An Open Heart: Practising Compassion in Everyday Life - Softcover

The Dalai Lama Edited By Nicholas Vreeland

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340794313 ISBN 13: 9780340794319

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, 2002

Synopsis

In the Dalai Lama's own words: "it is my hope that the reader of this small book will take away a basic understanding of Buddhism and some of the key methods by which Buddhist practitioners have cultivated compassion and wisdom in their lives. The methods discussed have been taken from three sacred texts of Buddhism. I would like to stress at the outset, however, that one doesn't have to be a Buddhist to make use of these meditation techniques. Meditation is merely the process whereby we gain control over the mind and guide it in a more virtuous direction. Meditation may also be thought of as a technique by which we dimish the force of old thought habits and develop new ones. Yet the techniques themselves do not lead to enlightenment or a compassionate and open heart. That is up to you, and the effort and motivation you bring to your spiritual practice".

About this title

Review

In the summer of 1999, the Dalai Lama addressed an audience of over 40,000 in Central Park on how to live a better life. Open Heart is derived from this and other popular lectures given in New York. Here, the Dalai Lama progresses beyond his bestsellers The Art of Happiness and Ethics for the New Millennium by introducing specific practices that can engender happiness. Spiritual practice, according to the Dalai Lama, is a matter of taming unwanted emotions, which means becoming aware of how the mind works. Through the methods of analytical and settled meditation, the Dalai Lama shows how we can cultivate helpful states of mind and eliminate harmful states, leading us to develop compassion for others and happiness for ourselves. But there is no preaching of a single, right method. This revered but humble monk merely invites the reader to understand the causes of one's suffering and consider how best to alleviate it. Open Heart should draw crowds to the bookstores and lead us all to more satisfactory living. --Brian Bruya

About the Author

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He has resided in exile in Dharamsala, India, since 1959 when Chinese forces invaded Tibet. His tireless efforts on behalf of world peace have brought him international recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. (See Notes for long biog)

Edition details

• Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340794313
• ISBN 13: 9780340794319
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208