Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be : Lessons on Change, Loss, and Spiritual Transformation

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding book for transformation!
Review: Lama Surya Das has given us a handbook on living. "Letting Go" is an excellent book for anyone going through loss, change, illness, or a desired transformation of being. This book is easily read and has been written like he is talking to you in person. While it is very Buddhist in background, this is a book anybody from any religious background can gain from. I resell many of my buddhist books but this is one I will be keeping in my library to re-read in the future. Surya Das has a easy way of explaining Buddhism in a more westernized way that makes this an excellent book for newcomers to this faith and way of being. I also loved the Medicine Buddha section which gives full instruction on a healing mantra and visualizations for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It reminds me very much of guru yoga for those of you familiar with Dzogchen practice. Read this book for yourself and give out several for gifts. Surya Das, I can't wait for more of your writings. You are one fine writer! Bodhi Leaf, Buddhist and Reiki Master.

Rating:
Summary: Letting Go In So Many Respects Present Here
Review: Lama Surya Das is a profound teacher when it comes to Tibetan Buddhism. He remembers that his teachers always observed that the most important step in dealing with grief and suffering was to look at the losses pragmatically. Surya Das adds: "Like the Buddha, we want to find the lessons that lie buried in suffering and pain. Questioning is an essential part of the spiritual path: self-inquiry, introspection, philosophy - all involve genuine doubt and skepticism as propellants fueling the spiritual journey. We find meaning in the seeking itself." In short, we must find the answers for ourselves. No text, as wonderful as it might even be, can do this exploration for us. As opposed to trying to escape from bereavement and hindrance, we can face them with insight and strength.

There is an enormous breadth of teachings stories in this book. From something jotted down in a Nursery school by a toddler, to Zen allegories-Surya Das unabashedly draws from the best of so many sources to bring us a book so full of the good teachings. As he's done in his earlier books, Surya Das proposes precise practices in his dialogue of the circumstances we may all find ourselves in. For instance, mention how the loss of a loved one can make us "wrap up" or become solitary, he counsels using prayer to confirm our aspiration to keep our hearts unlocked and free. Like the old saying, "A bird only can stay in your hand without you killing it if your hand is open." We must cherish and love all that is, while being prepared to let go at any moment. This is how we should practice. Letting go. The Hindu text The Bhagavad-Gita states: "Death is certain for anyone born, and birth is certain for the dead. Seeing how this cycle is inevitable, you have no cause to grieve." Those are some really sobering words. This book answers a lot of our toughest questions in life with a kind and gentle hand. Enjoy it!

Rating:
Summary: Unfortunately - a big question mark
Review: Well, I'm familiar with Surya Das teachings in person, and they are always excellent.
His previous books are OK. but this one is definitely not a masterpice among hundreds and hundreds of profound Dharma writers.