| Title | : | An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0316989797 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780316989794 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 208 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2001 |
An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life Reviews
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This book was for a GR group selection.
I have to say that if I saw this book sitting on the library shelf I would have picked it up even if it wasn't a group read. The Dalai Lama has always help some fascination for me. I didn't really have any expectations when I picked it up, I was just looking to learn more about Buddhism though not necessarily methods for practicing through meditation.
I jotted down 4 pages of notes reading the foreword, introduction and first chapter. I was captivated by positive energy I felt reading about my role in making the world more peaceful and loving. I know, that sound so corny.
Unfortunately, I don't have a current interest in meditation so the rest of the book lost steam for me. If you are someone interested in meditation I think you will find this book much more helpful overall.
Here are some of my random notes, most of what we all know. However, we are never too old to have a refresher on how to better a good human being.
*Positive mental attitude is most important. Negativity breeds more negativity
*People need to work on being better people through compassion and understanding. Too often we only focus on what we think others see with their eyes and neglect to work on the way we act and feel.
*Being spiritual in not limited to one kind of religion. All religions have the same basic concept just a different history.
*We need to change our views of "us and them" and embrace that we are all one in the world. This can be hard when you don't believe in the ideals of others who do negative things.
*Promote non-violence
*Make problems be smaller because they will have less of an impact if you see them as small.
*Be more open-minded and have broader perspectives
*Be a bigger part of society
*Be kind to the environment
*We all have the same potential, different opportunities are what changes our outcome.
*Have better self confidence
*Look for good qualities in other people and it will help to keep us grounded from thinking we are better.
*Instead of getting down about something realize what ways you can better the situation.
*Use the power of your emotions to initiate change instead of being upset or angry.
*Anger and hatred for others will only poison ourselves.
*Tolerance and patients are signs of strength.
*When something bad happens use the experience to grow and be better and stronger!
*Mental well being and physical are very much related. -
I have read and re-read this book many times and I never grow tired of it. The teachings are ones that should always be remembered and put into practice. Compassion is the path to a full and enriched life. I highly recommend this book!
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This book was my introduction to Buddhist thought, and I picked it up at Target on a whim when I was at a very low point emotionally, sprirually, and physically. The Dalai Lama explains the "four noble truths" in a way I found particularly appealing. Here, I thought, is a book that is telling the truth about my life at this very moment. Although my own affinity is with Soto Zen, this book was a fabulous introduction to Buddhism generally. Moreover, as the subtitle indicates, the main theme of the work is showing compassion towards others in everyday life, something I think we all could be reminded of. And it has pictures taken by Richard Gere too!
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The Dalai Lama In New York City
In 1999, the Dalai Lama gave two teachings in New York City. The Dalai Lama gave the first teaching (which constitutes the Introduction to this book) in Central Park on August 15, 1999 to a gathering of 200,000 people. He gave the second teaching as a series of lectures to an audience of 3,000 people in Manhattan's Beacon Theater.
The individual lecture and the series of lectures each capture something essential about the Dalai Lama's teaching and his manner of presenting it. The Central Park lecture appears designed for a large, lay audience of diverse backgrounds and religious interests. It presupposes no particular knowledge of or interest in Buddhism. In the lecture, the Dalai Lama speaks simply and eloquently about the desire of all people to secure happiness. He talks about how this goal can be achieved, with time and effort, by understanding and curbing our desires for material things, by recognizing the essential equality of human nature and human drives everywhere, and by generating compassion. There is topical material included in this lecture on matters such as protecting the environment, the noise and bustle of New York City, and the sometimes drastic consequences of fanaticism and nationalism.
The series of lectures, in contrast to the Central Park lecture, is specifically Buddhist in character. The Dalai Lama tells us that the lectures are based in large part on two Buddhist tests: the "Middle-Length States of Meditation", by an eight-century Indian writer, Kamalashila, and "The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas" by a fourteenth century Tibetan, Togmay Sangpo.
In very short succinct chapters, the Dalai Lama's lectures explain the heart of Buddhist practice for a Western audience. They discuss the origin of suffering and unhappiness in our emotions, desires, and angers which color in turn the ways we perceive the world and make us unhappy. The Dalai Lama presents and discusses meditation and reflection as making a beginning toward breaking out of the unhappy character of impulsive, emotion-driven existence. By learning about ourselves, by trying to understand the "emptiness" of reality, and by generating compassion for others, we achieve equanimity and happiness for ourselves.
It is the mark of the Dalai Lama's wisdom that he is able to explain deep and difficult teachings in a lucid, inspiring manner. The teachings themselves are difficult to grasp and difficult to implement. The Dalai Lama emphasizes that it will do little good simply to read a book and then forget about it. The teachings need to be thought about and put into practice. Each person must work from where he or she is and strive to make progress.
Thus this book consists of a single lecture for those who may have little exposure to or interest in the Dalai Lama's teachings and a more detailed treatment for those with further background and interest. Either way, the book may light a spark in the receptive reader's heart.
Robin Friedman -
This book was the start of a spiritual journey. I really enjoyed reading it, and found myself having small epiphanies on the train while reading. I started referring to His Holiness in my head as His Holiness (as opposed to just "The Dalai Lama" like I used to) like he's an old friend. The very conversational writing style is approachable and His Holiness' compassion breathes through the pages to the reader.
In conclusion: this is one of those books that would make the world a truly better place if everyone read it. -
I was fortunate enough to see the Dalai Lama speak in The Mall in DC during this same time period (1999). Thanks to Becky for turning me on to this book. I had no idea he did of book based on that talk.
I loved this book. Of all the books I have read by his holiness, this is by far my favorite. It could be because it was the easiest to comprehend? Could be because I have been studying/practicing Buddhism for years now and have matured? His earlier books were more easterly written. It's possible that his English has gotten a lot better so therefore it is easier to comprehend? (That's one reason I love Pema Chadrone's books so much. She's a western Buddhist and thus writes like one)
The chapters are short and concise. He repeats the Dharma's (teachings) several times and in several chapters which helps it to sink in....for me anyway. I actually learned that Buddhism has a belief in Confessions. Totally new information for me! I was raised Catholic and have never been a Confessions fan. Of course he explains it quite simply and in away that doesn't make it so dammed intimidating.
This book also talks of many different types of mediation. I think that aspect of the religion intimidates lots of folks. My husband is a meditation pro in my mind. Myself...not so much. I understand its benefits and I meditate when I do yoga, but to sit in quiet contemplation for an hour a day, which is what my husband does, is a tough one for me. Meditation comes in many forms however.
I will read this book over and over again for the rest of my life....it's one of those books. -
I was thinking this book would be an easy way to just read and start practicing Buddhism on the go. It actually took me a couple of weeks just to go through the text and contemplate on it. In order to make Buddhism part of your life takes weeks, and years.. and maybe a lifetime.
Definitely a book I would come back always to seek for an answer or to find the path to my own questions.
"If we are able to diminish our selfish instincts and develop a little more concern for others before our death, we have made good use of this life." -
This book is one of my favorite what I like to call "perspective" books; meaning it gives you another facet for viewing life through. This book honestly made an impact on the way that I interact with people and how I view the things that happen in my life. I would say that if you're another person like me who is curious about how other people see the world in their heads then give this book a read.
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It didn't resonate with me. I prefer Thich Nhat Hanh's writings.
Some issues I had with this book:
- I disagree with his belief that animals don't have a sense of virtuousness. Maybe the Dalai Lama had not seen instances of animal compassion firsthand, but I'm convinced that animals are sentient and can choose to perform kind deeds.
- I don't like it when someone espouses the idea that humans are better than all other beings. I don't think that's true. We are one species among many. I feel like this sense of species-importance conflicts with the message to treat yourself as no more significant than your fellow humans. I think you should treat yourself as no more significant than the microbes that live on and in you, a cat you have never met before, or a soybean plant.
- Too many assumptions. "Treat everyone like they were your mother in a past life because your mother has been so kind to you." Well, maybe in his world all mothers are kind, but I know of some mothers who are awful mothers and do not care for their children. "You find it easy to feel compassion for someone who is sick." Well, not always.
- "Everyone has shown you kindness by helping to bring about situations and products that you benefit from." Ah, he means the economy. That's driven out of self-interest, most likely. A baker bakes bread and sells it to you because he can spend that money on something else, not because he is kind to you.
I would rate it one star, but I suppose I'll add a star for telling people to be good to one another. -
I think this is an example of a book where regardless how good it is, if the reader isn't in a position ready for the book (whether it's the style/content etc) the book will just fall flat. It feels kind of wrong giving only 3 stars written by His Holiness but that is only a reflection of what I got out of the book, not the quality of the book itself. The book itself covers interesting and important topics, in particular the definition of compassion and how that is closely tied to Buddhism and the steps derived from Buddhism to achieve compassion and calmness with self. Something I really enjoy about books written by Dalai Lama XIV is that his books are about very broad themes (such as compassion and happiness) and although much of his writings takes examples from Buddhism and explains the relationship to Buddhism, he doesn't use the books as a way to "convert" readers. In fact, he even mentions similarities with other religions or steps people of other faiths can do to achieve similar results.
Honestly I read this book more for completion than enjoyment or getting much out of it. A lot of the specific steps (such as the meditation) I had difficulty relating directly to my own life. I feel like if I were in a more unhappy, less tranquil state this book would have done more for me and held a lot more answers. -
A lo largo de los últimos veinte años de mi vida, he leído decenas de libros religiosos, no religiosos, de tradiciones diversas, cristianas, apócrifas, hindúes, budistas, enseñanzas místicas, entiéndase entre otras: Rosacruces, masónicas, y en general, lecturas dirigidas a la práctica de la virtud, abolición del vicio y logro final de la iluminación. Tengo (modestia a parte) una biblioteca del tema, vasta y compuesta por centenas de libros, algunos bastante gruesos y antiguos, pero lo que he encontrado en este humilde, delgado y sencillo libro de bolsillo, ha sido, por mucho, inconmensurablemente más valioso que todos los libros antes mencionados, juntos y recopilados en uno solo. Este pequeño GRAN volumen de sabiduría pura, debería ser material indiscutible de escuela/colegio, y un compañero inseparable para volver a él cuántas veces sea necesario en nuestro caminar por esta, y las siguientes vidas.
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I thought the introductory chapter was thought-provoking ... it made me want to keep reading. But by the third page of the "text" I was bored and disinterested. Maybe I'm too much of an "A" personality to want so much peace and serenity. (The woman who recommended it to book club didn't show up for the discussion.)
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“Like a freshly grafted branch on an old tree that will eventually absorb the life of that tree and create a new one, we must nurture new inclinations by deliberately cultivating virtuous practices. This is the true meaning and object of the practice of meditation.”
“If we are able to diminish our selfish instincts and develop a little more concern for others before our death, we have made good use of this life.” -
This is a good overview of Buddhism for the common man. Its interesting to read this and consider all of the teachings that I violate almost every day. I think everyone of all faiths should read this - much can be learned from the Dalai Llama, just reading the book itself seems to help put you on the right path - although being a true buddhist is near impossible in american and/or western society. Sometimes I look at the pictures of the beautiful Tibetan mountains and wonder if perhaps I lived in the Himalayas (maybe not in Tibet itself because it is under the rule of China!) and had a simple life that did not revolve around money or popularity like it does here in America - maybe I could actually try to practice buddhism in earnest. I definitely think its good to take some time and meditate. Oh I saw the Dalai Lama speak in Tucson and it was amazing!
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A/A+ This book explains a lot of the basics of compassion, and offers some wonderful wisdom--really great for those on my level of Buddhism
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Inspiring. I found myself going back through an highlighting full passages. What an incredible man! You can read this book repeatedly and get something new from it each time.
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I love reading the writings of His Holiness. His voice comes through so clearly. This book is simple and straightforward, and worth a read.
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Purely inspiring!
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A lot of this was way over my head. However, the bits I understood I enjoyed very much :) Extremely humbling.
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A really clear book, translated in simple, accessible (sometimes blunt) prose that provides a more compassionate, empathetic means of viewing life.
For me this book is useful for outlining methods of thinking that might be obvious to those with a secure attachment style/healthy childhood, but is gold dust for those with anxious/avoidant attachment and dysfunctional or abusive families.
I particularly liked the analogies used to frame these ways of thinking eg that society is like a body, and you cannot be considered healthy or well if one limb is injured, so we cannot be considered a healthy society if some people are suffering. In this manner, non-violence is heralded is a manifestation of compassion. Since everyone is the same in this regard, hurting your
enemy has the same potential to hurt yourself.
Another useful piece of wisdom was regarding how to resolve a quarrel. If there is a problem between people, there is also, inherently, a common interest, which can likely be resolved through dialogue.
The Dalai Lama highlights afflictive emotions - desire, hate and anger that cause many of the micro and macro problems in the world. To combat these problems, he signposts how tolerance and patience aren’t signs of weakness, but signs of power and strength; which was particularly comforting to me. In essence, there is always an element of perception and distortion at play when it comes to our worldview. What we desire can become 100% good and what we dislike becomes 100% bad, but more rational temperance is needed to see the reality of a situation, for which meditation can really help.
My main takeaway was that ‘compassion is of little value if it remains an idea’- compassion needs to be a way of life, reflected in our thoughts, actions and attitude towards others. -
An amazing book about compassion, letting go and using meditation to attain a more peaceful and positive life. If everyone in the world read this book, and at the very least tried to put into practise the teachings of this book, the world would be a truly better place
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Believe it or not, most of the ideas expressed here could be qualified as "non-denominational". Just read it.
I grew up in a family that had an odd mix of religions but was, for the most part, non-practicing. I was given my choice on whether or not to continue attending church (practicing an organized religion) when I was 10 and, well, the lake and my friends called every day....I used to have a complex about it until a very wise friend, whom I respect and admire very much, pointed out that she did indeed consider me to be a very spiritual person, and that not practicing an organized religion does not exclude one from being so. Some may say that that makes me complacent, but I like to think otherwise.
This has been on my shelves for a couple of years now, and I'm choosing to read it now because some people in my immediate world, as my friend R would say, "need Jesus". His Holiness was a friend of Senator Pell, who had Parkinson's. Shortly before he passed away, His Holiness came to Newport. It was sort of understood that it was to say goodbye, so when our president got him to speak for us, we were happy that the family would "share" his time here with the public. Tickets had to be limited, and all of a sudden, people you hadn't heard from in a while surfaced to see whether or not you were using your extra ticket, or did you know anyone who wasn't using theirs? Had we had room on the lawn, we could have filled fifteen of those tents or more. The wind was coming off the water, and if we were cold, I can only imagine that he was freezing, but it was the most delightful afternoon. Most of the speech centered around the teachings in this book, but I do remember a personal story that he told. It was refreshing to hear that yes, even the Dalai Lama gets frustrated and angry sometimes, even if that story came all the way back from his childhood (darn that parrot!) I have a photograph of him as he left the tent, because he zeroed in on one of the nuns, who was quite elderly at the time, and went over to greet her.
But back to the book. As I said, one could take the teachings on compassion and spirituality in the most open of senses; the ideas are presented in a clear and accessible way, easy analogies, and I would qualify most of it, outside of the ideas on reincarnation, as humanist. Only at the end, when he delves into the use of meditation as a means of reaching the enlightened state, do the teachings start to become more Buddhist in nature.
There are things happening in my world that test me right now, and I found the teachings helpful. I almost gave it a four, because I'm still missing what one does when what they want involves the obliteration of what will bring you peace and happiness. In other words, when that person at work sets out to make your life difficult, not for their own benefit, but just to make your life difficult, what happens? What happens when the other person's target is merely your sense of peace? What happens when one country decides to invade another? Is passive avoidance always the answer? However, these lectures address not only the reactive--what happens when you're attacked/bothered/annoyed, etc, but also an active reaching out to those who would disturb your sense of peace. A "proactive" prayer for those people, if you will, but not in a condescending sense.
However, I decided to give it five stars because on my ratings system, five means "I'll be reading this again." And I will. Probably every day for the next 5 months, hopefully not the next three years and 5 months! -
This book along with many others touches base with the most common mental blocks we set ourselves up with. I find it very helpful in guiding the growth of a more healthy, possitive mind set. The ideas are pretty common sense but he has such a way with making it easier to associate with your daily life therfore making it easier to impliment.
now that i finished it there are points that i am very dissapointed with. still a great book and maybe it has to with who edited it but it was shocking to read that he was basically saying to stop feeling and if you do feel take control over it and let it go. i was just surprised. -
Compassion. Kindness. Wisdom. Generosity of spirit. Although I am not a Buddhist, I find myself perpetually interested in the universality of the teachings of the Dalai Lama. I find that each person who reads his books takes away something different from them; some personal meaning that gives insight to the struggles of the human condition. For myself, it is to remember that though I may not find compassion where I would most expect it (my family), I must remain open to and mindful of the compassion around me in many other people. I hope that others can find their own meaning in this book. I return to it time and again, when I'm not at my best.
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Claro está un gran libro para todo practicante del budismo, especialmente interesados en desarrollar la bodichita. Es un libro un tanto avanzado que no recomendaría a personas que se están iniciando en la práctica. Las enseñanzas son prácticas pero profundas y si consideró que personas sin previos conocimientos y previa práctica encontrarán el libro un tanto confuso o desafiante. Para aquellos practicantes experimentados o no tan experimentados es un gran libro para recordarnos nuestro trabajo espiritual y el cómo alcanzar el estado de buda a través de la compasión.
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Que todos los seres sintientes se libren del sufrimiento. Que podamos meditar sobre la naturaleza del tiempo, y la mente. Buscar claridad de pensamiento, evitar pensamientos, palabras y acciones no virtuosas. La compasión se cultiva todos los días. Buscar un sentido de ecuanimidad y bondad-amor con cualquier persona que te rodea. Todos estamos interconectados, todos dependemos de todos. Alcanzar el estado del buda, eliminar todo sufrimiento y conseguir felicidad suprema hoy y todos los días esta vida y las siguientes.
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I found a lot to agree with in this book early on. The bits on compassion and suffering, and the whole psychological aspect of it. But I lost interest about half way through as it got more mystical and I sensed more organization than I thought there would be in the religion.
None-the-less, the book was a quick read and seemed to be a good introduction to buddhism. Worth the read. -
I enjoyed this book and it had a lot of really great things to think about. It seemed like more of a Buddhism 101 book that it did a guide to finding compassion. I realize they both go hand in hand, but I also believe that they can occur separately. I'm glad I read it because I learned a lot about Buddhism and It forced me to think about my actions, but I could have done without the last half.
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While I do not think that I could embrace Buddhism, I learn from reading the Dalai Lama's writings, and know myself better after reading this particular selection. I have tamed anger, learned to know myself better and be more genuinely compassionate through several readings of this book.
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Not being Buddhist I enjoyed it most for his teachings consequences of anti-virtue (attachment, covetousness, malice) - not necessary in the karmic eternal sense, but even in the day-to-day affect on yourself, your interactions with others, and their reactions to you. It was a good reminder.
