Into the Heart of Life Kindle Edition
by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
A “down-to-earth, approachable, and deeply accessible” guide to applying Tibetan Buddhist practices to the everyday challenges of modern life—from one of the first Western Buddhist nuns (Huffington Post)
The real test of our Buddhist practice happens not on the cushion or in the protected space of retreat, but moment-to-moment in daily life, particularly when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations. How do we respond?
In this book, one of the most respected Western figures of contemporary Buddhism, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, offers insights gleaned from more than forty years of engagement with Buddhist practice. Her perspective is vast, with a well-grounded understanding of how the timeless Buddhist teachings apply to the demands and challenges of modern life.
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Print length
193 pages
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Down-to-earth, approachable, and deeply informative, this collection of talks and dialogues covers a wide range of topics, always returning to practical reflections on how we can enhance the quality of our lives and develop more sanity, fulfillment, wisdom, and compassion. Into the Heart of Life is addressed to a general audience and presents practical advice that can be applied whether or not one is a Buddhist."—Huffington Post
"Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo takes the core teachings of the Buddha and weaves into them deep personal insights and riveting stories from her unusual history as a member of an extraordinary tradition. It is amazing that no matter how many times you hear these essential teachings, they continue to penetrate deeply. This book provides practical wisdom for anyone interested in bringing the teachings to life."—Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel, author of The Power of an Open Question
"This is a warm, wise, and rich evocation of Buddhism for East and West. Written in a radiant yet approachable style, we can taste the dharma realization in every word."—Roshi Joan Halifax, founder of the Upaya Zen Center
"Into the Heart of Life radiates Jetsunma's enthusiasm for life and makes the Buddha's teachings readily available so that we can integrate them seamlessly into our being, thus transforming ourselves from the inside out. Readers will feel that Jetsunma is sitting right there with them, talking over a cup of tea."—Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners
"Tenzin Palmo is one of the most genuine and accomplished of Western practitioners."—Jack Kornfield, author of The Wise Heart
"One of the true yoginis of our time, a woman who has dedicated her life to Buddhism. . . . Tenzin Palmo's is a voice we need to hear, a woman who has fully experienced what she speaks about with an absolute honesty, delightful humor, and real insight."—Tsultrim Allione, author of Feeding Your Demons
"The sincerity and motivation of Tenzin Palmo are a great example for all of us."—Martine Batchelor, author of Meditation for Life
"Whether she is talking about impermanence or bodhichitta, this internationally known Western Buddhist nun offers honest, pragmatic advice on how to enrich life through compassion."—Tricycle
"Into the Heart of Life explains classic Buddhist themes such as impermanence, karma, renunciation, bodhichitta, and devotion—all in her direct and approachable style. Each talk is followed by a question-and-answer session in which she responds with anecdotes and reflections drawn from her years of Buddhist training, her experiences meditating in the cave, educating women in the Himalayas, and working to revive full ordination for Tibetan nuns."—Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly
"Palmo presents an incisive overview of Buddhist essentials from the perspective of her forty years of spiritual practice. In this era of noisy confrontations, war, me-first activity, and ethical misconduct, we need this kind of wisdom."—Spirituality & Practice
"Palmo adds a strong voice to the ongoing discussion of Tibetan Buddhism as practiced by individuals—particularly women—from Western cultures."—Publishers Weekly
"Forty-plus years of Buddhist practice have given this Westerner unique insight into the philosophy and application of Buddhism. . . . Her intention is to make life easier for those engaged in busy modern lives, and she has been extraordinarily successful towards that end."—New Age Retailer
"Every step, every thought, every breath we take is a test of our Buddhist practice—so believes the author of this book. Her vast knowledge, incomparable experience, and her well-grounded approach to Buddhism in its practical applicability are reflected in the wide array of subjects covered in this collection of talks and dialogues. As this approach to Buddhism is to overcome the pitfalls of daily modern living, naturally a vast area of ethics is encompassed in this book. But then it also transcends mere good behavior to proceed towards the spiritual realm. It is this amalgamation which enables the reader to glean information and build a foundation which forms a solid basis to enhance the quality of our lives and develop more sanity, fulfillment, wisdom, and compassion."—East and West Series --This text refers to the paperback edition.
About the Author
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was raised in London and became a Buddhist while still in her teens. At the age of twenty she traveled to India, becoming one of the first Westerners to be ordained as a Buddhist nun. The international bestseller Cave in the Snow chronicles her twelve years of seclusion in a remote cave. Deeply concerned with the plight of Buddhist nuns, she established Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in India. In 2008 His Holiness the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, gave her the rare title of Jetsunma (Venerable Master). --
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4.8 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
L. Erickson
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Makes the Teachings So Accessible And RelevantReviewed in the United States on March 5, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book for both those new to Buddhism and established practitioners, and it benefits a worthy cause too - all proceeds go to the Dongyu Gatsal Ning Nunnery, which the author founded and runs, in order to offer Tibetan nuns the same access to study and higher teachings that monks typically have.
For those unfamiliar with Tenzin Palmo, she was born in London in 1943, and became one of the first Western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She first became known to Westerners through the book Cave in the Snow by Vicki Mackenzie (also a great read), which chronicled her 12 years living in a remote cave in the Himalayas, the last three of which were spent in strict meditation retreat.
Into the Heart of Life is adapted from talks given by Tenzin Palmo in the years since she left her cave in 1988. The book is organized into nine topics, each delivering to-the-point teachings on a topic central to Tibetan Buddhist practice: Impermanence, Karma, or Cause and Effect, Creating Happiness, The Eight Worldly Concerns, Renunciation, The Six Perfections, Lojong and Bodhicitta, Faith and Devotion and Practicing the Good Heart.
Tenzin Palmo’s warm and direct style makes this a valuable book for both established practitioners and those new to Tibetan Buddhism. She brings formal teachings to life by discussing them in modern terms. It isn’t a formal introduction to Buddhism in that it isn’t organized in a linear fashion beginning with the Buddha’s life story or the Four Noble Truths. But because she speaks in such an accessible manner, someone new to Buddhism could definitely read it and benefit from its’ wisdom. Those interested in Tibetan Buddhism will particularly appreciate the chapter on Lojong (mind training) and Boddhicitta. Jetsunma Tenzi Palmo is truly a treasure amongst contemporary teachers, and both her books and continued work to help nuns gain access to higher teachings is a gift to the world of Buddhism.
15 people found this helpful
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Art Hallam
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on Buddhism I've readReviewed in the United States on September 22, 2014
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I have been attempting to practice meditation and mindful awareness for the past year in order to lesson anxiety and depression and I have been reading books and articles on Buddhism. This book is the best thing I have read regarding Buddhism. It is arranged in the form of short chapters dealing with various topics as outlined in the table of contents. Following the designated discussion in each chapter are a few short question and answer segments taken from lectures. The question and answer portions are not really related to the subject matter from the chapter and although the questions are sometimes very specific to an individual situation, they are generally interesting as well. I like the chapter layout because it allows me to read small portions of the book at a time without having to worry about remembering what I was reading about last. I've been reading this book for the past several months and I'm really enjoying taking it slowly and in tiny bits. Her style is very, very accessible and I find her voice much easier to relate to than anything else I've read about Buddhism, which I'm sure is attributable to her being a westerner. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
16 people found this helpful
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Mari
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for ALL, regardless of beliefs, credo or religion. TRULY remarkable!Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Best, most enlightining, simple, direct, clear, incisive and book on LIFE I have ever read. You absolutely do NOT have to be budist to read this. It answered ALL my doubts about who am I and what am I doing here. Tenzin Palmo takes Eastern philosophy and explains it to the western mind in a way all can understand. I am humbled and blessed to have read this book and will recommend it to anyone who has spiritual doubts about life, who are in emotional pain and who truly want to start to make a difference in their lives...regardless of how old they are, it is EVER too late. Thank you Jestsunma Tenzin Palmo, you have made a difference in my life🙏🏼
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
blue gentiansage
5.0 out of 5 stars deeply nourishingReviewed in the United States on April 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
Some people have a gift for expressing the ineffable in words. Tenzin Palmo is one of these souls. The wisdom and clarity that are revealed through these pages offer profound nourishment that can sustain us through a myriad of human-level experiences and challenges.
When I read a book, what is important isn't only the content or language. What is really felt is the consciousness. If it is true, then it will be true a hundred years from now or at any time or place. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo has devoted her life to living and sharing timeless teachings with profound compassion.
This treasure of a book is a series of transcribed talks. Though Buddhist language is used, anyone can benefit from Tenzin Palmo's lucid sharing. She invites us to face our suffering, our mental clamoring, our habitual ways with kindness and a deepening wisdom suffused with universal truth. I appreciate that she shares her own experiences as examples in helping us to cultivate a vaster perspective. Highly recommended.
25 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
dj51florida
5.0 out of 5 stars This one is my favorite followed closely behind by her newest bookReviewed in the United States on January 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
I have many dharma books. This one is my favorite followed closely behind by her newest book.
She has a way of writing very clearly and getting to the heart of whatever subject she is trying to explain in a way that nearly everyone will be able to connect with and be comfortable with. I believe you will like this book whether if it is your first exposure to buddhism or you are a veteran looking to expand on your understanding. I did a little each day as there was so much to think about in each section.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
DWJersey
5.0 out of 5 stars Determined womenReviewed in the United States on January 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great Story , Bought audible book and Kindle. Very determined women. Pretty much tells you as it is. After spending years of isolation she was ready to return and a friend of hers (Catholic Priest) Told her she needs to start a nunnery. So she did. It's heartbreaking to hear how poorly women are treated in Tibet.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
stephanie allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great wisdomReviewed in the United States on December 27, 2019
Verified Purchase
I purchased this book for an intro to Buddhism class and thought it was wonderful!
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Lady Z
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2018
Verified Purchase
I loved reading this book! Tenzin Palmo is an embodiment of wisdom, kindness and love and has so much to share. He puts Zen teaching in simple words and gives great examples. An excellent read!
Top reviews from other countries
AFM
5.0 out of 5 stars beauty in actionReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
a very beautiful mind ...read on and you shan't be disappointed unless you are looking for a treatise on Buddhism which this is definitely not...no advice or instructions...just a very personal story which leaves you thirsting for the essence of her experience which she keeps for herself...indeed 'that' must be experienced by each individual as per her/his inclinations and nature...
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
K. Khan
4.0 out of 5 stars Recommend readReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Good book with some very key messages for life explained through life experiences.
4 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Lynda Rolfe
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and upliftingReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
A beautiful book in which Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo talks about the core issues in Tibetan Buddhism in interesting everyday language.
5 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars WisdomReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 11, 2016
Verified Purchase
Everyone should read this book. It is full of wisdom suggesting ways of becoming a better person in our daily lives.
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Anthony O'Brien
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and inspiringReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Fascinating and inspiring account of a profound journey.
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
4.8 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
L. Erickson
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem - Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Makes the Teachings So Accessible And RelevantReviewed in the United States on March 5, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book for both those new to Buddhism and established practitioners, and it benefits a worthy cause too - all proceeds go to the Dongyu Gatsal Ning Nunnery, which the author founded and runs, in order to offer Tibetan nuns the same access to study and higher teachings that monks typically have.
For those unfamiliar with Tenzin Palmo, she was born in London in 1943, and became one of the first Western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She first became known to Westerners through the book Cave in the Snow by Vicki Mackenzie (also a great read), which chronicled her 12 years living in a remote cave in the Himalayas, the last three of which were spent in strict meditation retreat.
Into the Heart of Life is adapted from talks given by Tenzin Palmo in the years since she left her cave in 1988. The book is organized into nine topics, each delivering to-the-point teachings on a topic central to Tibetan Buddhist practice: Impermanence, Karma, or Cause and Effect, Creating Happiness, The Eight Worldly Concerns, Renunciation, The Six Perfections, Lojong and Bodhicitta, Faith and Devotion and Practicing the Good Heart.
Tenzin Palmo’s warm and direct style makes this a valuable book for both established practitioners and those new to Tibetan Buddhism. She brings formal teachings to life by discussing them in modern terms. It isn’t a formal introduction to Buddhism in that it isn’t organized in a linear fashion beginning with the Buddha’s life story or the Four Noble Truths. But because she speaks in such an accessible manner, someone new to Buddhism could definitely read it and benefit from its’ wisdom. Those interested in Tibetan Buddhism will particularly appreciate the chapter on Lojong (mind training) and Boddhicitta. Jetsunma Tenzi Palmo is truly a treasure amongst contemporary teachers, and both her books and continued work to help nuns gain access to higher teachings is a gift to the world of Buddhism.
15 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Art Hallam
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on Buddhism I've readReviewed in the United States on September 22, 2014
Verified Purchase
I have been attempting to practice meditation and mindful awareness for the past year in order to lesson anxiety and depression and I have been reading books and articles on Buddhism. This book is the best thing I have read regarding Buddhism. It is arranged in the form of short chapters dealing with various topics as outlined in the table of contents. Following the designated discussion in each chapter are a few short question and answer segments taken from lectures. The question and answer portions are not really related to the subject matter from the chapter and although the questions are sometimes very specific to an individual situation, they are generally interesting as well. I like the chapter layout because it allows me to read small portions of the book at a time without having to worry about remembering what I was reading about last. I've been reading this book for the past several months and I'm really enjoying taking it slowly and in tiny bits. Her style is very, very accessible and I find her voice much easier to relate to than anything else I've read about Buddhism, which I'm sure is attributable to her being a westerner. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
16 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Mari
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for ALL, regardless of beliefs, credo or religion. TRULY remarkable!Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Best, most enlightining, simple, direct, clear, incisive and book on LIFE I have ever read. You absolutely do NOT have to be budist to read this. It answered ALL my doubts about who am I and what am I doing here. Tenzin Palmo takes Eastern philosophy and explains it to the western mind in a way all can understand. I am humbled and blessed to have read this book and will recommend it to anyone who has spiritual doubts about life, who are in emotional pain and who truly want to start to make a difference in their lives...regardless of how old they are, it is EVER too late. Thank you Jestsunma Tenzin Palmo, you have made a difference in my life🙏🏼
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
blue gentiansage
5.0 out of 5 stars deeply nourishingReviewed in the United States on April 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
Some people have a gift for expressing the ineffable in words. Tenzin Palmo is one of these souls. The wisdom and clarity that are revealed through these pages offer profound nourishment that can sustain us through a myriad of human-level experiences and challenges.
When I read a book, what is important isn't only the content or language. What is really felt is the consciousness. If it is true, then it will be true a hundred years from now or at any time or place. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo has devoted her life to living and sharing timeless teachings with profound compassion.
This treasure of a book is a series of transcribed talks. Though Buddhist language is used, anyone can benefit from Tenzin Palmo's lucid sharing. She invites us to face our suffering, our mental clamoring, our habitual ways with kindness and a deepening wisdom suffused with universal truth. I appreciate that she shares her own experiences as examples in helping us to cultivate a vaster perspective. Highly recommended.
25 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
dj51florida
5.0 out of 5 stars This one is my favorite followed closely behind by her newest bookReviewed in the United States on January 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
I have many dharma books. This one is my favorite followed closely behind by her newest book.
She has a way of writing very clearly and getting to the heart of whatever subject she is trying to explain in a way that nearly everyone will be able to connect with and be comfortable with. I believe you will like this book whether if it is your first exposure to buddhism or you are a veteran looking to expand on your understanding. I did a little each day as there was so much to think about in each section.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
DWJersey
5.0 out of 5 stars Determined womenReviewed in the United States on January 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great Story , Bought audible book and Kindle. Very determined women. Pretty much tells you as it is. After spending years of isolation she was ready to return and a friend of hers (Catholic Priest) Told her she needs to start a nunnery. So she did. It's heartbreaking to hear how poorly women are treated in Tibet.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
stephanie allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great wisdomReviewed in the United States on December 27, 2019
Verified Purchase
I purchased this book for an intro to Buddhism class and thought it was wonderful!
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Lady Z
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2018
Verified Purchase
I loved reading this book! Tenzin Palmo is an embodiment of wisdom, kindness and love and has so much to share. He puts Zen teaching in simple words and gives great examples. An excellent read!
Top reviews from other countries
AFM
5.0 out of 5 stars beauty in actionReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
a very beautiful mind ...read on and you shan't be disappointed unless you are looking for a treatise on Buddhism which this is definitely not...no advice or instructions...just a very personal story which leaves you thirsting for the essence of her experience which she keeps for herself...indeed 'that' must be experienced by each individual as per her/his inclinations and nature...
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
K. Khan
4.0 out of 5 stars Recommend readReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Good book with some very key messages for life explained through life experiences.
4 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Lynda Rolfe
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and upliftingReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
A beautiful book in which Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo talks about the core issues in Tibetan Buddhism in interesting everyday language.
5 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars WisdomReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 11, 2016
Verified Purchase
Everyone should read this book. It is full of wisdom suggesting ways of becoming a better person in our daily lives.
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Anthony O'Brien
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and inspiringReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Fascinating and inspiring account of a profound journey.
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
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Audible sample
