The Three Commitments

Walking the Path of Liberation

By: Pema Chödrön

Narrated by: Pema Chodron

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Tibetan Buddhism describes three gates that everyone must pass through on the road to spiritual liberation. With the Three Commitments, Pema Chodron brings her unique blend of insight and gentle instruction to guide practitioners through each of these thresholds as they seek the source of true happiness.

As Pema explains, suffering arises when we resist the laws of impermenance - the fact that everything we know, including ourselves, will one day die. Here she provides teachings and practices for fully embracing life's ephemeral nature using these three traditional monastic vows or "commitments".

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Sounds True (P)2010 Sounds True

Another great resource!

Again, I am so grateful for these recordings of Pema! The ability to feel as if you are actually there and participating is so wonderful for someone who cannot take off from work to attend such an event! It is helpful for me as a beginner searching for more direction in the spiritual path. Thanks!

Pema gets right to the essence of enlightenment

What did you like best about this story?

Pema gets to the core of the path to enlightenment while relating to her and our humanness.

What about Pema Chodron’s performance did you like?

She is very down to earth with a straightforward message that we all can relate to.

great content, audio quality a bit low

loved this teaching, very well explained
A couple of chapters dod have low audio quality

Incomplete based on Title

What did you love best about The Three Commitments?

Very indepth teaching from Pema

Would you be willing to try another book from Pema Chodron? Why or why not?

Of course. I have others. Not the first nor the last

What does Pema Chodron bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Humor. Authenticity at a very human level

Any additional comments?

What is missing are all three commitments. I presume because the listener is not taking monastic vows. Seems appropriate in hindsight, but the title is very misleading when we don't hear everything. Even a chapter heading refers to the commitment and then Pema goes on to talk about something else.

life changing

wonderful teacher. this is my life now. I can't go back and I don't want to.

I listen daily!

Where does The Three Commitments rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love it. I've been listening to Pema for years and each year her talks allow me to go deeper.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the way she presents the principles of Buddhism. She is able to relate them in a genuine relatable way to everyday life. It's very validating.

What does Pema Chodron bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have always had trouble reading the written word. I usually fall asleep. But, I listen to all my audio books on my way to work. So I get a bit of the content every day.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Revealing and discovering me.

Any additional comments?

This is a great way to learn about yourself and others and compassion for both.

Most recommended Retreat

What did you love best about The Three Commitments?

As a Buddhist practitioner for the past 42 years, I can only say how wonderful it must be for new Sangha members to be able to hear these teachings presented in such a natural easy to understand way. As with almost any Truth the actual practice could take a life time and depending on how much resistance, might also be quite painful.Of all her recorded retreats my recommendation would be this one. Yet , I may like it most because it is the newest. Thank you old friend,
Scott [ from Colorado]

Returning due to poor sound quality

I adore Ani Pema and was really looking forward to this but am unable to finish it due to poor sound quality and not being able to make out what she's saying. I'm really surprised because both Pema and Sounds True are usually spectacular.

Pema at her best

Although the long silences for meditation make finding place again when stopped a bit disconcerting, this is classic Pema. Wise, cheerful, serious, insightful and an always great and inspirational teacher. Worth many listening, a real treasure.

Classic instructional epic from the Master

Her insightful, relaxed teaching style is unparalleled. There is nothing to criticize in this masterful guide to seeking a meaningful existence in the midst of the storms of being human.