Into the haunted ground : a guide to cutting the root of suffering : from the Tibetan practice of Chöd
(Book)

Editor's preface / by Sarah Woodard -- Introduction -- Part I. Everyday Chöd: 1. Chöd in my life -- 2. Padampa Sangye's instructions to Machig Labdrön -- 3. Journey into the haunted ground -- 4. Emptiness - 5. Rituals and liturgy -- 6. Vajra dance -- 7. Cutting through in everyday life -- Part II. Chöd in practice: 8. Refuge -- 9. Bodhicitta -- 10. Mandala -- 11. Guru Yoga -- 12. Feast practice -- 13. Dedication -- Appendix 1. The life of Machig Labdrön.

"This work combines historical summary, personal experience, description of tantric methods, and explanations of the ultimate nature of phenomena, based on the Tibetan practice of Chöd, or "Cutting Through." Anam Thubten offers straightforward teachings on this swift tantric method to cut through ego-clinging in many forms. For those who feel caught in endless deliberation and overanalysis, this book offers teachings on directly cutting through our conflicting emotions, right on the spot with rigorous honesty. Chöd was established in the eleventh century by the female yogini Machik Labdron and is a method practiced throughout the Himalayas and increasingly worldwide. In straightforward and accessible language, Anam Thubten brings to life for readers the deeper meaning of this practice, revealing its core teaching of fearless self-awareness with particular relevance to our difficult times. He shows that the heart of Chöd practice is to face our inner demons by venturing with an open heart into real and imaginative dark places, what he calls the "haunted grounds" of everyday life, with courage, compassion and resilience. Anam Thubten writes: "It is said that all Tibetan Buddhist teachings came from India except for Machig Labdrön's form of Chöd. Not only did she establish it in Tibet, but some say her distinct Chöd wisdom is the only Buddhist teachings that journeyed back to India from Tibet." Anam Thubten details his experience bringing this practice of Chöd even farther outside of Tibet, teaching and leading retreat practice in new cultural contexts including California and Navajo Nation"-- Provided by publisher.