• The Truth of Our Existence

  • Four Teachings from the Buddha to Illuminate Your Life
  • By: Pema Chödrön
  • Narrated by: Pema Chödrön
  • Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (455 ratings)

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The Truth of Our Existence

By: Pema Chödrön
Narrated by: Pema Chödrön
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Publisher's summary

What would happen if we looked with fresh eyes at the struggles and "impossible situations" that we face every day - and found there four gifts that changed everything?

For decades, Pema Chödrön has brought clarity and heart to the core teachings of the Buddha, helping to make them relevant and useful in our everyday lives. With The Truth of Our Existence, she immerses us in one of Buddhism’s essential distillations of written wisdom known as The Four Marks of Existence.

These marks that shape all of us, teaches Pema Chödrön, are like forgotten gifts waiting to be found. And while they may ring familiar to some, they hold vast layers of often unrealized understanding to both new and seasoned ears alike. In this four-session learning program, Pema Chödrön illuminates for us:

  • The truth of impermanence and its power to give us strength and courage
  • The truth of egolessness - how it connects us with others and transforms fear and anger into clarity of vision
  • The truth about suffering, how we create it, and what to do when it seems unbearable
  • The truth of peace - that liberation or nirvana is real
  • How to use the wisdom of this profound sutra to touch the open and abundant expanse in which we truly dwell

With The Truth of Our Existence, Pema Chödrön invites us to see that there is, in reality, "no score to settle", and that we can step out of confusion, frustration, and fear - and into the space of heartful awareness.

©2014 Pema Chödrön (P)2014 Pema Chödrön

What listeners say about The Truth of Our Existence

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Which is Best..who knows anymore

Where does The Truth of Our Existence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Just when I think I found the best Pema audible ....another pops up....and THIS ONE...may be ( again ) my favorite

What about Pema Chödrön’s performance did you like?

WItty. enlightened..what more could someone want in a seminar

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

Listen ....listen in bed...listen while making supper...listen instead of the TV....it will touch You

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10 people found this helpful

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Authentic

No posturing or glib rote, just pure, spontaneous wisdom from the heart. Makes you feel whole, warts and all.

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6 people found this helpful

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Excellent, as always

Very comforting and expansive to listen to this new recording by Pema. The subjects, the questions, the answers, suggestions -- are hard, filled with ways to try to release control in response to deep losses and sadness. Many painful situations with challenging ways to move forward. And as always, amazingly, humor and laughter woven throughout.

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6 people found this helpful

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Lovely

Lasy chapter especially wowed me. Thank you Pema. Your honesty, candor, and wisdom is remarkable.

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2 people found this helpful

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Wonderful

Pema Chödrön brings humor and gentleness to the difficult places in life. This was my first exposure to Chödrön but won't be the last. Buddhist philosophy that is accessible to anyone with any background.

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Pratical enlightenment guidance

What did you love best about The Truth of Our Existence?

The truth of our existence was an outstanding listen, Pema provided practical enlightenment guidance and answer heartbreakingly real questions from the audience, in a calm gentle manner. I finished listening to this book over a course of several days, and everyday i was able to apply what I heard on on the way to work and be a better person. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's seeking enlightenment.

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Another star in Pema’s galaxy

During this audio a retreat participant thanked her for bringing in the”other side of spirituality,” and Pema replied with humility and humor, “the dark side.” And it’s that dark side, our humanity that Pema speaks to with relatable stories of life as a fellow traveler.

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1 person found this helpful

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One of her best

I love anything Pema! This has become my favorite audio of hers as I think with her usual humor, wisdom and relatable style she encapsulates many core teachings. A must listen.

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Wonderful Dharma Lesson

Pema is truly one of the best teachers of Buddhism. She can take abstract concepts and explain them in a way that lets us see how to apply this in our daily lives.
I particularly enjoy the Q and A from audience members who share their challenges and receive guidance from Pema.

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Excellent follow-up to her other works

This audiobook includes recordings of several live presentations during a retreat. Very good, but I wouldn’t recommend this for a person’s first introduction to Pema Chödrön’s work. The content is somewhat more casual, light and entertaining, and seems to build on a foundation of previous understanding of Buddhist principles. One of the great features, as always, is Pema Chodron’s voice and her clear style of speaking. Very engaging and worthwhile.

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