Osho: Even Though You are Distracted, if You can do it, it is Still Mind Training Chogyam Trungpa: If You can Practice Even When Distracted, You are Well Trained Pema Chodron: If You can Practice Even When Distracted, You are Well Trained Jamgon Kongtrul: You are Proficient if You can Practice Even When Distracted Rabten & Dhargyey: One is Trained if One is Capable, Even When Distracted. Dilgo Khyentse: With Experience You can Practice Even When Distracted ALWAYS MAINTAIN ONLY A JOYFUL MIND ALWAYS ABIDE BY THE THREE BASIC PRINCIPLES  Yardsticks   Pema Chodron

If You can Practice Even When Distracted, You are Well Trained

 
If you feel completely caught up and are spinning of into a misery scenario, the slogan "If you can practice even when distracted, you are well trained" can remind you to start to work with tonglen - to breathe in the mishap or the misery as a way of developing compassion for yourself and as a way of beginning to understand other people's pain as well. You can use the distraction to bring yourself back to the present moment, just as a horse rights itself after losing balance or skiers catch themselves just as they are about to fall. Being well trained means you can catch yourself and come back to the present.

From Start Where You Are : A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron, Copyright 1994, Shambhala Publications.
Published by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston.

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This site provides an on-line database of commentaries on the Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices of lojong (Mind Training) and tonglen.
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Probably the most accessible introduction to the Mind Training practice. Pema combines a deep understanding of the Western Mind, deep immersion in the Tibetan tradition, and a wonderful sense of humor about human nature. This book is unique in that Pema shares with us her own struggles and failures, and shows, using examples that we Westerners can relate to, how the proverbs can gently bring us back to the path. Her humor, understanding, and love shine through this book
A wonderful set of tapes, every one of which I have played many times. 'Pema shows you how to use your own painful emotions as stepping stones to wisdom, compassion and fearlessness. You will learn how to make friends with the most painful parts of your life experience, and how to use your natural courage and honesty to transform even the most painful situations.'
This commentary on "Using adverse conditions as the path to awakening" is the ideal book for someone in crisis. Its aim is not to survive the crisis, but to use it as a unique opportunity to let go and open up. I'm sure you know someone in crisis right now, and this is the perfect gift for them (or for yourself).
Set of 6 audiocassettes on Mind Training, the Four Immeasurables, and other subjects.
This is an abridged pocket edition of Pema's first book, "The Wisdom of No Escape". Carry it everywhere you go, open it at random to any piece of her humorous and compassionate wisdom. Or just look into her eyes on the cover photo! A bargain.
Instruction on Shamatha-Vipashyana (calm abiding and insight) meditation with all of Pema's characteristic touch and humanity.