Kongtrul, Dzigar : IT'S UP TO YOU: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path

by Dzigar Kongtrul, foreword by Pema Chodron, preface by Matthieu Ricard

On the spiritual path we speak of enlightenment. But how do we reconcile the idea of enlightenment with what we see when we look in the mirror--when insecurities, doubts, and self-centered tendencies arise in our minds? Dzigar Kongtrul suggests that such experiences are not a problem if we are able to simply let them arise without judging them or investing them with so much meaning. This approach to experience is what Kongtrul calls self-reflection.

Self-reflection is a practice, a path, and an attitude. It means taking an interest in that which we usually try to push away. With self-reflection we take liberation into our own hands and accept the challenge and empowerment in Kongtrul's title: it's up to you.

It's Up to You is a fresh view on self-reflection as the best way to bring Buddhist teachings into our own experience. This lively book helps us see our blind spots and take responsibility for our spiritual growth.

"An enthralling and practical book that speaks to us all with an exceptional clarity about confusion, uncertainty, and fear, about fearlessness and courage, and about awareness, joy, sanity, and freedom. A book which I cannot recommend highly enough."--Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"Like Dzigar Kongtrul himself, this book is warm, direct, and potent. Its intimacy is transformative."--Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, author of Ruling Your World

"Profound.... You feel understood and...you can't get away with anything."--Pema Chodron, author of Getting Unstuck, Don't Bite the Hook, and Comfortable with Uncertainty

"Kongtrul Rinpoche brings an unflinching and fresh perspective."--The Beacon

"After reading It's Up to You, you will be eager to be exposed to more of Kongtrul's teachings."--Spirituality & Health

"'An immensely enjoyable volume."--Library Journal

"Kongtrul is an innovative teacher who is successfully transposing Buddhism in a Western key."--Shambhala Sun

Dzigar Kongtrül is a highly trained Tibetan lama who became a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, in 1990. He has since then founded his own teaching organization, Mangala Shri Bhuti, and has established a mountain retreat center in southern Colorado, as well as a retreat center in Vermont.