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The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2020)For the first time ever, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses children directly, sharing lessons of peace and compassion, told through stories of his own childhood.
One of today's most inspiring world leaders was once an ordinary child named Lhamo Thondup. In a small village in Tibet, his mother was his first great teacher of compassion. In everyday moments from his childhood, young readers begin to see that important lessons are all around us, and that they, too, can grow to truly understand them.
With simple, powerful text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion, which Bao Luu illustrates beautifully in vibrant color. In an increasingly confusing world, The Seed of Compassion offers guidance and encouragement on how we all might bring more kindness to it.
One of today's most inspiring world leaders was once an ordinary child named Lhamo Thondup. In a small village in Tibet, his mother was his first great teacher of compassion. In everyday moments from his childhood, young readers begin to see that important lessons are all around us, and that they, too, can grow to truly understand them.
With simple, powerful text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion, which Bao Luu illustrates beautifully in vibrant color. In an increasingly confusing world, The Seed of Compassion offers guidance and encouragement on how we all might bring more kindness to it.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2020
11 people are currently reading
2934 people want to read
About the author
Dalai Lama XIV
1,554 books6,202 followersJetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.
After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.
Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.
After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.
Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 2, 2021
I have read several books of the Dalai Lama and he has spoken about losing his homeland and the pain that caused him, but I haven’t heard him speak to his childhood and how he became the Dalai Lama. I learned something here. He grew up as a normal kid with a compassionate mother and his father was a farmer. He was like any child.
This is a great intro into his life and life’s work of compassion. We see that he learned compassion by watching his mother. He fought with his brothers like any boy. I would love to read more about this time in his life back in the 1930s. He was found to be the 14th Dalai Lama at age 3.
The artwork is lovely and it conveys the simple life of his people and the joy that one feels around the Dalai Lama. This is a wonderful biography to read about a great man.
This is a great intro into his life and life’s work of compassion. We see that he learned compassion by watching his mother. He fought with his brothers like any boy. I would love to read more about this time in his life back in the 1930s. He was found to be the 14th Dalai Lama at age 3.
The artwork is lovely and it conveys the simple life of his people and the joy that one feels around the Dalai Lama. This is a wonderful biography to read about a great man.
November 10, 2020
Each year my family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books. The Seeds of Compassion, written by The Dalai Lama and illustrated by Bao Luu, is book #8 (of 22) of 2020. It’s a biography for children to introduce them to how the seeds of compassion were sewn in him and how kids can sow them in their lives.
Hank (14): 4 stars. I like the story of his life and him growing up.
Harry (15):3 stars. Nice art. I like it that he grew up to advocate for a “secular ethics to cultivate basic human values.”
Tara: 4 stars. I really like this story. So young when he was chosen! But as with many others this year, I find it is less for children than for adults to use with children.
Dave: 3 stars. Not a huge fan of the art, a little too muted for me. The story is familiar to me and I can’t imagine would be that memorable for children except that he was chosen and taken from his family at such a young age (age two and he convinced them he was reincarnated to be a spiritual leader). The seeds of compassion he says were planted in him by his parents who were warmhearted and charitable (though what can he realistically remember in the first two years of his life?) without many specific anecdotes.
Hank (14): 4 stars. I like the story of his life and him growing up.
Harry (15):3 stars. Nice art. I like it that he grew up to advocate for a “secular ethics to cultivate basic human values.”
Tara: 4 stars. I really like this story. So young when he was chosen! But as with many others this year, I find it is less for children than for adults to use with children.
Dave: 3 stars. Not a huge fan of the art, a little too muted for me. The story is familiar to me and I can’t imagine would be that memorable for children except that he was chosen and taken from his family at such a young age (age two and he convinced them he was reincarnated to be a spiritual leader). The seeds of compassion he says were planted in him by his parents who were warmhearted and charitable (though what can he realistically remember in the first two years of his life?) without many specific anecdotes.
September 19, 2020
4.5 STARS This is such an important message: cultivating compassion for others, thinking before you judge, being a force of good in the world. Yes, so needed. I have long been an admirer of the Dalai Lama and his messages. I think it's wonderful that he created this picture book to share with children.
The book is part biography and part instruction manual. It is probably a bit too lengthy for the youngest picture book crowd, though there is nothing in it that couldn't be shared with them. The illustrations are lovely, warm and gentle, and accompany the text well.
We see some examples from his life, especially in the example of his mother and her kindness to others. She was a shining example to him. I also think it is wonderful that the Dalai Lama showed his imperfections -- like the time when he and his brother had to be separated on the journey to Lhasa (when the Dalai Lama was four years old) because he and his brother were so rambunctious and roughhoused inside the cabin of the palanquin and knock it off balance. How reassuring to know that even someone like Dalai Lama could have his moments of imperfection ;-) I think children need to hear this. Yet, also the reminder that we are born with this goodness, this compassion, inside of us. "The seed of compassion is within every child. It is there from birth and is a part of our nature. And it flourishes because of love." He reminds children that compassion is also something that must be nurtured, that you may not have all the answers of how to act compassionately in a certain situation, but that "you can build compassion day by day. It takes practice. And even when you slip and don't make a compassionate choice, tomorrow presents the opportunity for you to try again."
I feel that I want just a little more about the "how" -- the concrete examples of how to cultivate compassion and act with compassion -- as I think this is where many children (and adults) struggle at time. He presents two good examples:
"When someone disagrees with you, rather than think they are mistaken, you must ask, 'Why might they feel this way?'"
"When someone is scowling or upset or hurt, you could busy yourself with your own concerns, or you could ask, 'What might I do to help them?'"
Good examples. I just wanted more.
He reminds us that humans have the ability to train their minds, that this is what makes us different from all other animals, and it is our superpower. He said this is where the seed of compassion thrives, that "compassion is based in the mind, the part of us that is uniquely human." (I do have a slight quibble here as I do believe some animals are capable of compassion. But, it doesn't detract from his overall message of the importance of cultivating compassion and the focus that humans can train their minds and always work toward living in a more compassionate way.)
Overall, highly recommended, especially in these times that seem so drained of compassion. Children need this gentle reminder that they are capable of making a positive difference in the world. The Dalai Lama reminds us that we cannot change the past but we can learn from it and shape the future. "And as children, you already have the tools needed to build a happier world, a better world, a compassionate world."
The book is part biography and part instruction manual. It is probably a bit too lengthy for the youngest picture book crowd, though there is nothing in it that couldn't be shared with them. The illustrations are lovely, warm and gentle, and accompany the text well.
We see some examples from his life, especially in the example of his mother and her kindness to others. She was a shining example to him. I also think it is wonderful that the Dalai Lama showed his imperfections -- like the time when he and his brother had to be separated on the journey to Lhasa (when the Dalai Lama was four years old) because he and his brother were so rambunctious and roughhoused inside the cabin of the palanquin and knock it off balance. How reassuring to know that even someone like Dalai Lama could have his moments of imperfection ;-) I think children need to hear this. Yet, also the reminder that we are born with this goodness, this compassion, inside of us. "The seed of compassion is within every child. It is there from birth and is a part of our nature. And it flourishes because of love." He reminds children that compassion is also something that must be nurtured, that you may not have all the answers of how to act compassionately in a certain situation, but that "you can build compassion day by day. It takes practice. And even when you slip and don't make a compassionate choice, tomorrow presents the opportunity for you to try again."
I feel that I want just a little more about the "how" -- the concrete examples of how to cultivate compassion and act with compassion -- as I think this is where many children (and adults) struggle at time. He presents two good examples:
"When someone disagrees with you, rather than think they are mistaken, you must ask, 'Why might they feel this way?'"
"When someone is scowling or upset or hurt, you could busy yourself with your own concerns, or you could ask, 'What might I do to help them?'"
Good examples. I just wanted more.
He reminds us that humans have the ability to train their minds, that this is what makes us different from all other animals, and it is our superpower. He said this is where the seed of compassion thrives, that "compassion is based in the mind, the part of us that is uniquely human." (I do have a slight quibble here as I do believe some animals are capable of compassion. But, it doesn't detract from his overall message of the importance of cultivating compassion and the focus that humans can train their minds and always work toward living in a more compassionate way.)
Overall, highly recommended, especially in these times that seem so drained of compassion. Children need this gentle reminder that they are capable of making a positive difference in the world. The Dalai Lama reminds us that we cannot change the past but we can learn from it and shape the future. "And as children, you already have the tools needed to build a happier world, a better world, a compassionate world."
November 8, 2020
Annual Goodreads Choice Awards reading project: Read all the Picture Book nominees! (10 of 15)
Plodding and preachy. A chore to read.
Plodding and preachy. A chore to read.
November 27, 2020
I discovered this book on Goodreads because it was a nominee for the best picture book of 2020. I was immediately captivated by the title alone and chose to read it as my autobiographical text in this module. I found a read aloud video on YouTube, though I wish I had been able to find the book in another format. This particular video watched hands flip through and hold the pages of the book while a voice read the pages aloud. The camera work was shaky, but I was able to see the full double spreads of the book and glimpse the end pages and author’s note. An additional downside of reading it from a video is that one cannot pace it themselves, but I chose to pause and scroll the video to read each page myself.
This book was written by the Dalai Lama XIV specifically for child audiences. It begins with a letter he wrote to his youngest readers about the message he hopes to share through the book. His Holiness wrote about his childhood growing up, how the seed of compassion was planted in him by his mother, how he became the Dalai Lama, and how he spreads the message of compassion around the world as the reincarnation of the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists. He directly addresses child readers assuring them of their power and influence in the ability to spread kindness and create a more compassionate future for themselves and each other. I especially valued how he made sure to include that compassion is a challenging skill to develop. It is a gradual process and requires discipline, effort, perseverance, and determination. The realistic watercolor and ink illustrations convey the beauty, gentleness, vibrancy, and potential of the world and all the creatures in it.
I really enjoyed the book. I read it three times! The teachings are powerful but still very child friendly. I was impressed by how the author was able to get such a tremendous message across in a way that remained accessible to even the youngest readers. The book is diverse in characters and representation, and the message is universal and inclusive to all, so children of any age could have this book read to them at home or at school. With vocabulary like “province,” “accompanied,” “naughty,” “reincarnation,” and “palanquin,” students may have to be older to access the story independently. The book concludes with a short timeline of the major events of the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama’s life including the year of his enthronement ceremony and the year he won the Nobel Peace Prize.
As I wrote before, I believe this book could be shared with children of all ages, certainly pre-k and up. It could be used in a study of Buddhism, world leaders, Tibetan culture, Nobel Peace Prize winners, autobiographies, and, of course, compassion. Of course, in each of these examples, the educator should use multiple books to avoid the dangers of a single story. In the most likely case, student would dive into this idea of compassion. What is compassion? What does it look like, sound like, feel like? Why is it challenging to learn? Why is it important? What difference does it make? Educators might ask students to think of examples of compassion to share or even act out with other students.
In younger classrooms, educators could start a “Compassion Bucket” and add a token each time compassion is spotted around the classroom community with the promise of a treat (like a compassion party!) when the bucket is full. Still, compassion is not just for the classroom. How does compassion look outside of school on the street or in the grocery store or at home? How can we show compassion to strangers in our community? What does it look like to be compassionate to yourself? There are a lot of wonderful ideas for discussion and practice in social and emotional learning. I look forward to purchasing this book for myself one day soon.
This book was written by the Dalai Lama XIV specifically for child audiences. It begins with a letter he wrote to his youngest readers about the message he hopes to share through the book. His Holiness wrote about his childhood growing up, how the seed of compassion was planted in him by his mother, how he became the Dalai Lama, and how he spreads the message of compassion around the world as the reincarnation of the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists. He directly addresses child readers assuring them of their power and influence in the ability to spread kindness and create a more compassionate future for themselves and each other. I especially valued how he made sure to include that compassion is a challenging skill to develop. It is a gradual process and requires discipline, effort, perseverance, and determination. The realistic watercolor and ink illustrations convey the beauty, gentleness, vibrancy, and potential of the world and all the creatures in it.
I really enjoyed the book. I read it three times! The teachings are powerful but still very child friendly. I was impressed by how the author was able to get such a tremendous message across in a way that remained accessible to even the youngest readers. The book is diverse in characters and representation, and the message is universal and inclusive to all, so children of any age could have this book read to them at home or at school. With vocabulary like “province,” “accompanied,” “naughty,” “reincarnation,” and “palanquin,” students may have to be older to access the story independently. The book concludes with a short timeline of the major events of the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama’s life including the year of his enthronement ceremony and the year he won the Nobel Peace Prize.
As I wrote before, I believe this book could be shared with children of all ages, certainly pre-k and up. It could be used in a study of Buddhism, world leaders, Tibetan culture, Nobel Peace Prize winners, autobiographies, and, of course, compassion. Of course, in each of these examples, the educator should use multiple books to avoid the dangers of a single story. In the most likely case, student would dive into this idea of compassion. What is compassion? What does it look like, sound like, feel like? Why is it challenging to learn? Why is it important? What difference does it make? Educators might ask students to think of examples of compassion to share or even act out with other students.
In younger classrooms, educators could start a “Compassion Bucket” and add a token each time compassion is spotted around the classroom community with the promise of a treat (like a compassion party!) when the bucket is full. Still, compassion is not just for the classroom. How does compassion look outside of school on the street or in the grocery store or at home? How can we show compassion to strangers in our community? What does it look like to be compassionate to yourself? There are a lot of wonderful ideas for discussion and practice in social and emotional learning. I look forward to purchasing this book for myself one day soon.
October 9, 2023
I was ready to love this children's book written by the Dalai Lama, but was left feeling disappointed...
The first few pages started off great. We get a brief overview of the story of Dalai Lama. But then we get to the part where he starts preaching about the importance of compassion and that's where he lost me.
The second half of this picture book was very wordy and the message about compassion came across as being really heavy-handed and all over the place. For a children's book, I felt like the lessons on compassion in this book were presented in too abstract of a manner. The book never explained or provided clear examples of what it means to be compassionate and instead, focused on why it's important for kids to learn about compassion. That seems like a roundabout way of teaching a lesson on compassion...
There's no story to this book or clear lesson to be learned. Also, the lengthy paragraph about the material world is bound to bore and confuse kids (and what do material things have to do with compassion?).
The first few pages started off great. We get a brief overview of the story of Dalai Lama. But then we get to the part where he starts preaching about the importance of compassion and that's where he lost me.
The second half of this picture book was very wordy and the message about compassion came across as being really heavy-handed and all over the place. For a children's book, I felt like the lessons on compassion in this book were presented in too abstract of a manner. The book never explained or provided clear examples of what it means to be compassionate and instead, focused on why it's important for kids to learn about compassion. That seems like a roundabout way of teaching a lesson on compassion...
There's no story to this book or clear lesson to be learned. Also, the lengthy paragraph about the material world is bound to bore and confuse kids (and what do material things have to do with compassion?).
November 16, 2020
The story of the Dalai Lama for littles! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Such an engaging and interesting story of a simple child growing up to become one of the most important figures in history. The illustrations compliment the story beautifully.
November 28, 2020
The writing seems like it would be a little heavy for kids, but I personally enjoyed it. The artwork is great and the message is important, although it's more text-heavy.
September 21, 2020
That’s a good book by the Dalai Lama. It’s the story of his life, and shares a lesson on the importance of nurturing compassion in a our own lives. The book empowers children, As the Dalai Lama’s thesis is “The potential to build a more compassionate century and promote a greater sense of oneness among the whole of humanity lies within the children of the world.” It inspired me and I hope the children in my classroom that if they seek first to understand and not to be understood, they can create a beautiful classroom community, school, and world to live in.
October 30, 2020
For a picture book, there are a ton of words and a heavy handed message. My child lost interest quickly because there's just too much on every page.
September 3, 2020
El Dalái Lama, cuyo nombre real es Tenzin Gyatso, es el título otorgado a los guías espirituales en el Tíbet.
Después de escribir varios libros para adultos, el dirigente tibetano ha optado por dedicar este primer libro a un público infantil reflejando en él su único deseo para la humanidad.
Bao Luu, ilustrador vietnamita, ha realizado numerosos proyectos editoriales, pero sin duda admite que la participación de este libro ha sido su trabajo más importante y enriquecedor.
"La semilla mágica" aúna la biografía del más famoso guía espiritual de todo oriente y algunas de sus enseñanzas espirituales centradas en la semilla de la compasión.
Antes de dar inicio a la historia, el propio Dalái Lama dedica unas breves palabras en formato carta a todos los pequeños lectores invitándoles a acercarse a su mensaje y exponiéndoles el motivo que le ha llevado a escribir un libro exclusivo para ellos.
Con una narrativa simple, cuidada, directa y poderosa el autor integra de forma explícita datos históricos e información sobre el estilo de vida en el Tíbet, su geografía e incluso su cultura, potenciando así el amor y respeto por el medio y ensalzando la labor rupestre y la belleza de lo natural.
Así mismo expone lo que significa para él ser el Dalái Lama como líder de toda una comunidad religiosa, su ardua formación, así como sus pasiones.
Son muchos los temas que subyacen a lo largo de la historia. De este modo, el amor materno filial, la solidaridad, el respeto, el compromiso, el ecologismo, la paz, la humildad, la sencillez y la bondad quedan patentes mediante relaciones, actuaciones y mensajes directos del autor.
La forma de dirigirse al público infantil es muy directa, quedando marcado y muy especificado el objetivo final. Dicho objetivo se define por tratar de potenciar e inculcar la semilla de la compasión en todo ser humano. Hace un llamado especial a los niños para descubrirla en su interior y desarrollarla por medio de la empatía, la amabilidad, la bondad y la compasión en todos los ámbitos de su vida.
Uno de los mensajes que más me gustó y me hizo reflexionar es la forma en que empequeñece al ser humano en lo físico a través de comparaciones con las habilidades de los animales y lo engrandece por su capacidad mental y el potencial de sentimientos que nos invade, los cuales invita a trabajar y fomentar.
Así mismo, la historia invita a la meditación sobre la esencia humana, las diferencias culturales entre países o el apego que a veces tenemos por lo material en una vida inundada por los estímulos y el poder.
Acompañando el texto, el libro cuenta con unas bellísimas, amables, tiernas y detalladas ilustraciones que en tonos pastel y delicadas líneas hacen una delicia de esta obra.
"La semilla mágica" es sin duda un libro sensible y emotivo con un mensaje esperanzador que busca la mejora personal y social a nivel mundial y que transmite mucha paz mediante frases que invitan a reflexionar tanto a niños como a adultos.
Un libro muy recomendado para regalar y descubrir en familia. Una obra que debe estar al alcance de todos en escuelas y bibliotecas públicas.
Después de escribir varios libros para adultos, el dirigente tibetano ha optado por dedicar este primer libro a un público infantil reflejando en él su único deseo para la humanidad.
Bao Luu, ilustrador vietnamita, ha realizado numerosos proyectos editoriales, pero sin duda admite que la participación de este libro ha sido su trabajo más importante y enriquecedor.
"La semilla mágica" aúna la biografía del más famoso guía espiritual de todo oriente y algunas de sus enseñanzas espirituales centradas en la semilla de la compasión.
Antes de dar inicio a la historia, el propio Dalái Lama dedica unas breves palabras en formato carta a todos los pequeños lectores invitándoles a acercarse a su mensaje y exponiéndoles el motivo que le ha llevado a escribir un libro exclusivo para ellos.
Con una narrativa simple, cuidada, directa y poderosa el autor integra de forma explícita datos históricos e información sobre el estilo de vida en el Tíbet, su geografía e incluso su cultura, potenciando así el amor y respeto por el medio y ensalzando la labor rupestre y la belleza de lo natural.
Así mismo expone lo que significa para él ser el Dalái Lama como líder de toda una comunidad religiosa, su ardua formación, así como sus pasiones.
Son muchos los temas que subyacen a lo largo de la historia. De este modo, el amor materno filial, la solidaridad, el respeto, el compromiso, el ecologismo, la paz, la humildad, la sencillez y la bondad quedan patentes mediante relaciones, actuaciones y mensajes directos del autor.
La forma de dirigirse al público infantil es muy directa, quedando marcado y muy especificado el objetivo final. Dicho objetivo se define por tratar de potenciar e inculcar la semilla de la compasión en todo ser humano. Hace un llamado especial a los niños para descubrirla en su interior y desarrollarla por medio de la empatía, la amabilidad, la bondad y la compasión en todos los ámbitos de su vida.
Uno de los mensajes que más me gustó y me hizo reflexionar es la forma en que empequeñece al ser humano en lo físico a través de comparaciones con las habilidades de los animales y lo engrandece por su capacidad mental y el potencial de sentimientos que nos invade, los cuales invita a trabajar y fomentar.
Así mismo, la historia invita a la meditación sobre la esencia humana, las diferencias culturales entre países o el apego que a veces tenemos por lo material en una vida inundada por los estímulos y el poder.
Acompañando el texto, el libro cuenta con unas bellísimas, amables, tiernas y detalladas ilustraciones que en tonos pastel y delicadas líneas hacen una delicia de esta obra.
"La semilla mágica" es sin duda un libro sensible y emotivo con un mensaje esperanzador que busca la mejora personal y social a nivel mundial y que transmite mucha paz mediante frases que invitan a reflexionar tanto a niños como a adultos.
Un libro muy recomendado para regalar y descubrir en familia. Una obra que debe estar al alcance de todos en escuelas y bibliotecas públicas.
February 8, 2021
An amazing way to explain compassion to students. The laced undertones of lots of reading and learning about cultures was important. I feel the quote at the back was the sticking point to being a solid book.
When someone disagrees with you, rather than think they are mistaken, you must ask, "Why might they feel this way?"
When someone disagrees with you, rather than think they are mistaken, you must ask, "Why might they feel this way?"
November 14, 2020
The Seed of Compassion is a quiet book by the Dalai Llama, gently encouraging the growth and nourishment of compassion in children.
In it he shares memories of his childhood, how he came to be the 14th Dalai Llama as a young boy. And that he's spent his entire life studying compassion and has taken it on as his purpose to make the world a more compassionate place.
My favorite page:
"We would plant barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. But those weren't the only seeds we planted. From the time I was very young, my mother planted in me the seed of compassion by the example she set. She raised me on a diet of love."
As a children's picture book, it felt like it's as much, if not more, for the adults who are raising them. I liked it a lot, but I'm not sure how tangible the ideas are for young children.
Near the end, His Holiness gives examples of ways to practice compassion:
In a disagreement with someone, ask, Why might they feel this way?
When someone is upset or hurt, ask, What might I do to help them?
I like to imagine a world where parents and caregivers everywhere read messages like these to children again and again so that they take root. A world where all children are raised on a diet of love.
For me, a mom who has raised five children who've been my life's great work.. whose most meaningful certificate of achievement is a note written by the hand of a 5 year old saying, "My heart is full of love Mom" .. it touches deep-held values.
In it he shares memories of his childhood, how he came to be the 14th Dalai Llama as a young boy. And that he's spent his entire life studying compassion and has taken it on as his purpose to make the world a more compassionate place.
My favorite page:
"We would plant barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. But those weren't the only seeds we planted. From the time I was very young, my mother planted in me the seed of compassion by the example she set. She raised me on a diet of love."
As a children's picture book, it felt like it's as much, if not more, for the adults who are raising them. I liked it a lot, but I'm not sure how tangible the ideas are for young children.
Near the end, His Holiness gives examples of ways to practice compassion:
In a disagreement with someone, ask, Why might they feel this way?
When someone is upset or hurt, ask, What might I do to help them?
I like to imagine a world where parents and caregivers everywhere read messages like these to children again and again so that they take root. A world where all children are raised on a diet of love.
For me, a mom who has raised five children who've been my life's great work.. whose most meaningful certificate of achievement is a note written by the hand of a 5 year old saying, "My heart is full of love Mom" .. it touches deep-held values.
April 12, 2020
How can you give something the Dalai Lama wrote less than five stars? Seriously? If reading this to very young children (second grade and under), they may have questions regarding some of the vocabulary, but I respect that the Dalai Lama uses the same words in this picture book he does when speaking to adults. There is no need to change the words, especially when he supplied other examples (eg scowl or mad) and he talks to children the way I always liked to be talked to as a child: as a person.
Although the Dalai Lama shares some of his life growing up with his family, especially his mother, before becoming the Dalai Lama, the real premise is a message to children about compassion. He discusses the compassion of his mother and that she planted this seed within him as a child and nurtured it with love. Throughout his book, he spreads this message and explains what it means.
A lovely message accompanied by beautiful art. Highly recommended for children on up.
Although the Dalai Lama shares some of his life growing up with his family, especially his mother, before becoming the Dalai Lama, the real premise is a message to children about compassion. He discusses the compassion of his mother and that she planted this seed within him as a child and nurtured it with love. Throughout his book, he spreads this message and explains what it means.
A lovely message accompanied by beautiful art. Highly recommended for children on up.
November 18, 2020
A lot of notable figures have made the final cut for the Goodreads Choice Awards this year. Nevertheless, The Seed of Compassion by the Dalai Lama has ended up being one of my favorites.
Admittedly, I find it a bit hard sometimes to write reviews for children's books when I don't have children myself. However, The Seed of Compassion is a little easier because it's a story that I think anyone, at any age, can benefit from. Just as we cultivate seeds into plants, we should all plant the seed of compassion and cultivate it within ourselves and those around us.
This is a very beautiful book with gorgeous imagery. The teachings are powerful and I'm glad I had the chance to read them in this format.
Admittedly, I find it a bit hard sometimes to write reviews for children's books when I don't have children myself. However, The Seed of Compassion is a little easier because it's a story that I think anyone, at any age, can benefit from. Just as we cultivate seeds into plants, we should all plant the seed of compassion and cultivate it within ourselves and those around us.
This is a very beautiful book with gorgeous imagery. The teachings are powerful and I'm glad I had the chance to read them in this format.
October 28, 2020
I liked the first part of this a lot - you can see how much Ang in Avatar was based off Tibetan Buddhism. The second part where it got prescriptive made me cringe a bit, from sappiness and then from telling children not to scowl but to respond enthusiastically when other children come to play... what if I child is shy and has learned good reasons to be wary? Shouldn't the lesson be to show compassion to that child so obviously wary? Anyway, age range for this would 6+.
October 21, 2020
What a great picture book by the Dalai Lama for both children and adults alike. It briefly tells the story of the Dalai Lama when he was a young child in rural Tibet. Then it goes on to discuss why compassion is so important and how to be a compassionate person. Especially during this crazy year, we could all use a little more compassion.
January 23, 2021
I haven't read this with my children yet, so I'm not sure how engaging this will be to a child who is unfamiliar with the Dalai Lama or with Buddhism, but the message of compassion framed within the story of the Dalai Lama's life is a welcome one. I will definitely come back to this one when I am teaching my children about other faiths and the common spiritual values between them.
January 4, 2021
I felt it was all too generalized although I liked that he made the point that his mother sowed the seeds of compassion in him. More specific examples of acts of compassion would have made a bigger impact.
I admire the Dalai Lama, but I think the viewpoint shows clearly that he's lived a very different life than those of us who struggle on a more mundane plane.
I admire the Dalai Lama, but I think the viewpoint shows clearly that he's lived a very different life than those of us who struggle on a more mundane plane.
March 7, 2020
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, relates how he learned about compassion from his mother and advises young people how they can nurture and grow their own seeds of compassion.
July 22, 2020
<< La compasión emana de la confianza en uno mismo, y de la compasión florece la fortaleza>>.
November 17, 2020
Opened up some wonderful conversations with my eleven year old. Such a beautiful book.
November 18, 2020
This was good. But I didn't feel kids would really sit through the story. Maybe...
October 30, 2020
The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a children's picture book written by Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama and illustrated by Bao Luu. It chronicles the life of the fourteenth Dalia Lama and how compassion affected his life.
Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, and considered a living Buddha.
Gyatso's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. This simple picture book speaks volumes as the voice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama can almost be heard as one reads through this book. Backmatter includes a timeline of His Holiness' life. Luu's illustrations are simple, but with splashes of color, that feature moments in the life of this holy man and how compassion has been a part of him since childhood.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It retells the story of a young boy and his family before he became the spiritual leader of Tibet. His mother particularly showed by example the need for compassion. After Tenzin Gyatso was brought to Lhasa, his life centers upon studying and training to become a monk, and preparing for his future role as the Dalai Lama, and shows the importance of compassion is to His Holiness’ life and shows by example how anyone could be more compassionate as well.
All in all, The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a wonderful and gentle child-friendly introduction to Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama.
Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, and considered a living Buddha.
Gyatso's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. This simple picture book speaks volumes as the voice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama can almost be heard as one reads through this book. Backmatter includes a timeline of His Holiness' life. Luu's illustrations are simple, but with splashes of color, that feature moments in the life of this holy man and how compassion has been a part of him since childhood.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It retells the story of a young boy and his family before he became the spiritual leader of Tibet. His mother particularly showed by example the need for compassion. After Tenzin Gyatso was brought to Lhasa, his life centers upon studying and training to become a monk, and preparing for his future role as the Dalai Lama, and shows the importance of compassion is to His Holiness’ life and shows by example how anyone could be more compassionate as well.
All in all, The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a wonderful and gentle child-friendly introduction to Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama.
March 25, 2020
Cover
De cover laat een tekening zien van de Dalai Lama, die een plantje doorgeeft aan een jongetje. Waarop Ivy haar eerste opmerking was: ‘Wat een lieve man geeft dat jongetje een plantje.’
Samenvatting
Het is het verhaal van een jongetje die de huidige Dalai Lama is/wordt. Je leest in het kort hoe zijn leven was en wat hij aan de wereld met name kinderen wil meegeven.
Quote: ‘Er zijn veel eenvoudige manieren om meer geluk op deze wereld te brengen’
Onze mening
Na en tijdens het lezen enkele opmerkingen van Ivy:
• Dat jongetje heeft een lieve mamma
• Ik vind dieren ook leuk
• Waarom geven het eten weg, mag hij dat niet zelf houden?
• Die vogel vind ik de mooiste van allemaal.
Zelf ben ik van mening dat dit boek in elk huishouden een plekje mag vinden, het zaadje van compassie zou elk kind van kleins af aan mee mogen krijgen van zijn of haar ouders, opvoeders en/of grootouders. Het allermooiste aan dit boek zijn de vragen die je jezelf kan stellen.
Quote: ‘Is er iets wat ik kan doen om de ander te helpen?’
Conclusie
Mijn kleindochter Ivy van 4! Is het er mee eens dat iedereen elkaar moet kunnen helpen als dat kan en ze vindt het ook leuk als iedereen lief en aardig tegen elkaar doet. Zoals ik het boes staat zegt ze elke dag lief te proberen te zijn. Daar kan ik alleen maar op zeggen een goed begin is het halve werk en maakt het gemakkelijker om op te volgen.
Dus om de conclusie te omschrijven: Een leerzaam boek dat vraagt om compassie en saamhorigheid! Er wordt al lelijk genoeg gedaan om je heen.
De cover laat een tekening zien van de Dalai Lama, die een plantje doorgeeft aan een jongetje. Waarop Ivy haar eerste opmerking was: ‘Wat een lieve man geeft dat jongetje een plantje.’
Samenvatting
Het is het verhaal van een jongetje die de huidige Dalai Lama is/wordt. Je leest in het kort hoe zijn leven was en wat hij aan de wereld met name kinderen wil meegeven.
Quote: ‘Er zijn veel eenvoudige manieren om meer geluk op deze wereld te brengen’
Onze mening
Na en tijdens het lezen enkele opmerkingen van Ivy:
• Dat jongetje heeft een lieve mamma
• Ik vind dieren ook leuk
• Waarom geven het eten weg, mag hij dat niet zelf houden?
• Die vogel vind ik de mooiste van allemaal.
Zelf ben ik van mening dat dit boek in elk huishouden een plekje mag vinden, het zaadje van compassie zou elk kind van kleins af aan mee mogen krijgen van zijn of haar ouders, opvoeders en/of grootouders. Het allermooiste aan dit boek zijn de vragen die je jezelf kan stellen.
Quote: ‘Is er iets wat ik kan doen om de ander te helpen?’
Conclusie
Mijn kleindochter Ivy van 4! Is het er mee eens dat iedereen elkaar moet kunnen helpen als dat kan en ze vindt het ook leuk als iedereen lief en aardig tegen elkaar doet. Zoals ik het boes staat zegt ze elke dag lief te proberen te zijn. Daar kan ik alleen maar op zeggen een goed begin is het halve werk en maakt het gemakkelijker om op te volgen.
Dus om de conclusie te omschrijven: Een leerzaam boek dat vraagt om compassie en saamhorigheid! Er wordt al lelijk genoeg gedaan om je heen.
May 16, 2021
Absolutely perfect audiobook.
September 2, 2020
In questo breve albo per bambini veniamo immersi nella storia dell’attuale Dalai Lama e su uno dei messaggi che egli vuole tramandare da quando ha assunto la carica religiosa di Dailai Lama, ovvero quello della compassione.
Ho trovato questo libro davvero spettacolare e interessante. Spettacolare perché le illustrazioni presenti su tutte le pagine sono a dir poco strepitose, hanno un tratto così fiabesco che sembra una bellissima fiaba dela buonanotte. Interessante perché oltre ad essere un ottimo titolo per i bambini e per fargli conoscere la compassione è un ottimo titolo anche per i più grandicelli e anche per gli alcuni adulti.
Infatti oltre ad essere un libro molto importante per comprendere la compassione, che nella vita di tutti i giorni dovremmo praticare per le persone meno fortunate rispetto a noi, è un ottimo mezzo per scoprire una nazionalità e una cultura differente dalla nostra. Infatti da questo breve volume possiamo capire come vivono i tibetani, ma anche qual’è il percorso del Dailai Lama per diventare appunto Dailai Lama. Scopriamo infatti come viene scelto e il percorso che il ragazzino prescelto deve compiere per avere questa carica importantissima. Capiamo gli studi che fa e ciò che un vero Dailai Lama deve “predicare”. Devo ammettere che sono rimasto piacevolmente stupito dal fatto che tramite un libro pensato per i bambini ho scoperto delle informazioni che magari senza non avrei imparato o cercato. Questo mi ha fatto pensare quanto molte volte giudichiamo negativamente i libri per bambini perché sono indirizzati proprio a quella categoria. Invece, secondo me, dovremmo ricominciare a riscoprire questa parte dell’editoria internazionale che un po’ tutti ripudiamo.
In conclusione ve lo consiglio caldamente se avete un bambino a cui far piacere la lettura o se comunque volete un buon libro da leggergli prima di andare a letto. Ve lo consiglio anche sia se volete scoprire qualcosa sul Tibet e sul mondo del Dailai Lama sia se vi piace curiosare fra la narrativa dedicata ai più piccoli.
Ho trovato questo libro davvero spettacolare e interessante. Spettacolare perché le illustrazioni presenti su tutte le pagine sono a dir poco strepitose, hanno un tratto così fiabesco che sembra una bellissima fiaba dela buonanotte. Interessante perché oltre ad essere un ottimo titolo per i bambini e per fargli conoscere la compassione è un ottimo titolo anche per i più grandicelli e anche per gli alcuni adulti.
Infatti oltre ad essere un libro molto importante per comprendere la compassione, che nella vita di tutti i giorni dovremmo praticare per le persone meno fortunate rispetto a noi, è un ottimo mezzo per scoprire una nazionalità e una cultura differente dalla nostra. Infatti da questo breve volume possiamo capire come vivono i tibetani, ma anche qual’è il percorso del Dailai Lama per diventare appunto Dailai Lama. Scopriamo infatti come viene scelto e il percorso che il ragazzino prescelto deve compiere per avere questa carica importantissima. Capiamo gli studi che fa e ciò che un vero Dailai Lama deve “predicare”. Devo ammettere che sono rimasto piacevolmente stupito dal fatto che tramite un libro pensato per i bambini ho scoperto delle informazioni che magari senza non avrei imparato o cercato. Questo mi ha fatto pensare quanto molte volte giudichiamo negativamente i libri per bambini perché sono indirizzati proprio a quella categoria. Invece, secondo me, dovremmo ricominciare a riscoprire questa parte dell’editoria internazionale che un po’ tutti ripudiamo.
In conclusione ve lo consiglio caldamente se avete un bambino a cui far piacere la lettura o se comunque volete un buon libro da leggergli prima di andare a letto. Ve lo consiglio anche sia se volete scoprire qualcosa sul Tibet e sul mondo del Dailai Lama sia se vi piace curiosare fra la narrativa dedicata ai più piccoli.
November 23, 2020
(Print:3/24/2020; 978-0525555148; Kokila; 40 pages; Preschool-3rd.) Audio: 3/24/2020; 15 mins.; 9780593162668; Penguin Random House Audio Group
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
The Dalai Lama speaks directly to children, explaining how compassion can be planted and nurtured like a seed, and sharing parts of his childhood memories.
I enjoyed this book where His Holiness the Dalai Lama comes across as kind and grandfatherly.
The print has lovely illustrations.
AUTHOR:
Dalai Lama. Minus the footnotes, Wikipedia says (among other things), “(UK: /ˈdælaɪ ˈlɑːmə/, US: /ˈdɑːlaɪ ˈlɑːmə/; Standard Tibetan: ཏཱ་ལའི་བླ་མ་, Tā la'i bla ma [táːlɛː láma]) is a title given by the Tibetan people to the foremost spiritual leader of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the classical schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who lives as a refugee in India. The Dalai Lama is also considered to be the successor in a line of tulkus who are believed to be incarnations of Avalokiteśvara, a Bodhisattva of Compassion.”
NARRATOR:
François Chau (October 26, 1959). Wikipedia says that “Francois Chau is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Dr. Pierre Chang in ABC's Lost, Dr. Chang in the film 21 & Over and, since 2015, as industrialist Jules-Pierre Mao, a recurring character in Syfy's The Expanse.”
He does quite well with this narration.
GENRE:
Autobiography, Juvenile non-fiction, sociology
LOCATIONS:
Tibet
SUBJECTS:
Compassion, family relations, mother, childhood, gardening, Tibet, Dalai Lama
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From chapter 1:
“I was born in Takster, in the Amdo province of northeastern Tibet. It was a place of tall mountains, clear streams, blue skies, and many animals—mastifs, sheep, horses, yaks, scorpions, chickens and cows.”
RATING:
I gave this book 4 stars because it is a wonderful subject for children and well written.
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
The Dalai Lama speaks directly to children, explaining how compassion can be planted and nurtured like a seed, and sharing parts of his childhood memories.
I enjoyed this book where His Holiness the Dalai Lama comes across as kind and grandfatherly.
The print has lovely illustrations.
AUTHOR:
Dalai Lama. Minus the footnotes, Wikipedia says (among other things), “(UK: /ˈdælaɪ ˈlɑːmə/, US: /ˈdɑːlaɪ ˈlɑːmə/; Standard Tibetan: ཏཱ་ལའི་བླ་མ་, Tā la'i bla ma [táːlɛː láma]) is a title given by the Tibetan people to the foremost spiritual leader of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the classical schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who lives as a refugee in India. The Dalai Lama is also considered to be the successor in a line of tulkus who are believed to be incarnations of Avalokiteśvara, a Bodhisattva of Compassion.”
NARRATOR:
François Chau (October 26, 1959). Wikipedia says that “Francois Chau is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Dr. Pierre Chang in ABC's Lost, Dr. Chang in the film 21 & Over and, since 2015, as industrialist Jules-Pierre Mao, a recurring character in Syfy's The Expanse.”
He does quite well with this narration.
GENRE:
Autobiography, Juvenile non-fiction, sociology
LOCATIONS:
Tibet
SUBJECTS:
Compassion, family relations, mother, childhood, gardening, Tibet, Dalai Lama
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From chapter 1:
“I was born in Takster, in the Amdo province of northeastern Tibet. It was a place of tall mountains, clear streams, blue skies, and many animals—mastifs, sheep, horses, yaks, scorpions, chickens and cows.”
RATING:
I gave this book 4 stars because it is a wonderful subject for children and well written.
May 14, 2020
His Holiness addresses children directly for the first time in one of his books, this time in picture book format. The book tells the story of his childhood in Tibet, filled with mountains, streams, blue sky and lots of animals. His farming family meant that there was always work to do, so as a child, he helped his beloved mother. Through her, he learned his first lessons about compassion. He saw the way she fed those who were hungry and less fortunate. She treated everyone with warmth and tried to give them aid. When he was almost three years old, he was identified as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and traveled to Llasa to begin his studies. His focus has been compassion and how to spread compassion throughout the world, bringing joy to more people.
Told in the Dalai Lama’s own voice, the picture book looks deeply at how compassion begins when one is very young, watching others demonstrate it, just like with any other skill. The glimpse of the Dalai Lama’s early days are interesting and the setting in Tibet is beautiful and isolated. Just having scorpions for company is something that will amaze readers, but there is much more on these pages that is impressive and that will get young listeners thinking about how they themselves can be compassionate.
The illustrations were done digitally and have an appealing warmth that carries from page to page. The tones of browns and reds are enlivened by the greenery around them, providing images of life in Tibet.
A must-purchase for all public libraries, this book will be of interest to many. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Told in the Dalai Lama’s own voice, the picture book looks deeply at how compassion begins when one is very young, watching others demonstrate it, just like with any other skill. The glimpse of the Dalai Lama’s early days are interesting and the setting in Tibet is beautiful and isolated. Just having scorpions for company is something that will amaze readers, but there is much more on these pages that is impressive and that will get young listeners thinking about how they themselves can be compassionate.
The illustrations were done digitally and have an appealing warmth that carries from page to page. The tones of browns and reds are enlivened by the greenery around them, providing images of life in Tibet.
A must-purchase for all public libraries, this book will be of interest to many. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
January 16, 2021
It feels almost wrong to give a relatively low rating to a book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama! I was interested to hear from the Dalai Lama himself about where and how he grew up, about his mother, about how he was recognized by monks as "the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama" at age 2. The focus of his studies and his life then became to help make the world a more compassionate place. I was intrigued by all of this but would have loved more--what were his parents' reactions to him being chosen? What was it like to study as a monk? What are some of the compassionate deeds he has done and seen others done? How does one nurture the compassionate seed that he says is in each child? Hard to fit it all in a picture book, I guess, but it left me wanting more and feeling like this was not really a book that would be memorable or engaging for children, but one that adults could use with children as an introduction to a famous person or to the concept of compassion (although again, one would have to look beyond to find concrete examples).
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