Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times

by Kelsang Gyatso

The heart of Buddha’s teachings is unconditional love and compassion. In this inspired explanation of the popular Buddhist poem Training the Mind in Seven Points, Geshe Kelsang reveals powerful and far-reaching methods for us to develop these altruistic states. Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences. Also included is a practical and uplifting explanation of how we can transform our day-to-day living – including even the most demanding and difficult conditions – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.

He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.

The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.

To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....

Reviews

[Greg De Tisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book. More than anything it reminded me of what I have been learning from The Dalai Lama and my learnings from Mindfulness practice. Personally I believe that if more kids and adults are taught things such as compassion rather than other things we are taught that no human use then the world would gradually begin changing certainly to a degree which is significant. If we allow the world to develop on greed and selfishness and also extreme behaviour who knows where our world will be in 50 years.

[Ryan Erlbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first Buddhist books I read- but it turned out that it was more advanced than others by Gyatso: including Transform your Life and 8 Steps to Happiness. I wouldn't start here, because of the higher level of teachings this book tackles.

[Manna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly helped me develop an understanding of the Buddhist perspective of Compassion. Very involved reading. This book is sure to enhance one's practice.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading this book with my teacher affected my life in a beneficial way.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grateful for the kindness of others.

[Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yawn... reads like a textbook or an instruction manual. Couldn’t get into it at all.

[Zeta Syanthis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little too much religion-based for me, but I'd imagine it's good if you're already a practicing Buddhist.

[Harold Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰

[John Chancey · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first experience reading about Mahayana Buddhism. I’m more familiar with Theravada and Zen but I appreciate reading more about how karma plays into samsara.

[Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally speaking, this is a pretty good book which has concepts I agree with.

However, there are two things that I think are detrimental to the message :

1. The book argues that all sentient life matters equally, but at the same time it uses wording such as, "even animals matter." This is problematic because though it's saying all sentient life is equal, it's doing so using language that implies inferiority of other animals — especially when considering that humans are also animals, which is not acknowledged.

2. Using the idea of karma, the book essentially argues that if bad things happen to people, it's a result of their past actions, even in "a past life." This is something I fundamentally disagree with, as it is often totally unrelated when something bad happens to someone versus what they may have done in the past, and it totally shifts blame from the actions of those in control of the world to the misfortune beings on earth.

Otherwise, this has a lot of other great concepts to consider.

[Vivian]

this too was very enlightening, you really learn about yourself and others around you.