Neophyte and Second Degree Recommendation

[sabrinamari]

"Getting Unstuck," Pema Chodron

I've been listening to the audio version in my car as I travel. There are 3 CDs in this series, each divided into 2 short lectures. It has been extraordinarily useful to use my driving time to listen, think and study in this way.

This is a great tool for Neophytes and Second Degrees. It is useful for Neophytes because it offers techniques for coming to know one's self better and it explicates one method by which to see one's self with both relentless honesty and compassion. Seconds will benefit from this as well, and from the Pema's guidance about how to work better and more compassionately with others (students?).

I think Pema's form of Buddhism is so useful for these two groups of Blue Star folk because it offers two things crucial for their growth: a very concrete description of how human beings operate, both in function and dysfunction, and a very specific set of tools with which to work on their personal growth. Buddhism of this kind almost seems to be a technology, not a religion. It's a series of keen observations about what it is to be human and a set of concrete practices with which to shape one's self into a stronger, wiser, calmer, more centered human being and a better candidate for teacher, Priest or Priestess.

Comments

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

Buddhism of this kind almost seems to be a technology, not a religion. It's a series of keen observations about what it is to be human and a set of concrete practices with which to shape one's self into a stronger, wiser, calmer, more centered human being

Yep, that's exactly what Buddhism is. Plus, some kinds of Buddhism added religion :D

I've been thinking a lot about how Buddhism and priestessing play work since the first 5 minutes of the first Samaritans training session; clearly, they are all part of the same thing, and work to balance and strengthen each other. I must re-read 'Start Where You're At', 'The Places That Scare You', and look at 'Getting Unstuck'.

I've been thinking about how some of the stuff about listening I'm currently learning could be turned into a workshop for Pagan clergy on providing emotional support rather than advice or counselling, and maintaining a detachment from the distressed person's emotional drama. And this was only session one. I've even come up with correspondences betwee 7 methods of listening and the 7 tenets of faith. It all seems to fit together a little too well...!

[onyxtwilight.livejournal.com]

Hooray for useful technologies! Steal everything that's not nailed down! :-)

I'm finding good stuff on the Feri shelf, as well; I'll pick up some Pema when I get a chance and incorporate that, too.

Missed you at FG! :-)

Question about Buddhist authors

[pagandelight.livejournal.com]

This looks like a great resource! I have a question - this isn't a criticism at all, but a curiosity - Do buddhist nuns and other folks take vows of poverty? If so - where does the money from book sales go? Like the Dali Lama - he has a ton of books. Does he get a pay check? Does it go back to a temple? Does he just give it to his publisher(s) or is there a charity it goes to?

Just curious. Thanks for the great recommendation!

Re: Question about Buddhist authors

[pagandelight.livejournal.com]

Answering my own question ('cause I just googled her... lol): It goes to Gampo Abbey - where she lives and teaches to maintain it. Its in Nova Scotia....

Re: Question about Buddhist authors

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I was about to send you am link and tell you that I wasn't sure about the answer.

I'm interested to know this. Thanks.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Oh please, please, can you write this up for us if/when you have time? It would be a wonderful gift for your Blue Star community. I bet you could even post it on LJ on a Blue Star filter and many would be interested in reading it.

I think we could all benefit immensely, if you have the time, my dear.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Cool! I know that the Feri material is also useful, but I need to learn more about it it. A friend and colleague sent me a great resource that I need to finish reading.

I miss you too, my dear. I am hoping to come see you next year and bring my honeys with me.

Re: Question about Buddhist authors

[pagandelight.livejournal.com]

No prob - I usually have random questions :). Not sure about the Dali Lama, but Pema's pennies are going to expand the abbey to accomodate more people (they have a high demand). Its interesting because the more she publishes, the more people will know of her and the more demand there will be at her abby. She might need to start touring ;)

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

I'm already beginning to write things down; clearly, it's going to have to percolate, but the very beginning glimmers are being caught.

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

There is another book that I've just finished called "When, Why....If" by Robin Wood. On the surface, it is a book about pagan ethics, but every single one of the exercises found at the end of each chapter involve intense soul-searching and getting to the bottom of your own self, asking yourself why you think as you do, and doing so with love, honesty and compassion for yourself. If you haven't read this one, I'd recommend it. It's an easy read, straighforward and open. It definitely makes one think---an awful lot.

Thanks for the information, thogh---I'll see what I can do about getting a copy of "Getting Unstuck"" as well. I have some down time coming up---airplane rides are great for reading!

Hugs, my dear.

When, Why...IF

[ingridsummers.livejournal.com]

I give this book when I neophyte someone. I've had more than one person grumble about the writing style (i.e. Dear Reader...). But, when I ask if they've done the exercises, each and everyone has shamefacedly come back to me. I love that book. I have very few required books for my students. This is one.

Re: When, Why...IF

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

I found the writing style to be friendly and conversational---a teacher teaching a student. I didn't feel stupid or patronized---these are questions put simply, honestly and straightforwardly. Shucks---if Miss Manners can call me "Gentle Reader", then why not someone else? :)

I liked it. It touched something inside me that I agree with, that I've lived by for many years. It helped me see things more clearly, and re-examine some other things that I need to work on. If a book does nothing more than make you think, it's worth it's weight in gold.

[oakleaves.livejournal.com]

I'd be very interested in this too... definitely.