Update: The winners for this giveaway have already been chosen. Subscribe to Tiny Buddha to receive free daily or weekly emails and to learn about future giveaways!
The Winners:
Have you ever felt like the present moment is passing you by while you’re caught up worrying, analyzing, planning, and trying to protect yourself from pain and loss?
It’s one the pitfalls of the human condition: we often paralyze ourselves in the pursuit of happiness and abundance, and in the process, miss out on the joy right in front of us.
Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche has devoted his life to helping people live joyful, mindful lives, free from the burdens of their minds.
In his new book, Living Fully, Finding Joy in Every Breath, Rinpoche summarizes his teachings in succinct, easily digestible sections. The result is a guide for living in the moment, peacefully, connected to the people and the world around us.
The Giveaway
To enter to win 1 of 2 free copies of Living Fully:
- Leave a comment below
- Tweet: RT @tinybuddha Book GIVEAWAY & Interview: Living Fully (comment on the blog to win!) http://bit.ly/ydAMit
If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still enter by completing the first step. You can enter until midnight PST on Sunday, March 11th.
The Interview
1. You were trained to be a Lama from the age of four. Did you always feel certain you wanted to be a spiritual teacher?
Even though I was trained in the most ancient Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition from a very young age, I personally never intended to become a spiritual leader.
While studying, I was more focused on learning the essence of spirituality itself and later, I spent my time applying these profound teachings so that I could live with greater clarity and understanding.
Therefore, I never had a particular interest in being a spiritual teacher, and even today, more than anything else, I see myself as a person who treasures the spiritual qualities of being with complete freedom. To me that is more important than being a teacher of some sort.
However, if some people relate to me by seeing even the tiniest wisdom in me as a teacher, I feel that this is an honor and it is mainly their pure karmic vision. In that sense, I do not object to being viewed as a spiritual teacher either, as some fortunate beings might be the perfect vessel.
2. In your new book, Living Fully, you outline a path we can all follow to find joy in every breath, as the subtitle reads. What do you think is the main reason we struggle to live fully?
The main reason we struggle to live life fully is because we lack genuine trust in our own innate abilities. Insecurity creates a lack of clarity in our way of being. When we are ignorant of our unconditional, true nature, we are unclear about our way of being.
In my book, Living Fully, Finding Joy in Every Breath, I have tried to clarify and explain these subjects in detail. I know you will find more in the book and it will be beneficial to read several times again and again.
3. In Chapter One, you talk about living nakedly. What does that mean exactly?
When we talk about living nakedly, we are not necessarily talking about living without clothes! Living nakedly is to experience the freshness of our original nature. Being totally fresh in the moment without any fabrication is it!!!
4. In Chapter Two, you suggest that one of the fundamentals of happiness is unlocking the chains of self-cherishing. Why is this important, and how can we do it?
It is very important to unlock the chains of self cherishing, as conditioning the self is the cause of true suffering. Everything that is conditional is subject to change and exhaustion. Therefore, it is very important to achieve freedom from conditional notions of self and to actualize the unconditional, true self.
We must try to see that everything that is conditional is transient, like sand castles that are quickly destroyed by wind and waves. Freedom from the self cherishing and not depending on anything that is undependable is the best thing for all.
5. You later talk about the conditional nature of self. Can you expand on this?
The conditional nature of self is created by ignorance. Therefore, it is very important to free oneself from ignorance, so that we do not chase after a mirage in hopes of finding water. In the true essence you will find the nectar.
6. You’ve written, “…we can celebrate the freedom that comes with awareness of the transient nature of things.” How does recognizing impermanence set us free?
It is very important to achieve true freedom so that we can celebrate. True freedom is the result of absolute mindfulness. When we are meditating on impermanence we will feel the urgency to experience freedom from suffering and the causes of suffering.
Hence, I feel that it is important for all of us to realize that change is taking place every moment and to be able to acknowledge that we are bound to experience sickness, old age, and death.
Even the so-called pleasure that we experience is temporary in nature. By meditating on impermanence we will be able to set ourselves free from conditional limitations and achieve true understanding of the indestructible state.
7. In exploring meditation, you’ve written that “everything we do can be practice.” What do you mean by this?
Everything we do can become practice if we are mindful in the truest sense. When we are able to remain in the mindfulness, we will be able to clearly see the totality of everything. To see the whole picture is a very sophisticated way of being and this is the state that we should aspire to achieve and I feel we can.
8. We all know kindness and compassion are two of the fundamentals of Buddhist practice. What are a few simple things we can do every day to feel more love and compassion for others?
Compassion and wisdom are the two main qualities discussed in Buddha’s teachings. If you understand correctly, compassion and wisdom are inseparable. To be compassionate and wise is having our pure heart open and being able to express kindness for all beings.
Fundamentally, being a good person is the key. We should try to be kind and caring to everyone. We must try to express our humility and respect everyone. We must achieve confidence in our true nature and confidence in everyone’s essence. In daily life, we should try to breathe with genuine compassion and carry out our activities with perfect wisdom.
9. Aside from your book, how can readers learn more about your teachings?
In Millerton, New York we have established Buddhafield, The Center for Enlightenment. Every summer in July, Sangha sponsors a retreat and I give teachings. As our facilities at Buddhafield expand, it is my wish that I will be able to spend more time there, and offer in depth teachings and lead retreats.
In addition, there are teachings available online and we plan to make more teachings available soon. Our US website www.buddhafield.info has information about the practice groups and retreats in their own towns. You can learn about events in Asia at www.wenchenggongzhu.org. And for information about my book, Living Fully, please go to www.livingfully.org.
You can purchase Living Fully on Amazon here.
FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.

About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
- Web |
- More Posts
As a new follower of the teachings, I have been lucky enough to connect and meditate with the Asian Cultural Institue in Arizona. I am inspired every meeting and feel like although I have so much to learn, there is a place for me within this community. Something I have not found in Christianity. I would be greatful to further my education with a copy of your book. My student income prohibits me from additional expenses besides rent and food.
I just found your site and am finding it to be very enlightening. I can see it being helpful day to day. I would love to win a copy of the book and tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/celestin/status/177719464303927297
Thank you!
Mindfulness is so important for a fulfilling life. Would love to win a copy of the book! I tweeted via @offbeatfamily & @drawingself out
I would love to be the recipient of this give away!
Would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for offering the chance to win.
I loved this part of the interview ~ “The main reason we struggle to live life fully is because we lack
genuine trust in our own innate abilities.” Thinking about things in my life I see how true this is. Even if I don’t win a copy; I’m going to have to track down a copy.
“We should try to be kind and caring to everyone. We must try to express our humility and respect everyone.”I believe this statement to be very true and I do try. It is, however, not an easy road. I’ve seen so many examples of people who lack the confidence and the compassion to be kind and caring. I think a prime example is the problem of bullying, not just in school with children but also in the workplace. In many work settings being arrogant, disrespectful, and unkind is looked upon as being a strong manager and behavior that is rewarded.
I look forward to reading this book. Thank you.
Embracing pain is by far one of the hardest things to do..in addition to truly living in the present moment..however, the best and most fruitful rewards are acquired when we do both.
*Namaste*
I am very grateful to be reminded to live mindfully, with each day, each breath.
I’d love to own this book!
I would love to have a copy of this book. I also tweeted @lonetree72.
Looks like a great read
I’m at the beginning of this journey. So full of possibility. So scared and yet still hopeful. In a few short weeks tinybuddah.com has changed my life. Thank you. Looking forward to this read.
I tweeted! @Dawna_M:disqus
Looks like a very good book. Could really use it right now…
(oops – twitter didn’t show up properly… @Dawna_M:twitter )
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to win a copy of “Living Fully.” I’ve been very into learning more about myself and how much power we hold within – so I’d love to read this book to see how I can enrich my life even more 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading this one; just what I need at this point in my life. Hopefully I’m the lucky winner of the free copy, but if not it’ll definitely be in my bag the next time I hit the book store!
Oh, thank you for the chance to win this. I would very much like to read it.
This book sounds incredible. Can’t wait to lean more!
I’d love to win this book–it sounds AMAZING!
This book sounds like just what I need. I’d like to learn more ways to slow down to nature’s pace, live in the moment, and appreciate the simple things. Thanks for sharing!
This book sounds just like something I NEED to read! Hope I win!
I have taken on a new job which is 500 miles away from my family and friends. As I do like the job, I am encountering new feelings since I am alone until family arrives later on. I feel this book would help me because I am very much worrying and analyzing everything at this time in my life. A very uncomfortable feeling both physically and mentally!
I love Tiny Buddha–it is a wonderful gift every day. I would love this book (another wonderful gift)!
Lori,
Thank you for always sharing the Joy!
Blessings and I affirm the intent that the Universe gets this book into the hands of those that need it most- either by purchasing it or winning it. As an aside, I had been subscribed to the Tina Buddha blog for a number of months and became interested in your book. I received a copy of “…Simple Wisdom” as a gift over the holidays ( I had actually intended to purchase a copy and hadn’t “asked” for it on my wishlist… cool, huh?!) and I absolutely love it!
love’n’light,
Patty
I believe this book could give me some answers I am searching for.
Thank you for a great interview. It provides insight and an interest in the book. Nicely done
I have been meditating regularly (about 20 minutes 5 days per week) for about a year now, and it has been life-changing. Things that would normally throw me for a loop now are just small bumps in the road. This book would be a helpful next step in my practice.
Another fabulous giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity.
This sounds like a great book for my practice. Thanks for the opportunity, Lori!
I am new to your emails recently and just wanted to let you know I wake up every morning excited to read what you have for us. You have really changed my look on life and I can’t wait for the next to come. I am young and going through some hard times right now. You really have helped me even if I don’t win the book. I have so much to learn and would love this book if I did win! <3
Amanda
Would love to win this book to add to my collection of books for the Yoga Studio I am opening. It would be amazing to read and offer to share with yogis
The book sounds wonderful. The interview has many wonderful thoughts for consideration. Thank you!
I could so use this book! And would be so grateful to be the winner!
This books sounds interesting – thanks for sharing.
I’d love to win this book!
I would love to own this book!
🙂
I’d love to win this book – life seems quite difficult at the moment and I could do with some advice. Thank you for sharing!
I’d love to receive the book, the tweets from tinybuddha help me through the day!!
That’s the goal…to live fully…in the present
This sounds like a great book – I’d love to read it.
Oh, I need this book! 🙂
This sounds like a book that couldn’t have come at a better time for me! I have enrolled in a life coach/health coach program and I would love to read this and add it to my shelves when I am seeing clients!
I could really use a book like this right now in my life, it looks wonderful.
Already the interview was full of so much goodness! 🙂 Thank You! I wish to win the book 🙂
I would love to win this book! I am just beginning my journey to find inner peace. I am reminded if a quote:
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~ Lao Tzu
Would love to win this book 🙂
SO inspiring! I’d love to own a copy 🙂
I would definitely give this book a good home, and then I would pass it along.
Wonderful! Pick me Pick me 🙂