We are taught to do everything within our power to become a success. It is often signified by the "We're number one" assertion, a sign of the false self's need to be seen as special, to stand out apart from others as winners and not losers. Taking this even further, some believe we are at a turning point where human beings can become stronger, smarter, and even live forever through biological engineering.

But in this book, we read Pema Chodron's 2014 Commencement Address at Naropa University where she quotes Samuel Beckett: "Fail. Fail again. Fail better." She explains that failure is "how to get good at holding the rawness of vulnerability in your heart" and "how to get good at welcoming the unwelcome."

Here is the wise advice of one of the most influential sages in American Buddhism who throughout her life has weathered the storms of failure and the giddy heights of success. Failure, according to Chodron, is a spiritual teacher who compels us to go deeper, to learn new things, to discover meaning and transformation within our mistakes. This attitude cuts against the grain of our central cultural shibboleths.

The rawness and vulnerability that come from missing the mark enables to us to be more empathetic and understanding of the shortcomings and mistakes of others. "We learn by sharing our stories of heartbreak and discovery, of being comatose and waking up. In this great world, there is nowhere that is not a wisdom hall."

How true! The graduates of Naropa and other universities will be challenged to seek out wisdom in strange and often exotic places as they try to find jobs, do fulfilling work, and make their contributions to society. Walking on the avenue of failure with Pema Chodron will enable you to see new and interesting sights and to experience fresh insights as well. Be sure to read Sounds True founder and Buddhist practitioner Tami Simon's impressive interview with the American-born Buddhist nun in the last section of this book.