Our Appointment with Life: Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone

Thanks to Amazon for shipping this to Vietnam within just 4 days (from the order being placed). Usually it takes more like 4 months for things to get here (since they must go through a rigorous customs inspection).This book is a short translation and commentary on the Bhaddekaratta (“an auspicious day”) Sutta—about the importance of living in the present moment—to encourage transformation which relieves suffering. This is what gives us freedom, when we let go of the bad grip of the past and the harmful imaginings about the future. The present is where we actually live and where we can make a difference in our life.This is a very practical teaching: that by transforming our present feelings of desire, hatred, ignorance, etc., we can achieve joy and peace and learn to smile at the world. By doing this in the present, that also transforms our past and future for the better; hence the sub-title: the better way to live alone. We have to recognize what is poisonous and what is nourishing for us.Life is walking our path in the present moment. Both the past and the future hold shadows, some of which we must let go of. By doing that in the right way, we can bring joy and peace to our lives. We should be in touch with the present moment, but we still look deeply and we are aware of what is going on in our life, as it is now—through acceptance of impermanence and selflessness—to lighten our suffering (and that of others).

I enjoyed reading this book as it outlines perspectives that are necessary to lead a fulfilling life. The format is good, as it contains both the central sutra and examples.

Couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.

This was the first Buddhist teaching that I have ever read. It was light and easy reading and the teachings basic. I didn’t pick it up to read it for that reason, I didn’t know that’s what it was about. But I enjoyed learning the philosophy that the past and the future are like ghosts that can worry us unless we live mindfully in the present moment. A popular and right teaching, in my opinion. I also enjoyed the insight that the ghosts of the past and future (thoughts of) can be transformed by living in the present moment and living here fully.

I would recommend this book to all my friends, 1 because there is much to learn from having enough patience to read all the way thru, and learn from receiving what was read. 2. For the people who will approach this book as being all wrong, but who will open their hearts they may be astonished to find their heart has opened and changed.

Awesome! Amazing, enlightening and as always, thought provoking. I love this beautiful being, I have learned so much about life!

The first chapters are a little slow and technical unless you are a Buddhist scholar, but bear through it because the final chapters are pure gold. If you've heard the phrase, "You create your own reality" but never understood how, here is the most simple and practical explanations.

This book makes the concepts easier to understand. I read little portions every day. I think I am becoming a better as I read a page or two a day. Good quality and it was in my Post box in record time.

Do read this - it's so important!

One of the three core foundations of a mindfulness practice.Well explained. Recommended for any student of Mindfulness. Enjoy. :-)

This book is a commentary on the "Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone". Take your time to read slowly the content of this book in order to fully aborb it, it is worth it.

なんども読み返しています。平易な言葉なのに、重みを感じてしまいます。