"Since there is nothing fundamentally broken in us, since our fundamental state is wide open, unbiased, extremely insightful, aware, and awake. . . In order to relax into that we can't just want pleasure and avoid pain." —Pema Chödrön

As a child, did you ever sit under a favorite tree, immersed in the wonder of a single, precious leaf? As our days grow more complex, teaches Pema Chödrön, these vibrant and wholehearted moments may begin to elude even seasoned meditators. But it doesn't have to be that way. Buddhism’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness lead us on a journey back to the unabashed presence and delight of the “Child Mind” that lies within all of us. Here, Pema guides your first steps with an introductory meditation for getting in touch with, accepting, and releasing positive and negative emotions.

Ani Pema Chödrön was born Deirdre Blomfield-Brown in 1936, in New York City. Starting her adult life as a mother and schoolteacher, Pema’s spiritual journey began when she first discovered Tibetan Buddhism and met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full bikshuni ordination in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong. Ani Pema currently teaches in the United States and Canada, and studies under the guidance of Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She is also a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the oldest son and lineage holder of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. She has written several books: The Wisdom of No Escape, Start Where You Are, When Things Fall Apart, How to Meditate, and Living Beautifully.

"Since there is nothing fundamentally broken in us, since our fundamental state is wide open, unbiased, extremely insightful, aware, and awake. . . In order to relax into that we can't just want pleasure and avoid pain." —Pema Chödrön

About Pema Chödrön