The Magnanimous Heart: Compassion and Love, Loss and Grief, Joy and Liberation

by Narayan Helen Liebenson

In her long-awaited debut, a beloved master teacher shows us how to move from the “constant squeeze” of suffering to a direct experience of enoughness.

The magnanimous heart is a heart of balance and buoyancy, of generosity and inclusivity. It allows us to approach each moment exactly as it is, in a fresh and alive way free from agendas and “shoulds,” receiving all that arises. It has the capacity to hold anything and everything, transforming even vulnerability and grief into workable assets.

In writing evocative of Pema Chödrön’s, Narayan Helen Liebenson teaches us exactly how it is possible to turn the sting and anguish of loss into a path of liberation—the deep joy, peace, and happiness within our own hearts that exists beyond mere circumstances.

The Magnanimous Heart shows us how to skillfully respond to painful human emotions through the art of meditative inquiry, or questioning wisely. Readers will learn how to live from a compassionate love that guides our lives and warms whatever it shines upon.

With metta and compassion as companions and allies, we discover how our own magnanimous hearts can gently allow the inner knots to untie themselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Spirituality, Psychology

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2019

Reviews

[Michael Sasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly compelling and sweet exploration of Buddhist thinking on the connection between loss/sorrow and liberation/mudita (sympathetic joy). I highly recommend it. The author has one of the clearest explanations of how to differentiate between non-attachment and not caring... I still struggle with that understanding but if I come to "get it", this book will have been a big part of that.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I studied with Narayan in Cambridge years ago and she has been my most cherished meditation teacher. This book is a phenomenal synthesis of many of her recent teachings and I continued to learn so much from her in it. A great read for pandemic times.

[John Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnanimous heart is like a swinging door. Experiences come in and go out without clinging or interpretation. We digest and release experiences, instead of getting caught in ideas about the way things are and how they “should” be or finding fault with ourselves or others.

[Colten Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As we learn to accept the natural limitations of this body/mind experience, it becomes ever more possible to live with greater love and wonder and with less clinging and attachment. This is the sign of a true contemplative, not just a person who can sit endlessly on a cushion.”

[Sue Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Namaste'

[DChristina]

Powerful! The wisdom and compassion expressed feels as if it's drawn from a deep well of experience; it's thoughtful and well-expressed.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. In late August, I attended an online retreat with Narayan at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS)—the first time I'd experienced her teaching—which was wonderful. She is a guiding teacher both at IMS and the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, where she is also co-founder.

I was curious about such a senior female teacher. I found her to be strong, wise, discerning, and skillful with a touch of humor who guided us quickly and effectively into deep territory. No beating about the bush here! Rather, sharing a lifetime of learning with heart-centered knowing, calm, and kindness. This book captures some of that—which says a lot.

[Johnpm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I've read many books on mindfulness Buddhism etc and most to me, a layman, I find them rather obscure, but this book, while not skirting on the philosophy, goes straight to your understanding chips, it's beautifully written and it contains the perfect amount of prose and poetry. It's not an instructional manual, but it also does contain advice gems that will improve your practice, in all it's a nice read from a great teacher.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke directly to me on every single page. I had the privilege and joy of being taught by and learning from Narayan at the inside meditation society in June 2023. Out of all the books available there, I chose hers, and I am very grateful for every word.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. My companion during a really trying time for me.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so captivated by Narayan in our Cloud Mountain retreat last year that I had to read her book. I was hoping it would be all about her super interesting life, but it’s more of a guide on how to think about meditation. I wouldn’t recommend it as a how-to-meditate book for beginners, but it’s good for supplementing Goenka’s tactical how-to-meditate 10 day course with how to think about his techniques conceptually as they relate to daily life.

I loved the last chapter on “enoughness” being the point of meditation and will revisit that chapter for the reminders once in a while. Also liked her description of the magnanimous heart as having the buoyancy to digest and release experiences instead of clinging, allowing us to encounter what is present with spaciousness and be open to the next moment’s experience. I experienced this feeling in both Goenka retreats (more deeply in the 2nd retreat) but it’s still a fleeting one for me. Explanation of metta was helpful since that wasn’t covered well in the Goenka course.

[Rae Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minuteman. Author is at Insight Meditation Center.