Visions of Compassion: Western Scientists and Tibetan Buddhists Examine Human Nature

by Richard J. Davidson (Editor), Anne Harrington (Editor)

This book examines how Western behavioral science--which has generally focused on negative aspects of human nature--holds up to cross-cultural scrutiny, in particular the Tibetan Buddhist celebration of the human potential for altruism, empathy, and compassion. Resulting from a meeting between the Dalai Lama, leading Western scholars, and a group of Tibetan monks, this volume includes excerpts from these extraordinary dialogues as well as engaging essays exploring points of difference and overlap between the two perspectives.

Genres: Philosophy, Science, Buddhism, Spirituality, Psychology

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Claus · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, describing the origins of the Mind and Life dialogues, and how western science meets buddhist traditions (and what both sides can learn from each other)