The Wisdom of Compassion: Stories of Remarkable Encounters and Timeless Insights - Hardcover

Lama, H. H. Dalai; Chan, Victor

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1594487383 ISBN 13: 9781594487385

Publisher: Riverhead Books, 2012

Synopsis

This is the Dalai Lama at his most human, and most humane, offering rare insight and behind-the-scenes stories about his interactions with remarkable people from all walks of life. Don't miss the Dalai Lama's classic book, The Art of Happiness, or his newest, The Book of Joy, named one of Oprah's Favorite Things. 

The Wisdom of Compassion shows how His Holiness the Dalai Lama approaches the world with playfulness, optimism, and a profound empathy for the suffering of others. Through his own conduct, he shows us the tangible benefits of practicing kindness, forgiveness and compassion. And he demonstrates that opening our hearts and minds to others is the surest path to true happiness.

The Wisdom of Compassion is an intensely personal portrait of the Dalai Lama. It recounts the story of his friendship with a blind Irishman, how they first met and how in later meetings the Dalai Lama comes to call him his one and only hero. It explores the Dalai Lama’s collaboration with a neuroscientist and how it results in significant discoveries about the human brain. It also brings to life poignant accounts of his uncommon encounters with a little beggar girl, a disabled boy in a critical care ward, a man who trains grandmothers to become solar engineers, and many others.

The Dalai Lama’s wisdom principles revolve around the practical application of compassion. Enhanced by his seven decades of practice and elucidated through captivating anecdotes of his own experiences, they will help readers lead more fulfilling lives. As the Dalai Lama has written many years ago: if you want others to be happy, practice compassion; if you want yourself to be happy, practice compassion.

About this title

About the Author

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. His tireless efforts on behalf of human rights and world peace have brought him international recognition. He is the recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Congressional Human Rights Award, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2006, His Holiness was recognized with Honorary Citizenship by the Governor General of Canada.

Victor Chan is the author of the Tibet Handbook: A Pilgrimage Guide. Together with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he co-authored The Wisdom of Forgiveness: Intimate Conversations and Journeys (Riverhead, 2004). In 2005 he founded the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education in Vancouver with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Review

"Chan provides an insider's account of the spiritual master's teachings at venues large and small.... Leaving intact the Dalai Lama's distinctive English, Chan vividly conveys the world leader's intense curiosity, intelligence, explosive laughter, keen wisdom, and kindness; his account of the Dalai Lama's conversation with Archbishop Desmond Tutu crackles with energy. Throughout, His Holiness incisively conveys his core teaching that inner transformation is key to alleviating suffering and bringing peace to a violent world. He also listens intently to innovators who are committed to the same goals. Details provide immediacy; carefully placed background information gives context. These inspiring dialogues communicate His Holiness's worldwide appeal and essential commitment to compassion." -- "Publishers Weekly"

"Tales of kindness and understanding from the Dalai Lama...[Readers] will come away with a better sense of the importance of communication, forgiveness and empathy, regardless of the circumstances." - "Kirkus Reviews"

About this edition

• Publisher: Riverhead Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1594487383
• ISBN 13: 9781594487385
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 255