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The Compassion Book: Teachings for Awakening the Heart
The revered Buddhist teacher and author of When Things Fall Apart presents the lojong teachings—pithy slogans for daily contemplation—and the ways in which they can enrich our lives
Welcome compassion and fearlessness as your guide, and you’ll live wisely and effectively in good times and bad. But that’s easier said than done. In The Compassion Book , Pema Chödrön introduces a powerful, transformative method to nurture these qualities using a practice called lojong , which has been a primary focus of her teachings and personal practice for many years. For centuries, Tibetan Buddhists have relied on these teachings to awaken the deep goodness that lies within us.
The lojong teachings include fifty-nine pithy slogans for daily contemplation, such as “Always maintain only a joyful mind,” “Don’t be swayed by external circumstances,” “Don’t try to be the fastest,” and “Be grateful to everyone.” This book presents each of these slogans and includes Pema’s clear, succinct guidance on how to understand them—and how they can enrich our lives. It also features a forty-five-minute downloadable audio program entitled “Opening the Heart,” in which Pema offers in-depth instruction on tonglen meditation, a powerful practice that anyone can undertake to awaken compassion for oneself and others.
Welcome compassion and fearlessness as your guide, and you’ll live wisely and effectively in good times and bad. But that’s easier said than done. In The Compassion Book , Pema Chödrön introduces a powerful, transformative method to nurture these qualities using a practice called lojong , which has been a primary focus of her teachings and personal practice for many years. For centuries, Tibetan Buddhists have relied on these teachings to awaken the deep goodness that lies within us.
The lojong teachings include fifty-nine pithy slogans for daily contemplation, such as “Always maintain only a joyful mind,” “Don’t be swayed by external circumstances,” “Don’t try to be the fastest,” and “Be grateful to everyone.” This book presents each of these slogans and includes Pema’s clear, succinct guidance on how to understand them—and how they can enrich our lives. It also features a forty-five-minute downloadable audio program entitled “Opening the Heart,” in which Pema offers in-depth instruction on tonglen meditation, a powerful practice that anyone can undertake to awaken compassion for oneself and others.
144 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2017
208 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Pema Chödrön
189 books5,455 followersAni Pema Chödrön (Deirdre Blomfield-Brown) is an American Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition, closely associated with the Kagyu school and the Shambhala lineage.
She attended Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She taught as an elementary school teacher for many years in both New Mexico and California. Pema has two children and three grandchildren.
While in her mid-thirties, she traveled to the French Alps and encountered Lama Chime Rinpoche, with whom she studied for several years. She became a novice nun in 1974 while studying with Lama Chime in London. His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa came to England at that time, and Ani Pema received her ordination from him.
Ani Pema first met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Trungpa, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection, studying with him from 1974 until his death in 1987. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full bikshuni ordination in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong.
Ani Pema served as the director of the Karma Dzong, in Boulder, CO, until moving in 1984 to rural Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to be the director of Gampo Abbey. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave her explicit instructions on establishing this monastery for western monks and nuns.
Ani Pema currently teaches in the United States and Canada and plans for an increased amount of time in solitary retreat under the guidance of Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.
She attended Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She taught as an elementary school teacher for many years in both New Mexico and California. Pema has two children and three grandchildren.
While in her mid-thirties, she traveled to the French Alps and encountered Lama Chime Rinpoche, with whom she studied for several years. She became a novice nun in 1974 while studying with Lama Chime in London. His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa came to England at that time, and Ani Pema received her ordination from him.
Ani Pema first met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Trungpa, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection, studying with him from 1974 until his death in 1987. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full bikshuni ordination in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong.
Ani Pema served as the director of the Karma Dzong, in Boulder, CO, until moving in 1984 to rural Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to be the director of Gampo Abbey. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave her explicit instructions on establishing this monastery for western monks and nuns.
Ani Pema currently teaches in the United States and Canada and plans for an increased amount of time in solitary retreat under the guidance of Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 10, 2017
I am reviewing this book (and marking it as read), even though it is not really the kind of the book that is meant to be absorbed or "finished" at any point. While there are very few words, and it is a small book (page numbers as well as dimensions), it is meant to be studied and utilized over months or years. I don't have a lengthy background in Buddhism or meditation, but I am familiar enough to know the value of minimalism. I had never heard the term Lojong, so I have no basis of comparison, but I would say that this is "just enough" for a variety of audiences. Most likely, someone who is very familiar with the 59 slogans would use this tiny slice as one of many sources, supplementing with longer commentaries. It could be used as a quick reference in this case. For a beginner, it offers a brief taste, with just enough information to get started and point the way to more (as desired). I can't give 5 stars, simply because I wanted one or two more pages of introduction. I love the concept, I love the size and feel of the book (it really feels like something that could be carried through life in a pocket for moments of need), and I enjoyed the included audio file as an introduction. That said, I do think that a few more pages of introductory material would have really been helpful for a beginner like me.
March 26, 2017
A lovely little book of 59 daily contemplations about awakening your heart in the midst of day-to-day life. Each page contains one lojong, a Tibetan Buddhist slogan to help train your mind. On the facing page of the lojong is Pema Chodron’s brief commentary. The point is to use everything we encounter, pleasant or painful, to awaken compassion within us. As an example, the 25th lojong is “Don’t talk about injured limbs” with the commentary “Don’t try to build yourself up by talking about other people’s defects.” There is much wisdom contained in this tiny book, even if you are not a Buddhist. [NOTE: This appears to be the exact same content as Pema Chodron's "Compassion Cards" presented in book form.]
May 19, 2018
A small book of wisdom.
Favorite Passages:
. . . our personal problems and delights become a stepping-stone for understanding the suffering and happiness of all beings.
______
. . . breathe in the pain of the situation, wishing that all beings could be free of it. Then breathe out and send loving-kindness to all suffering beings including yourself!
______
Know your own mind with honesty and fearlessness.
______
Train enthusiastically in strengthening your natural capacity for compassion and loving-kindness.
______
Be patient with yourself and don't lose your sense of perspective.
Favorite Passages:
. . . our personal problems and delights become a stepping-stone for understanding the suffering and happiness of all beings.
______
. . . breathe in the pain of the situation, wishing that all beings could be free of it. Then breathe out and send loving-kindness to all suffering beings including yourself!
______
Know your own mind with honesty and fearlessness.
______
Train enthusiastically in strengthening your natural capacity for compassion and loving-kindness.
______
Be patient with yourself and don't lose your sense of perspective.
April 3, 2018
The Compassion Book contains the 59 lojong teachings that form the core of Pema’s teachings. These slogans are meant to be used together with the tonglen practice. While all that sounds like this is some sort of book that makes sense only to a Tibetan, that is not the case at all. As with all of Pema’s teachings, these are easily accessible to anyone, regardless of their affiliation to any religion. Pema suggests picking up any slogan at random every day and to remind ourselves of it through the course of the day. That’s what I have been trying, except that I quite don’t remember it through the course of the day!
It takes practice to understand the truer essence of the slogans. An essential part of your collection if you are a Pema Chodron fan like I am!
It takes practice to understand the truer essence of the slogans. An essential part of your collection if you are a Pema Chodron fan like I am!
July 30, 2022
Chekawa Yeshe Dorje's lojong or “mind training” slogans suggest we use our difficulties and problems as opportunities rather than seeing them as barriers. Rather than avoiding difficulties, we can recognize them as the raw material for awakening genuine compassion and approach them. This style to awakening uses a tonglen practice – taking in others' pain on the in-breath and breathing out and sharing our joy, compassion, and positive intentions.
The basic notion of lojong is that we can make friends with what we reject, what we see as “bad” in ourselves and in other people. At the same time, we could learn to be generous with what we cherish, what we see as “good.” If we begin to live in this way, something in us that may have been buried for a long time begins to ripen. (p. viii)
Dorje – and Pema Chödrön – present 59 slogans to guide one's spiritual practice. Chödrön suggests choosing one at random a day, read its commentary, then attempt to live that slogan throughout the day (#49. Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment). Maybe my next time through – and there will be more times – I will read only one a day, although I doubt it. I read several a day, including slogans from previous days.
Most of these slogans are abstract (e.g., #50. Don’t be swayed by external circumstance), but Chödrön's commentary clarifies them, as in this commentary on the 50th slogan: "Whether you are sick or well, rich or poor, comfortable or uncomfortable, practice tonglen. Whatever is wanted, send that out for others to enjoy. Whatever is unwanted, breathe that in, experiencing it directly for yourself and all the others who are in the same boat" (p. 101).
Elsewhere, Chödrön recommended working with these slogans after having practiced meditation for a year or more. This is probably a good idea, but I approached this recommendation flexibly. I do not have a sitting practice, but have consciously incorporated meditation ideas throughout my life. This seemed to be enough of a foundation for me.
The basic notion of lojong is that we can make friends with what we reject, what we see as “bad” in ourselves and in other people. At the same time, we could learn to be generous with what we cherish, what we see as “good.” If we begin to live in this way, something in us that may have been buried for a long time begins to ripen. (p. viii)
Dorje – and Pema Chödrön – present 59 slogans to guide one's spiritual practice. Chödrön suggests choosing one at random a day, read its commentary, then attempt to live that slogan throughout the day (#49. Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment). Maybe my next time through – and there will be more times – I will read only one a day, although I doubt it. I read several a day, including slogans from previous days.
Most of these slogans are abstract (e.g., #50. Don’t be swayed by external circumstance), but Chödrön's commentary clarifies them, as in this commentary on the 50th slogan: "Whether you are sick or well, rich or poor, comfortable or uncomfortable, practice tonglen. Whatever is wanted, send that out for others to enjoy. Whatever is unwanted, breathe that in, experiencing it directly for yourself and all the others who are in the same boat" (p. 101).
Elsewhere, Chödrön recommended working with these slogans after having practiced meditation for a year or more. This is probably a good idea, but I approached this recommendation flexibly. I do not have a sitting practice, but have consciously incorporated meditation ideas throughout my life. This seemed to be enough of a foundation for me.
July 20, 2022
I would have liked to see a bit more done within the commentaries to help me grasp the text's excellent main points.
October 18, 2021
I used this as one of my key texts for working through the lojong slogans and as always with Chodron, found it practical and helpful. It is very brief, so it’s a great book for those who have already worked through the slogans in depth and just need a little reminder. Of course it’s good for beginners too, but eventually I’d encourage a deeper exploration of the slogans.
January 29, 2025
A tiny book of immense wisdom.
October 3, 2022
What are the main ideas?
* the 59 lojong slogans are one way to practice making friends with / drawing closer to things that are painful, that we usually want to move away from. that movement towards that which we'd rather escape can generate genuine compassion in us.
* the slogans also teach us to share that which we consider pleasurable or enjoyable. this is in contrast to much of our typical conditioning, which is to hoard those things.
* lojong practice teaches us that everything in our experience, pleasurable or unpleasurable, can be a key to awakening.
If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?
be grateful for everything (including suffering).
How would I describe the book to a friend?
this pocket book packs a wallop. it's short on words and big on depth. it's absolutely a text that could be worked with over and over again. if i'm honest, many of the slogans refer to things about which i'd have no idea without the commentary. and that's ok. chödrön shares great and very brief explanations of the references. but it's a little bewildering to read a sentence like "always abide by the three basic principles." and then look over to see what they actually are. i think this is just fuel to the fire/awareness of the reality that buddhism in america really is out of context.
* the 59 lojong slogans are one way to practice making friends with / drawing closer to things that are painful, that we usually want to move away from. that movement towards that which we'd rather escape can generate genuine compassion in us.
* the slogans also teach us to share that which we consider pleasurable or enjoyable. this is in contrast to much of our typical conditioning, which is to hoard those things.
* lojong practice teaches us that everything in our experience, pleasurable or unpleasurable, can be a key to awakening.
If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?
be grateful for everything (including suffering).
How would I describe the book to a friend?
this pocket book packs a wallop. it's short on words and big on depth. it's absolutely a text that could be worked with over and over again. if i'm honest, many of the slogans refer to things about which i'd have no idea without the commentary. and that's ok. chödrön shares great and very brief explanations of the references. but it's a little bewildering to read a sentence like "always abide by the three basic principles." and then look over to see what they actually are. i think this is just fuel to the fire/awareness of the reality that buddhism in america really is out of context.
November 11, 2019
Timeless wisdom coupled with everyday common sense are hallmarks of Buddhist nun Pema Chodron's books and CD's, which have been an important part of my own spiritual path since I first discovered her in the early 90's. The Compassion Book is no exception. Using the 1000-year-old tradition of the Lojong teachings, Pema provides commentary on these ancient Buddhist slogans that highlights their no-nonsense applicability in our own modern lives. Many of these slogans do seem particularly relevant today: "Don't be swayed by external circumstances", "Don't seek others' pain as the limbs of your own happiness", "Don't try to be the fastest". If there ever was a time when the virtues of compassion and open-heartedness were needed, this may truly be such a time.
March 31, 2018
"Pema is so wise." ~ Andrea Gibson
September 16, 2024
This is a sweet size book you could put in your pocket if you enjoyed. I like that. I’m not saying this book is not worth reading, however I found it redundant, simplistic, and not greatly explanatory—which I do realize is hard to do in its small size. If you liked this try the The Pocket Pema Chodron (Shambhala Pocket Classics). It is actually smaller with small type and the things I wish this one would have been more like.
This was an ok read for me. As a feminist it’s not that I don’t like her, but I find I get so much more out of reading Thich Nhat Hanh and Jack Kornfield. I’d like to try Sharon Salzberg next.
This was an ok read for me. As a feminist it’s not that I don’t like her, but I find I get so much more out of reading Thich Nhat Hanh and Jack Kornfield. I’d like to try Sharon Salzberg next.
November 20, 2019
Very thought-provoking to read through all of the Lojong slogans with Chödrön's commentary, with a lot to ponder. A few comments in particular stood out to me, but, "At death, aspire to spend all your future lives in the presence of your teachers and to do your best to benefit others forever" (a comment on #18, about what to do at one's death) — that was really touching and heartwarming, and yes, absolutely.
Read
July 1, 2022When it comes to Buddhist teaching, there's a whole heckuva lot I don't know. This book feels as though it would be more useful to those who practice Buddhism. That said, the idea behind it is a good one, and the practice of lojong could be beneficial to anyone. There are certainly slogans that overlap with the tenets of Christianity.
It's intended that you pick one slogan a day to practice, but I did read the book all the way through once. I do plan to revisit this book.
It's intended that you pick one slogan a day to practice, but I did read the book all the way through once. I do plan to revisit this book.
March 23, 2017
I love all Pema's books!
This one however was a waste of money. Buy 'Start Where You Are' instead. It contains everything in this book and so so much more.
If you have no knowledge of the Lojong slogans this will be of no help. If you do you'll probably find this very disappointing.
The 'in-depth instruction on Tonglen downloadable program' this book offers is available online free for everyone.
This one however was a waste of money. Buy 'Start Where You Are' instead. It contains everything in this book and so so much more.
If you have no knowledge of the Lojong slogans this will be of no help. If you do you'll probably find this very disappointing.
The 'in-depth instruction on Tonglen downloadable program' this book offers is available online free for everyone.
July 12, 2020
Kindle book This had quite a few of the same lesson that were in "Always Maintain a Joyful Mind" Nevertheless I enjoyed savouring them again as well as some that were new to me. As suggested in the book this book should be randomly opened every day and see what you can improve. There is something for everyone in this book!
November 1, 2020
Similar to the 7 steps book, some of the tonglen slogans did not match my faith, but I’m reading more to seek out what I can apply for a joyful, grateful, and positive life! So I found some slogans that do align with my faith and will apply those daily (ie. Don’t be swayed by external circumstances. & Always maintain a joyful mind.).
October 8, 2025
3.5
A book of morning messages to take with you through the day — based on Buddhist teachings. I really thought this was beautiful, I just wish it was written to be more accessible for people who aren’t Buddhist to understand. Some of the points were too abstract and rooted in Buddhism for me to really grasp
A book of morning messages to take with you through the day — based on Buddhist teachings. I really thought this was beautiful, I just wish it was written to be more accessible for people who aren’t Buddhist to understand. Some of the points were too abstract and rooted in Buddhism for me to really grasp
June 26, 2018
Help for practice
Meditation is not always easy; the slogans are a convenient prop for those moments in which we need to practice, but meditation seems not to be the best way to go.
Meditation is not always easy; the slogans are a convenient prop for those moments in which we need to practice, but meditation seems not to be the best way to go.
January 16, 2023
Although the boom has great value, it was very redundant. I’m glad it was as short as it was. The author has written much better books, and this one felt like a footnote that needed to be expanded so that the author could dive more into a grain of salt in a vast sea ocean.
May 18, 2024
Pop sugar reading challenge 2024 - a book with at least 24 poems
I am going to count these "slogans" as poems - they pack a lot of materials in to few words. The commentary elaborates on them.
I am going to count these "slogans" as poems - they pack a lot of materials in to few words. The commentary elaborates on them.
November 4, 2025
A good book to dip in and out of, but a bit too much Sanskrit for my preference. I am fine with necessary untranslated Sanskrit in longer works or instructional texts, but for single line entries that I'm meant to read in the morning and take with me throughout the day, it doesn't work for me.
June 25, 2017
some good advise, a little too new age for me...but it was a quick read and I got a few things out of it
July 29, 2017
Brief, very accessible Buddhist wisdom, thoughts on life and daily attitudes. Something to re-read again and again.
September 4, 2017
Just ok
Rather brief, not as much detailed instruction as I need. Perhaps I am not ready for this and I will need to re-read in the future.
Rather brief, not as much detailed instruction as I need. Perhaps I am not ready for this and I will need to re-read in the future.
October 1, 2018
Such practical and easily digestible teachings. Handy reference for everyday (which is even recommended from the start). This one is a keeper.
March 9, 2021
Spent time with each of the 59 slogans each morning -- a different pace from other Pema and Buddhist dharma that I've read, and the simplicity felt challenging and inviting of deep inquiry.
July 4, 2021
Easy to read and very heart touching to absorb. I’d recommend it
July 28, 2021
Just not in the right frame of mind to get anything out of this book
March 29, 2022
The content is wise and inspiring. The format was a little too simplistic for my taste. Nevertheless I can imagine it is nice to pick a slogan to read each day for some.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews