It's Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path

Description

Both for readers interested in learning more about Buddhism and for those with a committed practice, this book by a 40-year-old Tibetan teacher living in Colorado brings a fresh voice to traditional Tibetan teachings. Fixation on oneself, lack of self-awareness, unreasonable attachment to objects of pleasure, fear of change - these are all obstacles encountered by many meditators. According to the author, the first step in working with these difficulties is to recognize them. He presents the contemplative practice of self-reflection as the best way to bring the Buddhist teachings into one's own experience. Self-reflection practice is the common thread among all traditions of Buddhist practice. Its emphasis is on bringing awareness to one's own blind spots with honesty and kindness.

Dzigar Kongtrul was born in the Northern Indian province of Himachel Pradesh to a religious Tibetan family. The son of a highly respected Buddhist teacher, he grew up in a monastic environment. Recognized as an incarnation of Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, he received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine. In 1989 he moved to the United States with his family and in 1990 began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Naropa University. He also founded Man-gala Shri Bhuti at this time, his own teaching organization. Later, he moved to southern Colorado and established the mountain retreat center, Longchen Jigme Samten Ling. Rinpoche currently spends much of his time there in retreat and guides students in long-term retreat practice. When not in retreat, Rinpoche travels widely throughout the world teaching and furthering his own education.

"Kongtrul Rinpoche brings an unflinching and fresh perspective."-The Beacon "After reading It's Up to You, you will be eager to be exposed to more of Kongtrul's teachings."-Spirituality & Health "An immensely enjoyable volume."-Library Journal "Kongtrul is an innovative teacher who is successfully transposing Buddhism in a Western key."-Shambhala Sun "Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche has written an enthralling and practical book that speaks to us all with an exceptional clarity about confusion, uncertainty, and fear, about fearlessness and courage, and about awareness, joy, sanity, and freedom."-Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying "Like Dzigar Kongtrul himself, this book is warm, direct, and potent. Its intimacy is transformative."-Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, author of Turning the Mind into an Ally