reading

Lately, I had heard multiple references to two authors, who write about spiritual journeys and ways to live more authentically. Given the high praise I'd read regarding both, I thought I would give them each a try. I am, after all, on something of a personal journey myself to try and become a better me.

Eckhart Tolle recently published A New Earth. Last week, I had about an hour or so at a bookstore while waiting to meet with a friend. I picked up a copy of the book and sat down with it. I wanted to get a feel for his message before buying it. After about 50-60 pages, I put it back on the shelf. I personally found his style to be rather pedantic and somewhat arrogant, and it got in the way of what he was trying to say.

The other author is Pema Chodron, a Buddhist nun and spiritual teacher. I found a copy of an older book of hers, When Things Fall Apart, at Half-Price Books. As with Eckhart Tolle's book, I sat down to read a little before deciding whether to buy it. I did. I am about 1/3 of the way through it, and I will need to go back to reread it again after I finish, to really get a grasp of what she is saying. Buddhist teaching is rather different from Catholicism, after all. I really like her style. She comes across as an older friend who is sharing a delightful secret. I would like to get some more of her books.

I may blog about some of the stuff I'm reading in Pema Chodron's book in the future.