All-Embracing Good - by Thubten Chodron (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the beloved and pioneering Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron, a modern commentary on what's considered Buddhism's "King of Aspiration Prayers"--a powerful aspiration on the bodhisattva path for relieving suffering from every sentient being in the cosmos.

In this illuminating exploration, Venerable Chodron reveals the wisdom of the "King of Aspiration Prayers," a sacred text from the Gaṇḍavyūha Sūtra, which is itself the final chapter of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra. The prayer, which expresses aspirations of the bodhisattva Samantabhadra, is the final teaching that the student Sudhana receives in the story from the Avataṃsaka Sūtra that tells of his pilgrimage to 53 different teachers. Through Ven. Thubten Chodron's commentary on each verse, readers discover a path of universal compassion that transcends self-interest and embraces all beings.

Ven. Thubten Chodron brings contemporary insights to these ancient teachings to address the challenges of modern spiritual life, including doubt, distraction, and the struggle to sustain genuine commitment. She reveals how aspiration, ethical conduct, and meditative wisdom converge to purify karma and cultivate bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment. Whether you seek solace at life's end, guidance on the bodhisattva path, or inspiration to transform daily actions into causes for awakening, All-Embracing Good offers a timeless roadmap to enlightenment for yourself and all sentient beings.

Review Quotes

"This extraordinary book unfolds a powerful and timely evocation of the aspiration to end suffering in our world. Though written centuries ago, the 'King of Prayers' shows how all on Earth can meet the world today with life-giving hands. Beautifully written, I recommend this book to all."
--Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot of Upaya Zen Center and author of Being with Dying

"A beautiful and clear explanation of one of Buddhism's most profound texts! Radiant with inspiring heart-guidance and personal stories based on Venerable Chodron's many decades of Dharma practice."
--Guy Newland, author of Introduction to Emptiness

"An insightful and inspiring analysis of Buddhist wisdom for anyone hoping to live a deeper, more examined life."
--Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness

"This book is a treasure--a beautiful and inspiring commentary to the 'King of Prayers, ' full of practical advice for staying positive and joyful, even in troubled times."
--Sangye Khadro (Kathleen McDonald), Dharma teacher and author of How to Meditate

About the Author

VENERABLE THUBTEN CHODRON was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1977. She is an author, teacher, and the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey. Sravasti Abbey is the only Tibetan Buddhist training monastery for Westerners in the U.S. and holds gender equality, social engagement, and care for the environment amongst its core values. Ven. Chodron teaches worldwide and is known for her practical (and humorous!) explanations of how to apply Buddhist teachings in daily life. She is also actively involved in prison outreach and interfaith dialogue. She has published many books on Buddhist philosophy and meditation, and has coauthored a book--Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions--with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with whom she has studied for nearly forty years.