Loving Life As It Is: A Buddhist Guide to Ultimate Happiness
by Chakung Jigme Wangdrak
Shambhala Publications, 2024 (200 pages)
You don't have to be a Buddhist to read this book and get some good direction on how to turn your life around in clear, easy and workable steps. The author states, "If ever there was a time when humans needed a life raft, it is now -- At the root of such emotional turmoil is our grasping mind. If we apply the ancient wisdom instructions on taking happiness and suffering as the path...instructions that have benefitted and liberated countless Buddhist disciples for thousands of years -- we can learn to reframe our experiences as opportunities for growth, mental fortitude, and even gratitude. I received these heart instructions straight from the lips of the awakened masters who taught me -- my lamas."
The instructions are designed to help one face the troubles of the world and learn to accept and cope with anything thrown in one's direction. We all know that life is essentially a struggle, filled with ups and downs. What if we learned to see things differently and from a different perspective? What if we learned to see that suffering is not all bad, that happiness is not all good, that change is the only constant, and that we can learn and master the ride, so we know whatever state we are in, it is merely temporary?
When you are caught up in the rush and stress of our world, delving into this topic can provide a welcome relief. I enjoyed the stories and lessons on how to stretch my mind. Sometimes I think it is a good idea to stand back and take stock, go within. This book helps one to do just that. It is a calming, interesting read, just what I needed to get me going on a meditative journey. The author goes through a program of training the mind to cherish each passing moment, because that moment is fleeting and precious. The first step is setting up a time of regular meditation to help the mind develop such flexibility. The full program is one for anyone from beginner to experienced practitioner (including non-Buddhists) to train the mind toward contentment, acceptance, dispel the self-grasping to reduce suffering, and develop patience and tolerance.
Mr. Wangdrak was born in the eastern region of Tibet and studied Buddhist philosophy at Laraung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy. Since 2012, he has lived in the San Francisco Bay area, where he teaches several Buddhist communities and is the Spiritual Director of the Abhaya Fellowship.
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