The Ten Commitments: Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices

by David Simon, Deepak Chopra (Foreword)

We all know the Ten Commandments—and unfortunately most of us try to use the philosophy of "thou shalt not" (eat too much, work too hard, etc.) to command ourselves to make changes. David Simon, noted researcher and co-founder with Deepak Chopra of The Chopra Center, suggests a different instead of dwelling on the negative, embrace the positive and make commitments to live a better life. In doing so, we will transform our intentions (losing weight, spending more time with family, etc.) into concrete actions that will make change happen.

This short, precise book is not a lecture, but a practical primer on thoughtful change. There is a continuing hunger for Eastern philosophy and spirituality among Westerners—finally, one of the West's top experts, who has been writing on, lecturing, teaching, and practicing Eastern thought for over three decades, has melded these principles with our core Western beliefs, giving us a new perspective on the basic way we live our lives.

Key Features
Very warm and engaging tone, excellent writing, and numerous anecdotes make for a very compelling reading experience. No "new thought" just precise, easily accessible advice. This is a breakout book. Helps us focus on the simplest answers, much in the tradition of books like Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. The ten step approach is familiar and comfortable. Small, inexpensive and beautifully packaged hardcover makes this a perfect gift or daily reader.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

David Simon, M.D. is a mind-body doctor and co-founder of the Chopra Center.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Edita Kazakevičienė]

„Įsipareigoti – tai atverti permainų duris, žengti pro jas ir net negalvoti pasukti atgal."

„Dešimt įsipareigojimų parašyta žmonėms, pasiruošusiems priimti įdėją, kad laisva valia yra didžiausia žmonijos dovana. "

Net nežinau kiek laiko ši knyga stovėjo mano lentynoje. Manau, kad pirkau apie 2010 m. Skaitydama nieko per daug nesitikėjau, bet visai patiko: nedidelė, rami ir įkvepianti knyga.

Tai nėra kažkokia stebuklinga, 180 laipsnių kampu gyvenimą keičianti knyga. Tačiau man patiko jos idėja. Autorius siūlo, užuot laikiusis dešimties dievo įsakymų, pakeisti juos į dešimt įsipareigojimų (nuostatų). Paklusnumą pakeisti į laisvą valią, baimę – į laisvę.

Tarp įsipareigojimo ir įsakymo yra esminis skirtumas ir autorius teigia, jog įsipareigojimas yra daug galingesnis, nei draudimai. Šioje knygoje darniai susilieja Rytų filosofija ir Vakarų religija. Ji tinkama tiek išpažįstantiems skirtingus tikėjimus, tiek visai netikintiems. Čia galima rasti emocinio lavinimo, meditacijų ir sąmoningo dėmesingumo pradmenų.

Knyga suskirstyta į trumpus skyrelius ir kiekvienai nuostatai skirta po atskirą skyrelį. Galima skaityti po vieną iš eilės, jį apmąstant arba galima išsirinkti vieną aktualiausią ir praktikuoti šį įsipareigojimą, arba tiesiog atsiversti šią knygą kai norisi šiek tiek sąmoningumo.

Apie autorių: David Simon yra gydytojas, vienas iš Chopra centro įkūrėjų, seminarų apie proto ir kūno sveikatą bei dvasingumą vedėjas.

www.profesionalimama.wordpress.com

[Shelley]

Great book.

[Cheri Flake]

This is a great little book organized and conceptualized in a simple and accessible way. I met David Simon years ago at the Chopra center and just loved his talks and presence. I was moved to hear that he had passed on but this book that he has left behind is quite a little treasure. ☺️

This book is a perfect start for a beginner meditator or someone seeking first steps to a spiritual path or awakening in their personal life. A Commitment IS a bit easier and feels better all the way around than a commandment. Well done!

[Jasmine Le]

The book used some very interesting examples. However, I think in order to help one changes their life, it needs to provide more specific steps instead of just stating and explaining the ten commitments.

[Srividhya R]

This book is indeed a modern update of Ten Commandments of Christianity. The author narrates the significance of each commitment and how it varies from a commandment. Each commitment narration ends with a suggestion on how to practice it and identify the improvement of it.

Each chapter in this book begins with an inspiring anecdote from poets and philosophers.

One loop hole that I find in this book is that some of the commitments are very simple and childish. Emphasize on having a regular appetite and sleeping habits which seems below the quality for an adult reader.

As this book is an modern version of Ten Commandments of Christianity, this may not impress people other than Catholics. Because referring Ten Commandments as an outdated version and not suitable for a life of freedom, this makes the religion to linger through every page of the book.

Otherwise this is a great book for addicted ones, those who are trying to come out of their addictions and leading a normal life.

[Diane]

Wasn't able to grasp a lot of what the author was talking about but thought the book was worth the time and effort to read it. Maybe I will grow into it at a later time and be able to assimilate more :))

[Melissa]

Worth the read.

[Mary]

This is a book I'll return to over and over again. Dr. Simon has left a beautiful legacy.

[Duc Ha]

great