Chapters 10-12 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 10 - Finding the Ability to Rejoice

Through long practice of the above methods we begin to experience joy free of clinging and craving. Our first joy is that the situation is workable. Chodron uses the metaphor of a garden, one where flowers are not yet growing, but where we are confident they will, despite the presence of rocks. Draw joy out of the easiest things first. Rejoice in your own good fortune, and be sure to watch for it, because you can miss it. Then rejoice in the good fortune of others. Be sure to take care when performing ordinary tasks, setting the table, gardening, preparing food. If you take care when performing these tasks, then they, too, will yield joy. Rejoice using the seventh stage method. Envy often blocks our ability to rejoice for others, especially our...