True Refuge

Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart

By: Tara Brach

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

How do you cope when facing life-threatening illness, family conflict, faltering relationships, old trauma, obsessive thinking, overwhelming emotion, or inevitable loss? If you're like most people, chances are you react with fear and confusion, falling back on timeworn strategies: anger, self-judgment, and addictive behaviors. Though these old, conditioned attempts to control our life may offer fleeting relief, ultimately they leave us feeling isolated and mired in pain. There is another way.

Beneath the turbulence of our thoughts and emotions exists a profound stillness, a silent awareness capable of limitless love. Tara Brach, author of the award-winning Radical Acceptance, calls this awareness our true refuge, because it is available to every one of us, at any moment, no exceptions. In this book, Brach offers a practical guide to finding our inner sanctuary of peace and wisdom in the midst of difficulty. Based on a fresh interpretation of the three classic Buddhist gateways to freedom - truth, love, and awareness - True Refuge shows us the way not just to heal our suffering, but also to cultivate our capacity for genuine happiness. Through spiritual teachings, guided meditations, and inspirational stories of people who discovered loving presence during times of great struggle, Brach invites us to connect more deeply with our own inner life, one another, and the world around us.

True Refuge is essential listening for anyone encountering hardship or crisis; anyone dedicated to a path of spiritual awakening. The book reminds us of our own innate intelligence and goodness, making possible an enduring trust in ourselves and our lives. We realize that what we seek is within us, and regardless of circumstances, "there is always a way to take refuge in a healing and liberating presence".

©2013 Tara Brach (P)2013 Tantor

Amazing book- different narrator needed

Tara Brach it’s always so incredibly insightful and that goes without saying on this book as well. It took me at least six months to get through this book as I like to think about what she says and then come back to it.

I really had a hard time with Cassandra Campbell‘s narration as she seemed pretentious to me and not coming from the heart so it’s ironic that she read a book about this subject. Though I have loved her interpretations in fiction I don’t think she is suited towards non-fiction.

Good to know that Shelly Long is still working....

Would you listen to True Refuge again? Why?

I couldn't listen to this. The narrator must be a graduate of the Diane Chambers School of Drama. I'd rather listen to Cliff tell stories about delivering the mail.

What didn’t you like about Cassandra Campbell’s performance?

All of it.

Tara's Guidance Provides Instruction to Self Love

What did you love best about True Refuge?

Tara's experience and guidance has provided me with a willingness, more accepting, and openness to caring about myself and others

Sublime

Tara Brach’s beautiful and wise writing never fails to move me to tears of joy, sorrow or some other strong emotion that needs to be recognized and allowed. I find myself reading and re-reading True Refuge over the past few months, it stirs deep reflection, contemplation and presence. I am left wanting more.

touching

Instructions on being human, very well put. Buddhism based but approachable for all.
Highly recommended.

Beautiful guidance.

This is one of those books I will listen to over and over. It's a compassionate road map for life.

Excellent book therapists

Thos book was very helpful for not only self-reflection and increasing mindfulness in my everyday life, but also for teaching mindfulness to my clients. The meditations are extremely beneficial for use in sessions.

Great book annoying narration

Tara's words as always are excellent but the narration leaves a lot to be desired. I can forgive multiple mispronunciations but the droning "therapist" voice was grating at times and this as a therapist. I don't mean to judge just to judge but to highlight because these wise words can benefit many and I can see many people not finishing the book because of the narration. That makes me sad and would be a huge loss to us all. If you're thinking about pulling the trigger just do it and try to be forgiving of the narrator. Namaste.

Lots great techniques

I enjoyed this book and found it useful. I stopped and did all the practices and the meditations. I found it all very useful. However, a week later I'm struggling to remember all the steps. A PDF with them would be helpful. I couldn't find them online. When the listener goes through this book don't operate a car or anything else. The meditations are great, but you have to focus while doing them. What's worse than texting and driving? Closing your eyes and driving! Each meditation like each lessons was very helpful!

This is a compassionate beautiful journey

My friend suggested I read this book because I was going through a separation and I was working on my mindset. This book nourished my mind and my soul reminded me and my true essence which I’m on a journey to find thank you Tara for sharing your journey so intimately and beautiful.