Into the Haunted Ground - by Anam Thubten (Paperback)

About the Book

"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 Chèod, 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. Chèod 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 Chèod 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 Labdrèon's form of Chèod. Not only did she establish it in Tibet, but some say her distinct Chèod wisdom is the only Buddhist teachings that journeyed back to India from Tibet." Anam Thubten details his experience bringing this practice of Chèod even farther outside of Tibet, teaching and leading retreat practice in new cultural contexts including California and Navajo Nation"--

Book Synopsis

In Into the Haunted Ground, Anam Thubten invites us to embrace every aspect of our lives, from the most difficult to the most joyful. For those of us who feel caught in endless anxious thoughts and stuck in personal relationships, Anam Thubten offers a direct and practical approach to dismantle our conceptual fixations, reveal the deeper habits that motivate us, and step into the immediate open spaciousness that can heal ourselves and the world.

Weaving together personal stories with philosophical explanations, Anam Thubten offers swift and straightforward methods to cut through old habits that no longer serve our best interests or reflect our true nature. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this book presents the core lessons of the Tibetan practice of Chöd as a fundamental wisdom that is accessible to any of us willing to enter the "haunted grounds" of our own minds.

Review Quotes

"Anam Thubten has a profound understanding of the meaning and philosophy of Chöd and has fully integrated the practice into his life. Evidenced by this book, he has clearly demonstrated how to teach Chöd in a practical, accessible, experiential style. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who may be interested in this extraordinary, joyous, and fearless path of practice."--Orgyen Chowang, author of Our Pristine Mind: A Practical Guide to Unconditional Happiness

"Anam Thubten Rinpoche impeccably lays bare the earthy, playful, and bold spirit of everyday Chöd. A stunning and practical guide for those interested in authentic, living spirituality."--Elizabeth Mattis Namgyal, author of The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha's Path to Freedom

"Into the Haunted Ground is a profound reminder that every part of our experience, from the most painful to the most sublime, can be harnessed in the service of awakening. Anam Thubten's lyrically accessible prose weaves together the wisdom and compassion of this tradition with the struggles we encounter today." --Elizabeth L. Monson, author of Tales of a Mad Yogi: The Life and Wild Wisdom of Drukpa Kunley

"A startling and wonderful foray into chöd."--Lion's Roar

About the Author

ANAM THUBTEN grew up in Tibet and at an early age began to practice in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the founder and spiritual advisor of the Dharmata Foundation, and he teaches widely in the United States and internationally. He is the author of Choosing Compassion; No Self, No Problem; The Magic of Awareness; and Embracing Each Moment.