[New Release] Written by Pema Chodron, "Shall We Sit Down First?" (Translated by Lee Hye-jin, Hanmunhwa)
"Shall We Sit Down First?" Pema Chodron's New Release… Even Beginners Can Develop 5 Qualities
One-on-One Lessons from a World-Class Meditation Master… “As Long as You Have Yourself, You Can Meditate Anywhere”
As interest in finding mental stability in a modern society filled with uncertainty and stress rises, the new book by world-renowned meditation master Pema Chodron provides a systematic guide for meditation beginners.
The Need for Meditation Proven by The COVID Era
Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and bestselling author Pema Chodron's book 《Shall We Sit Down First?》 (Translated by Lee Hye-jin, Hanmunhwa, 2025) presents methods for managing the mind in uncontrollable situations based on the experiences of anxiety and fear that engulfed the world during the pandemic.
The author emphasizes, “Extreme fear, anxiety, and dread are normal reactions we experience in life,” and “Through meditation, we can learn to kindly accept these reactions by returning to our breath, body, and senses.”
5 Core Qualities Developed by Meditation
Pema Chodron presents 5 core qualities that can be developed through meditation:
- Resilience About Self – Inner stability and centering
- Ability to See Clearly – Insight to objectively grasp situations
- Gradually Rising Courage – Inner strength to face difficulties
- Ability to Be Present in Every Moment – Mindfulness focused on the present
- Experience of Becoming Flexible – Adaptability that breaks free from stereotypes
The author states, “Those who have experienced this amazing effect of meditation even once will continue to meditate.”
“As Long as You Have Yourself, You Can Start Meditating Anywhere”
Regarding what is needed to start meditation, Pema Chodron asserts, **"All you need is yourself."**
“People sometimes think they need to sign up for meditation retreats or gather numerous items to meditate. But meditation can be started anywhere, in any space, at any time. You just have to start. Right now, in that spot, is where you begin.”
Structured as a Practical Meditation Guide
This book is systematically structured so that even beginners can easily follow:
- Preparation and mindset for meditation
- Six points of meditation posture
- How to free yourself from thoughts
- How to manage emotions
- How to break free from stereotypes
- How to open your heart and embrace everything
Each section includes a 'Practice' section to allow for a combination of theory and practice.
“The Goal is Not Comfort, But Awareness”
Interestingly, Pema Chodron emphasizes that the purpose of meditation is not simply to feel good.
“The purpose of meditation is to cultivate the ability to exist with oneself and the circumstances one is in, with an open heart and a compassionate attitude,” explaining that **"Being fully awake in life"** is the goal.
Becoming A Person Overflowing with Love
The author presents 'Awakening Bodhicitta (Fully Open Heart)' as the ultimate goal of meditation.
“The reason we meditate, the reason we listen to the teachings of our masters, is because we want to become people overflowing with love. Love is not outside. The moment we realize that we have a good heart within us and that we can awaken and nurture it is the moment we awaken Bodhicitta.”
Not A Process of Habitualization, But A Process of Change
Pema Chodron defines meditation as a process of change, not a process of solidifying existing ways.
“As we age, it is very common for habits to solidify. However, for some reason, we also meet people who become more flexible and open-hearted as they age. What kind of person do you want to become?“
This book, which reexamines the value of meditation as a 'skill of the mind' that filters out the thought addiction and emotional excess faced by modern people and builds a solid life, is expected to be a reliable guide for beginners looking to start meditation.
Written by: Oh Ji-hyun, Editor-in-Chief