point 2 slogans. Awakening bodhicitta and training in bodhicitta. 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50.
A76-2: When The World is Filled with Evil Point 3 slogans. Using Difficult Circumstances as the Way of Awakening. 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50.
A76-3: Utilizing Everything in Our Lives Point 4 slogans. How to practice when it feels impossible. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A76-4: In-Between Confusion and Waking Up, I Point 5 slogans. Evaluation of mind training. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A76-5: Disciplines of Mind Training Point 6 slogans. The courage it takes to train oneself in the discipline. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A76-6: In Between Confusion and Waking Up, II Point 7 slogans. Guidelines of mind training. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A88: GOING TO THE PLACES THAT SCARE YOU, Berkeley California Weekend Program. September 2001. Similar material to the May 2001 Omega Institute weekend (A82), but the presentation has been developed further. This program addresses learning to practice with fear, aversion, and suffering in the context of mahayana motivation: the intention to benefit others. 5 tapes $60; 8-CDs $67.50; 1 MP3 CD $33.75; or 5 DVDs $105 (see V88 in video section).
A88-1: Reveal Your Hidden Faults. Unobstructed love, and knowing the nature of fear. Introduction to 5 slogans of Machig Lapdronma. Working with shame and guilt. Practice: “Forgiveness tonglen”.
A88-2: Approach What You Find Repulsive. Training in being present. Three levels of awareness. Bearing witness to suffering. Practice: “Aversion tonglen”.
A88-3: Help Those Whom You Think You Cannot Help. Nurturing bodhicitta. Fear is the “fear of fear.“ Trungpa Rinpoche on "Working with Negativity." Practice: tonglen with our resistance to helping, and with those whom we do not want to help. Talk 3 is continued on tape 4.
A88-4: That Which You Are Attached To: Give That. Continuation of talk 3. Trungpa Rinpoche: “The Lions Roar.“ “Seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, transmuting“ experience. Offering practice.
A88-5: Go To The Places That Scare You. Summary of instructions, contemplations, and practices. 6 questions from the discussion groups. Machig Labdronma and the Chöd practice. Anecdote of Ezra Bada. About being a student: Pema Chödrön's teachers, lineage, sangha, Shambhala centers.
A66: WORKING WITH PAIN: Developing Inner Strength (Boulder 10/97) 4 tape set. Originally a weekend program, this is an excellent brief presentation of tonglen practice and the essence of working with “slogans.” This is truly an inspiring, challenging, and empowering set. Tapes $48. 7-CDs $55.50. (note: these talks are the basis for the new Shambhala Publications set "This Moment is the Perfect Teacher").
A66-1: Adverse circumstances as path. An overview that gets to the heart of the lojong path of working with self and others. Includes practical instructions for working with aggression in postmeditation. “Traffic-jam tonglen.” $12
A66-2: Working With Illusion: Absolute Bodhicitta. A commentary on lojong slogans, from ”Regard all dharmas as dreams” through ”Rest in the nature of alaya.” $12
A66-3: Courage, and tapping into the limitless spring of bodhicitta. 3 kinds of courage: that of the king/queen, the ferryman/woman, and the sheepherder. Tonglen-in-action. Formal tonglen instruction. $12.
A66-4: Point 3 slogan: Drive All Blames Into One and Be Grateful to Everyone. Overcoming the illusion of separateness. $12 (1-CD $12)
A123: SEVEN POINTS OF MIND TRAINING: SHENPA TEACHINGS. These teachings, given during the 2005-2006 Yarne season at Gampo Abbey, are Acharya Pema Chödrön's first presentation of Atisha's complete 7 points of mind training since 2000. This teaching set is noteworthy for presenting mind training in the context of her recent teachings on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life and shenpa. Sound quality is average, but Pema's voice is clear. There is some low hiss in the background on the first 2 talks, and a low hum in the background on talks 3 through 7. Brief concluding comments from an eighth talk are included along with talk 6. 13 CDs: $99.00 or 1 MP3 CD $49.50. Single talks may be purchased as follows:
A123-1: Introduction, Point One Slogan and Point Two Absolute Bodhicitta Slogans. 2 CDs: $14.50.
A123-2: Point Two Relative Bodhicitta Slogans and Tonglen. 2 CDs: $14.50.
A123-3: Point Three Slogans: Adverse Circumstances. 2 CDs: $14.50.
A123-4: Point Four Slogans. The Shenpa of Relationship. 2 CDs: $14.50.
A123-5: Point Five Slogans: Evaluation of Mind Training. 2 CDs: $14.50.
A123-6/8: Point Six Slogans and Concluding Comments. 2 CDs: $14.50.
A123-7: Point Seven "Guidelines" Slogans. 1 CD: $12.00.
A82: THE PLACES THAT SCARE YOU, Omega Institute Five Slogans practiced by Machig Labdron, following the instructions of her teacher, Padampa Sangye. A seminar with Pema Chödrön, given at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck NY, May 25-29, 2001. Includes extensive guided meditations. 5 tapes, $60.
The singles in this set are:
A82-1: Reveal your hidden faults. $12
A82-2: Approach what you find to be repulsive. $12
A82-3: Help those whom you don't want to help. $12
A82-4: Anything you are attached to, let it go. $12.00
A82-5: Go to the places that scare you. $12.00
A34: EMPTINESS AND COMPASSION. Gampo Abbey Lojong Dathun, May 1993. This never before released set from the Gampo Abbey 1993 dathun (month long retreat) includes 13 talks and 2 guided meditation instructions: shamatha and tonglen. This particular lojong set is noteworthy for its emphasis on absolute bodhictta as the ground of compassion, which is clarified throughout, and for its relatively short, eloquent talks.
9 CDs $108; or 1 MP3 CD $54. Talk list (timing is approximate):
A34-0: Introductory talk: Path without goal, awake and open. Includes questions and answers. Talk: 45 minutes; Q&A 27 minutes. A34-0PSV: Shamatha meditation instruction 34 minutes. A34-1 Meditation-Relaxation free from harshness 37 minutes.
Formerly released as A34, first part: How to Relax; included in Sounds True “Pure Meditation” set. A34-2: Letting go of solid beliefs: Absolute bodhicitta in 4 stages and postmeditation. 45 minutes. Formerly released as A34, second part: How to Relax; included in Sounds True “Pure Meditation” set. A34-3: The indestructible heart of bodhicitta-3 objects, 3 poisons, 3 virtuous seeds. 35 minutes. A34-3PTL: Tonglen instruction. 4 stages of tonglen. 35 minutes. A34-4: Be grateful to everyone. All dharmas agree at one point. 45 minutes. A34-5: Bring everything to the path. 38 minutes. A34-6: Working with unexpected circumstances. 27 minutes. A34-7: Maitri-Honesty, gentleness, letting go. 38 minutes. This talk has previously been included in the single tape A24-1 What Maitri is and isn't I. A34-8: Wisdom in the midst of confusion. Tonglen questions and answers. 54 minutes. Formerly released as A-4, first part, How to Effect Change / How to work with joy, A34-9: Awakening Compassion for the human predicament-the Point Six (Don't) slogans. 44 minutes. A34-10: Benefiting others-Train without bias in all areas. 40 minutes. A34-11: Compassionate communication-Practice the 3 difficulties. 39 minutes. Formerly released as A-4, second part part, How to Effect Change / How to work with joy. A34-12: Practice the main point; train wholeheartedly; instructions for post-retreat. 55 minutes.
Regular audio CD format on 9 CDs: Disc I: A34-0; Disc II: A34-0PSV & A34-1; Disc III: A34-2 & A34-3; Disc IV: A34-3PTL & A34-4; Disc V: A34-5 & A34-7; Disc VI: A34-6 & A34-8; Disc VII: A34-9; Disc VIII: A34-10 & A34-11; Disc IX: A34-12. $12 for ea. individual CD; $108 for the set.
MP3 format on 1 CD: includes all 12 talks, introductory talk, and the 2 instructions. $54.
A91: THE EXCELLENCE OF BODHICITTA. Karme Choling, Vermont, May 2002. A weekend retreat. Pema Chödrön gives an in-depth commentary on Chapter One of the book “The Way of the Bodhisattva” by Shantideva. 6 tapes $72; 10-CDs $72.50.
A91-X Guided Tonglen Instruction. Pema Chödrön guides participants at the Karme Choling May 2002 retreat through the practice of tonglen. 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12. DVD: $18.50.
A64: KARME CHOLING LOJONG DATHUN. 9 tapes. This is the basis for Pema Chödrön’s book, BP2 Start Where You Are. Tapes are easier to comprehend than the book and may be played alongside the book for study. 9 cassettes $108.
A35: MAKING A RELATIONSHIP WITH PAIN AND JOY: TONGLEN INSTRUCTIONS. This tape consists of the basic tonglen instructions and guided tonglen practice, given in 1998 at the San Francisco Zen Center. 1 tape $12. 1-CD $12.
A23: TEACHINGS ON LIFE AND DEATH (Point 4, lojong slogans). Death as an incentive for practice. 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.
A45: DRIVE ALL BLAMES INTO ONESELF addresses how to avoid self-denigration and how to die, as well as this Point 3 lojong slogan. It is a surprising talk. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12
A42: HAPPINESS IS NOT THE SAME THING AS NO MORE PAIN presupposes some knowledge of tonglen. 1 tape $12
A27: YOU NEVER KNOW (On groundlessness in tonglen). Excellent tape for persons who have practiced for one year or more. 1 tape $12
A40-2: FEAR II Fear of opening. Point 2 absolute lojong slogans. Addresses fear that arises from practice. Gampo Abbey, 1997. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A72: FREE FROM FIXED MIND. (Emptiness and the Paramitas) 7/99, Karme
Choling. Highly recommended. 5 tapes $60; 9 CDs $70; MP3 CD $42.
A72-1: Being Comfortable with Uncertainty, Training in Bodhicitta. 1 tape $12, 1 CD $12
A72-2: The Paramita of Meditation. 1 tape $12, 2 CDs $14.50
A72-3: The Prajnaparamita (Heart Sutra). 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50
A72-4: The Paramitas of Generosity and Discipline. 1 tape $12.00, 2 CDs $14.50
A72-5: The Paramitas of Patience and Joyful Exersion. 1 tape $12, 2 CDs $14.50
A17: PRACTICE IN EVERYDAY LIFE - The Six Paramitas. Excellent summary of the Paramitas. 1 tape $12 or 2-CDs $14.50.
A74: NEAR & FAR ENEMIES OF THE 6 PARAMITAS. Working with misunderstandings of and obstacles to the bodhisattva practice of the six paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, enthusiasm, meditation, and wisdom. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12
On The Paramita of Generosity:
A72-X: GENEROSITY AS A TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS.
A tonglen technique that addresses attachment. $12A77: GENEROSITY IS LETTING GO OF HOLDING ONTO YOURSELF. 1 cassette $12
On the Paramita of Discipline:
Also see the sets of A113, A117, and A118.
A65: TAKING THE NEGATIVITY OUT OF DISCIPLINE: A Vajrayana view of discipline in which "experiencing our own energy is the path of awakening". Talk was given at Gampo Abbey in January 1999. $12
On the Paramita of Patience, and working with aggression
Also see the sets of A116, and A119.
A15: THE BIG SQUEEZE and other talks on working with anger. 12/89. Slight recording problems on side B. Big Squeeze talk is fine. 1 tape $12 or 2-CDs $14.50.
A49: THE BIG SQUEEZE II : Working with the Edge. On staying with the edge rather than running away. On allowing things to be as they are. 9/98. 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.
On the Paramita of Exertion:
A33: THREE KINDS OF LAZINESS
Gampo Abbey, 6/96. The paramitas of exertion and meditation. 1 tape $12. 2 CDs $14.50.On the Paramita of Meditation:
A44: SITTING AS A TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS.
Halifax, 3/99. Why we meditate. Cultivating a quality of steadfastness, training in clear-seeing, and working with strong emotions. 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.A30: HOW TO STAY WITH UNCOMFORTABLE FEELINGS. “The essence of Buddhism is staying with pain without running away, as the path of joy.” Gampo Abbey, 6/96. 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.
On the Paramita of Prajna (discriminating awareness wisdom):
Also see the set of A115.
A72-1: first tape of the “Free from Fixed Mind” set. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
Recommended books on general Buddhist path include BP4: The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness and the abridged pocket version BP1: Awakening Loving-Kindness, and BP3: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, all by Pema Chödrön, as well as Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism and the Myth of Freedom, both by Chögyam Trungpa. See books section.
A114: WISDOM AND COMPASSION: Pema Chödrön and Jack Kornfield in Conversation. May 26, 2005. A conversation between these two great teachers, held at Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco. Tapping into our own wisdom and compassion in today's troubled world. Moderated by Michael Krasny. 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50; 1 DVD $25.
V127: MONASTIC TRAINING: a Path of Joy and Liberation. Gampo Abbey, April 2007. This talk by Pema Chödrön to the Gampo Abbey community in April of 2007 is a significant contribution to the teachings on “creating enlightened society” in a monastic context. This teaching would also be appropriate for lay practitioners who are interested in exploring the relationship between personal practice, service, and community. On monastic training at Gampo Abbey: understanding karma, discovering discipline, and developing awareness as a path of joy and liberation. 2 CDs $14.50 or 1 DVD $25.
A121: THE SUTRA IN PRAISE OF DISCIPLINE. Gampo Abbey, December 2005. Discipline means to act in harmony with the way things are. This teaching gives insight into monastic discipline, but is also relevant to non-monastics. Includes discussion of the preciousness of human birth and the inevitability of karmic cause and effect. 1 cassette $12.00 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A112: LOSING OUR APPETITE FOR AGGRESSION. September 4-6, 2004. A weekend retreat at Spirit Rock Mediation Center in Woodacre, CA. Pema Chödrön defines aggression as "pushing away our experience, or resisting our experience." When we become curious about the "pushing away" and acknowledge when we resist what's happening, that opens the doorway to enlightenment. Peace on earth will come from staying present with the dynamic energy of aggression. 5 tapes $60; 9 CDs $70; 5 DVDs $125; 1 MP3 CD $35.
A112-1: The Unique, Present Moment. Connecting with our basic goodness. Letting go of a closed, biased heart and mind. The 3 qualities of consciousness: on the dot, intelligence, and warmth. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A112-2: The Chain Reaction of Karma (or Getting Smart). Waking up out of the trance of self-absorption. Noticing when you're hooked and having a choice. When you stay present and awake to the energy of aggression, you begin to have profound insight into the nature of your whole being. 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50; 1 MP3 CD $35.00.
A112-3: The Immediacy of Your Experience. The formula for everyday living. Interrupting the momentum. Letting go of belief thoughts. Catching shenpa when it's pre-verbal, in this life, is the path to enlightenment. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A112-4: The Present Moment. Meditation instruction with Jesse Miller, plus Pema's comments. Meditation is a tool to help us come to this present moment over and over again. Connecting with the view. Working with the busy-ness of our lives. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A112-5: The Practice for Your Life. Training in unbiased attitude for living. Staying with the immediacy of your experience is being alive. The center of your life mandala. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A108: LOSING OUR APPETITE FOR AGGRESSION - Public Talk. Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA, June 2, 2004. The way we act and react, sows the seeds in this lifetime and for this nation. How to work with our own aggression at the personal level. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12; 1 DVD $25.
A107: BUDDHA NATURE. Gampo Abbey, Dec. 2003-Feb. 2004. These teachings are based on the text, “Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra” by Jamgon Kangtrul Lodro Thaye. 8 tapes $96; 16 CDs $116; or 2 MP3 CDs $58.00.
A107-1: Progressive Stages of Groundlessness. 1 tape $12.00; 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-2: Taking Ultimate Refuge. 1 tape $12, 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-3: Sangha and the 2 Veils. 1 tape $12.00, 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-4: Freedom from the 2 Veils. 1 tape $12.00, 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-5: The Element. 1 tape $12, 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-6: The 3 Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma. 1 tape $12, 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-7: The 9 Images of Buddha Nature. 1 tape $12.00, 2 CDs $14.50.
A107-8: The 5 Faults and the 5 Remedies. 1 tape $12.00, 2 CDs $14.50.
A104: PRACTICING PEACE IN TIMES OF WAR. San Francisco, CA. August 13, 2003. As each of us is dedicated to wanting there to be peace in the world, then we have to take responsibility when our own hearts and minds harden and close. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A93: THE 12 NIDANAS. Gampo Abbey, May 2002. A short course on the 12 links of interdependent origination. Focusing on the 3 kinds of ignorance, mental formation, and the 8 types of consciousness, as well as touching on the other 9 nidanas. By understanding how we perpetuate confusion, we can learn to interrupt the “karmic chain reaction of samsara”. How we stay stuck and how we can liberate ourselves. 3 tapes $29. 4 CDs $29.
A67: MEDITATION IN ACTION: City Retreat I A 6-tape overview of the 3 yanas of Buddhism (hinayana, mahayana and vajrayana), covering the Four Noble Truths, the practice of Tonglen, the Heart Sutra, and an introduction to vajrayana practice. 6 tapes $72; 11-CDs $84.50; or 1 MP3 CD $42.25.
A67-1: Overview of the 3 Yanas. Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana. Opening up through meditation. Learning to stay no matter what the situation. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A67-2: The Foundation Teachings. Introduction to Hinayana. Developing curiousity about mind/confusion. The 3 marks of existence. The 5 skandhas. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50; or 1 DVD $25.
A67-3: The Path of Meditation. The 3 Prajnas. The Four Noble Truths. How to bring the path of awakening into everyday life. 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.
A67-4: Emptiness is Good News. Introduction to Mahayana with teachings on the Heart Sutra. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50; or 1 DVD $25.
A67-5: Cultivating Compassion. The sending and taking practice of tonglen with brief guided instruction. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A67-6: Introduction to Vajrayana. Working with the energy of negative emotions. The 5 Buddha Families. Crazy wisdom. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A81: THE ROOT OF HAPPINESS. (Yarne Teachings, Gampo Abbey, Jan.-Feb. 2001). Starting with the view of basic goodness, the practitioner trains in proper conduct and practices the 3 disciplines: not causing harm, gathering virtue, and benefiting others. This set is about how to do these things, how to work with vows and precepts without falling into being judgmental or self-denigrating, and about how to develop joy and steadfastness practicing with all life situations. (Note: these are the same talks, unedited, as the Sounds True set "True Happiness"). 9 tapes $108; 16 CDs $118.50; or 2 MP3 CDs $59.25.
A81-1: What is the Root of Happiness? $12
A81-2: Not Causing Harm: working with precepts. $12
A81-3: Basic Goodness, Refraining and Groundlessness. $12.00
A81-4: Refraining: Making a relationship with discomfort. $12
A81-5: Cultivating Virtue: Making offerings and rejoicing. $12.00
A81-6: The 4 Powers and the 5 Strengths. $12.00
A81-7: Practicing with Suffering. $12
A81-8: The Four Stages of Tonglen. $12
A81-9: Maitri Practice: Enjoying the root of happiness. $12.00
Individual talks, most are on 2 CDs, may be purchased separately for $14.50 ea. talk.
A89: RENUNCIATION, THE FOUR REMINDERS, AND FREEDOM. Gampo Abbey, Yarne Retreat 2002. 7 tapes, $84. Also available as 13 CDs: $105 (the first six talks are 2 CDs each for $14.50, Talk 7 is 1 CD for $12.)
A89-1: The Yarne Retreat, Sojong, the Four Powers of Confession. $12.00.
A89-2: Renunciation as Freedom. Correcting misunderstandings of renunciation. The five powers: renunciation, recognition, regret, refraining, and resolve. $12.00
A89-3: Three Stages of Refraining. Do not equate suffering with pleasure. Joyfully bring difficult emotions (shenpa) to the light. Work with difficult circumstances as path. An approach to overcoming addictions. $12.00.
A89-4: This Precious Human Life. Inauspicious births. The qualities of a precious human birth - 8 qualities and 10 conditions. Brief commentary on death/impermanence contemplation. $12.00.
A89-5: Working with Karma and Becoming Less Reactive. Overcoming wrong views of karma: fatalism, punishment and reward. Two of the four results: fully ripened result and result similar to the cause. Interrupting karma with precepts. Transforming karma in the gaps. $12.00.
A89-6 & A89-7: Samsara: An Ocean of Suffering. Just like a feast before the executioner leads you to your death. Contemplative exercises. The three sufferings. The three distortions of any realm. (Talk 6 is continued on tape 7)
A89-7: Five Instructions Based on Maitri. Ask yourself: what is the most important thing? Always go for the stretch. Rest with insecurity / relax with uncertainty. Don't believe everything you think. Take exactly what appears as the path. A89-6 & A89-7 together (two tapes), $18.
A90: RENUNCIATION: ESCAPE OR GOING DEEPER. Gampo Abbey 2002. A discussion group led by Pema Chödrön for anyone inspired by the practice of renunciation. Includes discussion of monastic vows and practice. 1 tape: $12 or 1 CD: $12.
A54: THE FOUR REMINDERS. 5 tape set on these traditional “Four Thoughts
that Turn the Mind Towards Dharma” (free and well favored existence,
impermanence, the inevitability of karma, the futility of samsara). This is a
commentary on the famous work by meditation master Patrul Rinpoche, “Words of
My Perfect Teacher.” 2/98. There are some technical difficulties in these
recordings. cassettes $45. Singles include:
A54-5: Karma is Not a Punishment. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A54-3: Learning to Enjoy Impermanence and Death. 1 tape $12
A55: THE PARADOX OF THE CESSATION OF SUFFERING Gampo Abbey, August 1997. Examines the paradox that the wish to avoid suffering actually creates more suffering. 1 tape $12 or 2 CDs $14.50.
A80: FACING OUR DEMONS: a story of Milarepa. 10/00. The story of Milarepa is used as an example of how to face our own “demons.” How to work with resistance and pain, and to go into any situation with an open heart. This talk was given at Berkeley as part of a weekend program in March of 1994. Includes questions and answers on tonglen practice. 1 tape $12. 1 CD $12.
A19: THE NATURE OF EGO - Discussion group mostly Pema Chödrön talking - Superb. 1 tape $12 or 2-CDs $14.50
A10: THE FOUR MARAS and THE PROTECTOR PRINCIPLE. Gampo Abbey, 1989. Seeing the Maras as teachers rather than obstacles; how to soften, grow up and be honest. Also an explanation of the Protector Chants: The 4-Armed Mahakala, Vetali, and Ekajati. Plus a talk on Bodhidharma. 1 tape $12 or 2-CDs $14.50.
A11: AWAKENING FROM THE DREAM (of individual identity). Australia, 1994. 1 tape $12 or 2-CDs $14.50.
A59 THE THREE LORDS OF MATERIALSM. Form, speech, and mind. The journey of moving from fear to fearlessness. Mindfulness and maitri. Developing inner strength and trust. Gampo Abbey, 1997. (Do not buy this talk if you have the Noble Heart series from Sounds True.) 1 tape $12 or 1 CD $12.
A3: THINKING AS AN ADDICTION. So, you feel funny labeling thoughts? Monaural. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A4: HOW TO EFFECT CHANGE/HOW TO WORK WITH JOY. 1 tape $12; 2 CDs $14.50.
A7: GIVE UP ALL HOPE OF FRUITION. Surprising analysis of this slogan. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A29: THE WISDOM OF UNEASINESS The uneasiness and dissatisfaction we feel is really the intelligence of buddha nature. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A20: RIGHT SPEECH. A discussion of the basic Buddhist precepts, especially the fourth precept, ”right speech,” which entails refraining from harsh speech, gossip, frivolous speech, and lying. Questions and answers. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A15: THE BIG SQUEEZE and other talks on working with anger. Slight recording problems on side B. Big Squeeze talk is fine. 1 tape $12; 2-CDs $14.50.
A49: THE BIG SQUEEZE II On staying with the edge rather than running away. On allowing things to be as they are. 9/98. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12
A24-1: WHAT MAITRI IS AND ISN'T I (1993) 1 tape $12; 2-CDs $14.50.
A24-2: WHAT MAITRI IS AND ISN'T II (1998) 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
"The way of freeing yourself from your past is to make friends with
yourself in the present." Excellent presentations of Pema Chödrön's important
teachings on Maitri.
A63: HOLDING ONTO ANY TRUTH BLOCKS WISDOM 03/99 "The truth could knock on our door and we would not see it because of our fixed ideas.” 1 tape $12; 2-CDs $14.50.
A18: IF YOU WANT TO CALM YOUR WORLD, YOU COULD CALM YOUR MIND. Look inside rather than outside for relief from stress. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.
A13: STOPPING THE INNER WAR - How to Use All Energies on the Path
. Includes commentary on working with fear. 1 tape $12; 1 CD $12.A46: THREE METHODS OF WORKING WITH CHAOS. Superb talk which summarizes shamatha, lojong and Vajrayana approaches. Lends itself to being played in sections for discussion groups. 1 tape $12. 1 CD $12.
SB117: KARMA AND KLESHA: Vinaya and the Three Vows. Taught by Acharya Judith-Simmer Brown. This seminar, given to monastics at the Gampo Abbey 2005 Yarne teachings, is about the subtleties of seeing and working with emotions and developing renunciation. These talks focus on appreciating the causes of suffering, working with precepts and vows, and the role of these practices in the bodhisattva and vajrayana paths. 6 talks on 12 CDs: $87, or 6 cassettes: $72. Talk 1: The power of intention; Types of cause and effect, and the three vows; Talk 2: Confession and Concealment; Four destructive Actions; Talk 3: Seeing the pain of kleshas; Renunciation and the six root kleshas; Talk 4: The nature of vows and karmic acts; The role of regret; Talk 5: Types of vows, precepts, and ordination; Discussion of the eight precepts; Talk 6: Practicing precepts with bodhisattva motivation and sacred outlook
Recent Teachings The Four Limitless Ones
Tonglen and Lojong The Way of the Bodhisattva
The Heart Sutra Discouragement, Depression, Addictions
Mindfulness Awareness Meditation Shambhala Teachings
General Buddhist Path Student-Teacher Relationship
The Paramitas Vajrayana Teachings
Audios by Sounds True and Shambhala Publications
and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Poetry from the Kingdom
Robin Kornman: Creating Enlightened Society