Heart Advice On Clingy Egos From Pema

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September 12, 2012 YOUR FIXED IDENTITY In Buddhism we call the notion of a fixed identity “ego clinging.” It’s how we try to put solid ground under our feet in an ever-shifting world. Meditation practice starts to erode that fixed identity. As you sit, you begin to see yourself with more clarity, and you notice how attached you are to your opinions about yourself. Often the first blow to the fixed identity is precipitated by a crisis. When things fall apart in your life, you feel as if your whole world is crumbling. But actually it’s your fixed identity that’s crumbling. And as Chögyam Trungpa used to tell us, that’s cause for celebration. Of Interest to Readers We’re pleased to announce the release of Pema Chödrön’s new book, Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change. It’ll be in stores on October 9, but it’s available now from Shambhala.com, and if you order from us we’ll also send a free copy of The Pocket Pema Chödrön, a treasury of 108 selections from Pema’s best-selling books.

Teachings by Pema Chödrön, from works published by Shambhala Publications. Photo by ©Andrea Roth.