Pema Chödrön
Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun, prolific author, and world-renowned spiritual guide. Best known for her teachings on meditation and compassion, Pema has written more than 20 books and has been translated into over twenty languages. Her works are studied and utilized in classrooms, universities, and religious centers around the world. Pema has become celebrated for her understanding of traditional Buddhist teachings and her ability to present them in accessible and practical terms.
Pema was born in 1936 in New York City. She began her spiritual exploration in her early twenties, when she discovered Tibetan Buddhism and Chögyam Trungpa. Chögyam Trungpa encouraged Pema to be ordained as a Buddhist nun and this began her lifelong journey as a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1974, she took her formal ordination vows in the presence of the Dalai Lama.
Pema began teaching in the early 1980s, and her books provide a gateway into her profound wisdom. Her writing explores a wide range of topics, from simple meditation gardens to Buddhist theology. She speaks openly of her personal struggles that have come as a result of her spiritual path, saying, “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”
Pema's writing is characterised by its plainspokenness and its down-to-earth approach to exploring what it means to be human. She uses vivid individual examples, often rooted in her own experiences and those of her students, to illustrate Buddhist teachings. Holding up a model of loving-kindness and non-judgement, Pema encourages readers to bring more of these qualities into their everyday life.
The world of meditation and meditation theory is explored deeply in her works such as When Things Fall Apart, The Wisdom of No Escape, Start Where You Are, and Boundless Heart. Her books provide practical guidance on topics such as finding refuge in the present moment, moving through fear and becoming fearless, and cultivating the Bodhisattva attitude.
In addition to her books, Pema puts her teachings into practice through her work with New York’s Gampo Abbey and the Foundation for Active Compassion. At Gampo Abbey, she and other practitioners combine study and practice, making it unique in its commitment to both. The Foundation for Active Compassion is a charity that works to support and empower communities in need.
Pema’s life is an embodiment of what she teaches and practices. Her energy is infectious and her impact is profound. She continues to spread her wisdom around the globe through her books, her lectures, and her travels. For budding meditators, Pema’s books serve not only as a thought-provoking introduction to meditation and Buddhism but also as a source of continual encouragement for living with kindness and compassion.
