The real test of our Buddhist practice happens not on the cushion or in the protected space of retreat but moment-to-moment in daily life, particularly when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations. How do we respond? In this book, one of the most respected Western figures of contemporary Buddhism, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, offers insights gleaned from more than forty years of engagement with Buddhist practice. Her perspective is vast, with a well-grounded understanding of how the timeless Buddhist teachings apply to the demands and challenges of modern life.

Down-to-earth, approachable, and deeply informative, this collection of talks and dialogues covers a wide range of topics, always returning to practical reflections on how we can enhance the quality of our lives and develop more sanity, fulfillment, wisdom, and compassion. Into the Heart of Life is addressed to a general audience and presents practical advice that can be applied whether or not one is a Buddhist.

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (May 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559393742
• ISBN-13: 978-1559393744
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces

"Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is an accomplished spiritual practitioner and teacher who is able to touch the hearts of many through her teaching and her presence.... I am certain this book will benefit many. This is a book for everyone who needs and wants to know the path to genuine happiness."—from the foreword by H.H. the Gyalwang Drukpa
"Into the Heart of Life radiates Jetsunma's enthusiasm for life and makes the Buddha's teachings readily available so that we can integrate them seamlessly into our being, thus transforming ourselves from the inside out. Readers will feel that Jetsunma is sitting right there with them, talking over a cup of tea."—Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners and Working with Anger

"This is a warm, wise, and rich evocation of Buddhism for East and West. Written in a radiant yet approachable style, we can taste the dharma realization in every word."
—Roshi Joan Halifax, Founding Abbot, Upaya Zen Center

"Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo takes the core teachings of the Buddha and weaves into them deep personal insights and riveting stories from her unusual history as a member of an extraordinary tradition. It is amazing that no matter how many times you hear these essential teachings, they continue to penetrate deeply. This book provides practical wisdom for anyone interested in bringing the teachings to life."
—Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel, author of The Power of an Open Question

"Palmo (Reflections on a Mountain Lake) offers essays based on her talks, focused on the application of the dharma--Buddhist teachings--to daily life. One of the first Western women to be ordained in Tibetan Buddhism, Palmo is noted for her 12 years of solitary retreat in the Himalayas; she subsequently established a monastery for women in India and advocates for the full inclusion of nuns in the quest for enlightenment. Core Buddhist topics such as impermanence, the paramitas (perfections), and the four foundations of mindfulness are explored in clear, cogent ways. Palmo also introduces the Mahayana ideal of bodhicitta--seeking enlightenment for all--and distinctly Tibetan practices such as lojong and tonglen that develop mind and compassion. More details about how her own unique journey shaped her understanding of this wisdom tradition would have strengthened this book in relation to the many others available on basic Buddhism. That said, Palmo adds a strong voice to the ongoing discussion of Tibetan Buddhism as practiced by individuals--particularly women--from Western cultures."
— Publishers Weekly, 6/20/11

"Palmo presents an incisive overview of Buddhist essentials from the perspective of her 40 years of spiritual practice. In this era of noisy confrontations, war, me-first activity, and ethical misconduct, we need this kind of wisdom."
— Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice, July 2011