The Compassionate Life

by Dalai Lama XIV, David Kittelstrom (Editor)

Four powerful, compelling teachings on compassion by the Dalai Lama are presented here, with advice on how to incorporate this important quality in daily life.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, Education, Religion, Faith

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Jetsun 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.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Compassionate Life, the Dalai Lama XIV describes a method for honing one's capacity for compassion for all sentient beings. If you have spent time around Buddhists trained for much of their lives in the monasteries of the East, you will have noticed the tremendous joyful equanimity with which they face the world, in sharp contrast to our typical Western irritability. This peaceful approach to the world is the product of tremendous concentrated efforts to retrain the mind.

Much of the wisdom in this book is tremendously consistent with the work of cognitive therapy. I think to be really useful, this book must be read over and over and used as a guide to daily practice. I certainly plan to come back to it to work on altering my perspective to one that is kinder, gentler, and less judging.

Some of the book is very didactic and relates to traditional Buddhist texts, but at other times, when the Dalai Lama speaks of his own practice, it is very accessible and even amusing. I particularly liked the line where he notes that whenever he starts to feel self-important, he has only to consider computers, and then he is humbled.

[David Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

While much of this book is of a piece with Mssr. Tenzin Gyatso's book LIVE IN A BETTER WAY, it is written in more readily comprehensible prose. The Dalai Lama's teachings here are conventional enough, but it's useful, in our Ayn Rand-inflected age, to remind ourselves of them: show compassion for others, regard anger and "strong attachment" (I assume he means obsession or jealousy) as one's greatest enemies, and "rejoice in the success of others" (83), especially one's foes. This latter attitude is very difficult to adopt; it is the Buddhist equivalent of turning the other cheek. Equally difficult is His Holiness's teaching on happiness: it comes not from pleasure or possession, he says, but from the absence of suffering and from inner peace, the latter of which comes from humility. Mssr. Gyatso suspects, correctly I think, that these are all moral teachings shared in common by the world's great religions, and he advises religious leaders to hold more ecumenical meetings to stress this point.

There were a couple of perplexing passages. On p. 30 Mister Lama tells us that Buddhist scriptures mention 84,000 types of negative and destructive thoughts" and 84,000 cures for them. I imagine they do, but I doubt the scriptures actually list these thoughts. Not even John Hodgman could do so. Perhaps he could identify 84,000 negative and destructive hobos. Also, on p. 51 he asserts that "Christians...do not accept belief in past or future lives," which is hard to square with the doctrine of the Resurrection. I suspect His Holiness could benefit from a little familiarity with Christian doctrine, especially if he plans to spend more time chatting with Catholic monks.

[atrapado en sus páginas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necesitamos darnos cuenta de las similitudes que tenemos con otras culturas y otras personas, entenderlos por medio de sus ideales y motivaciones, mas que, por los juicios preconcebidos o recibidos de otros. El Dalai Lama en este libro recalca la importancia de la compasión, y como debemos de vivir con ella en nuestros corazones y como debemos usarla para poder ver con ese marco a todos quienes nos rodean, y tratar de evitar les el dolor, y darles paz, especialmente a nuestros enemigos, que el budismo considera como "Los Mejores Maestros" porque te permiten vivir y poner a prueba las virtudes que te darán paz y amor. Como lo son la paciencia, la templanza, la compasión, etc... Excelente Libro, lo recomiendo Mucho.
No temamos el explorar otras creencias o culturas, te enriquecen y si no te cambian te reafirman la tuya, y quizá solo quizá, te haga una persona mas tolerante.

[Jamie (The Perpetual Page-Turner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for a World Religions class and I just remember thinking that there was good principles in this book but it seemed too fuzzy and warm and "let's all hug" and bleh. I don't know. Sometimes I'm too cynical. I'm sure this is a good. I just wasn't feeling it.

[Batchimeg Batbold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Буддын шашин сүсэгтнүүдийн тэргүүн 14-р дүрийн Далай Ламын 2001 онд бичиж хэвлүүлсэн "Нигүүлсэнгүй амьдрал" номыг уншлаа. Далай лам нь дан ганц буддын шашны төлөөллөөс гадна Нобелийн энх тайвны шагналыг 1989 онд хүртэж, мөн буддын шашны философи, аз жаргал, энх тайван, сэтгэлийн амар амгаланд хүрэх тухай олон ном бичсэн.

Харин энэ ном нь энэрэнгүй сэтгэлтэй байх тухай, хэн хүнийг яг байгаагаар нь хүлээн авах тухай, өөрийн зүрх сэтгэлээ гэгээн сайхан байлгах тухай сургаал шулуухан хэлэхэд ятгалгаар дүүрэн л ном байлаа. Яг эмээгийн надад хэлж өсгөсөн яагаад гэсэн асуултад хариулах ямар нэгэн тодорхой тайлбаргүй олон сургаалиуд шиг.

Яагаад гэсэн асуултад яг таарсан сайхан хариулт дандаа байдаггүй. Яг үүн шиг яагаад бид нигүүлсэнгүй амьдрах ёстой юм бэ гэсэн асуултад шинжлэх ухаанч, баримт нотолгоотой хариулт хайж, хүлээж уншсан нь миний тэнэгийнх л биз. Гэлээ гэхдээ л энэ ном надад хүлээж байсан шиг сайхан мэдрэмж өгч бол чадсангүй, жаахан дутуу л байлаа.

Ороо сайхан цэгцтэй хураалгүйгээр, аль эсхүл аягатай цайгаа ууж дуусгалгүйгээр гэрээс гарах нь тэр өдрийн миний ажил бүтэх, бүтэхгүйтэй огтхон ч хамаагүй гэдгийг би сайн мэддэг ч гэсэн бага наснаас эхлээд хэвшүүлсэн энэ үйлдлээ дагахгүй л бол тухгүй л санагддаг. Өсөж том болохын хэрээр эмээгийн хэлж захиж, хэвшүүлж өсгөсөн тэр олон сургаалийг дагаж мөрдөхгүй байлаа гээд сүртэй зүйл болохгүй гэдгийг мэдсэн ч гэсэн нэгэнт өөртөө суулгасан тэр дадлууд аль хэдийн миний нэг хэсэг болчихсон учраас хаяж гээнэ гэдэг бүтэшгүй зүйл болсон. Яг үүн шиг энэрэнгүй сайхан амьдрах ёстой гэсэн ойлголтыг эргэн тойрныхоо хүмүүсээс, урлагаас, энэ мэт номноос олон давтамжаар аваад тархиндаа суулгаад байх нь тийм ч дэмий хэрэг биш учраас уншлаа гээд бас буруудахгүй л ном мэт санагдлаа.

[Matteo Negro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saggi scritti da Tenzin Gyatso, quattordicesimo Dalai Lama, possono sembrare banali ma in realtà le parole di questo grandissimo padre spirituale sono profonde e destinate a lasciare un segno nel cuore di coloro che le sanno accogliere. Il nostro mondo è segnato sempre più da divisioni tra i popoli per questioni economiche, politiche e religiose. Tuttavia ciascun essere umano persegue il grandissimo desiderio di raggiungere la felicità, rifuggendo dal dolore e dalla sofferenza. Il Dalai Lama grazie alla profonda meditazione è testimone vivente di come si possa raggiungere questo stadio mentale elevato basato sulla compassione. La nostra esistenza è legata in modo indissolubile a quella delle persone che ci circondano, indipendentemente dal fatto che le conosciamo o meno. I nemici esterni che ci vogliono fare del male per il Dalai Lama dovrebbero essere considerati come i nostri più importanti maestri in quanto ci permettono di sviluppare la pazienza e la tolleranza. Molto più pericolosi e infimi sono i nemici interni ovvero i sentimenti di odio e rabbia che albergano dentro di noi e che in ogni momento possono perturbarci e alterare il nostro equilibrio interiore. Il nemico interno va riconosciuto e contrastato grazie al pensiero razionale; le concezioni negative vanno scacciate dall'occhio della saggezza. Un saggio necessario da leggere e rileggere. Grazie Lama!

[Dirk Eichhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is much to be said about the Buddhist emphasis on compassion. The wise and gentle Dalai Lama shares relevant, deeply engaging, and practical guidance in this thought-provoking work. With so much emphasis on hate and bickering in the news, it is refreshing to be reminded that compassion is one of the most important aspects of true love for our fellow humans.

[Mark Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very good snippets interspersed with lots of seemingly mundane thoughts. Of course it’s important to cultivate compassion and love, but it’s difficult to write 100 pages about it.

The best part was the last, where he expounds on Langri Tangpa’s “Eight verses for training the mind”. These warrant reading and rereading.

[Mundo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro de cortas páginas, pero no por eso simple. Creo que para quienes tienen un background, filosófico o espiritual pueden hallarlo con más utilidad para poder generar más empatía para con quienes le rodea y con la humanidad en general.
Mucho de lo que nos comparte el Dalai Lama, es parte del mundo cotidiano, ahora, el tema está en llevar a la práctica aquello que nos recomienda a practicar.

[NickMohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read and understand book on Buddhism, with legitimately useful advice on how to maintain happiness and positivity in life. Might be hard to get through if you’re a cynic, but it’s worth a go.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sin duda me ayudó a tener un concepto más amplio y claro de lo que es la compasión hacia el prójimo con fines benéficos para ambos 👌🏽

[Rdmooers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great little book; a wonderful reminder on the simplicity of compassion and why we need to embrace all beings to bring about peace.

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know what you are thinking – this is a book on Buddhism so not one someone like Charles Stanley would approve of. Well, boo hoo for him. This book is more than a book on a religion – it is about compassion, joy, and finding our happiness within. The Dalai Lama tells us that all religions are beneficial and worthwhile – as long as we commit ourselves to them. Religion doesn’t work if one isn’t committed.

Our purpose in life is to find happiness within ourselves by showing others compassion in every way we can. We must learn to recognize emotions and stamp out whatever is causing ones like hate, envy, complacency, etc. That we need to focus our minds on positive emotions and things rather than negative.

I have to say, I found this book very enlightening and progressive. It will find a place on my reference shelf along with the Tao of Pooh. I expect to go back through it to underline passages and make notes in the margins – there is a treasure trove of wisdom to glean.

This book was recommended to me by my niece, Kate, and I found it very enjoyable. Yes, there were a few times it went a little over my head but I find that is often true when I first read a book – it is like my mind gets bogged down and can’t take in any more concepts. This happened in the Tao of Pooh too but the more I read it, the more I understood it. I expect it will be the same with this one.

It is only 107 pages with decent sized print so not hard on the eyes. I decided to read another of his books when I get time. :-) I give the book an A+.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dalai Lama amazes me. He is unbelievably and genuinely a good person. There are not many people out there in the world like that. This book is actually written by him (unlike the last Dalai Lama book I read) and it gives good instruction and insight on how to be compassionate towards other people, regardless of differences, backgrounds, past experiences, etc. It allows you to get a private lesson from his Holiness on how to put your issues aside and feel compassion for people, even when you don't think that you can rationally feel that way towards someone.

While the content in the book is undeniably valuable and important information that everyone should have, I did find the book hard to follow in the fluid sense. Its not something that you can pick up and read quickly, because the information in it is so Strong and meaningful that you need to take the time to absorb what you are reading, otherwise, you may lose the meaning and the message all together.

A must read for EVERYONE ON THE PLANET!

[Kristina Wojtaszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deceivingly simple. It is too easy to gloss over insights that reveal deep truth about our lives. I had to read it slowly so as not to miss anything. I greatly appreciated the Dalai Lama's personal examples that allowed his character to shine through the pages. I am only just beginning to learn about Buddhism, but I finally understood the idea of nothingness after reading It isn't that everything is meaningless and truly doesn't exist, but that everything is dependent on something else, and that this interdependence means that nothing could exist on its own. I also loved the candid discussion about what true compassion looks like-- it isn't easy to take our own emotional needs out of the equation, but compassion goes far beyond the love we feel for those we know and need in our lives, even (and especially) to include our enemies. These are ideas that can be accepted in any love-based religion, so this beautiful book can be read and understood by anyone, no matter your faith, or lack of.

[Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comfortable read. Like Goldilocks' porridge, everything was just right. As an introduction, I found it both his tone and language appealing. The concepts were explained clearly and in a personable way without being over-bearing for someone new to the ideas, history and philosophy of Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama makes efforts to keep concepts to their key points and focuses on the practical reasons and applications of living compassionately.

[Marissa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it was fitting that this book was given to me as a gift by a visiting Tibetan monk. I tried to "pay" him for it, he wouldn't let me. It was with this same sense of simple humanistic giving that The Compassionate Life teaches about kindness with straight-forward and sincere dialogue from His Holiness. This was a true gift in every sense of the word.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Compassionate Life a short and simply written overview of the Dalai Lama's views on compassion. He makes the case for a disciplined mind as an essential element in eliminating suffering. The last chapters are especially strong as the Dalai Lama intoduces the bodhisattva way and explains eight verses for training the mind.

[Bertha Leal · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a freshman in college I attended a lecture given by the Dalai Lama on "The Significance of World Religions." His messages of tolerance, compassion, and harmony are also themes for this deceptively simple book. Regardless of being Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, or tomato, tomatoe, anyone reading it can agree on an unanimous belief: humanism.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding the key to happiness is the focus of this short book. The Dalai Lama teaches that compassion is the key to finding true happiness. You do not have to be Buddhist in order to receive the simple, straight forward lessons that this very astute teacher brings. I enjoyed this book and will read it again and again.

[Sirpa Grierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to him speak in Vancouver this past summer and again wanted to read more about his ideas. He is a truly peaceful man and one whom I wish leaders in the world would look to. Compassion and reason are the way.

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to many things. It looks like a glossy little coffee book, but it's probably the book that convinced me to turn a corner. Very easy to read, makes sense, and breaks down the concept of compassion to little pieces. I highly recommend.

[Alexis]

I have been craving Buddhist books and wanted to read about compassion. I love the Dalai Lama's books, but this was not the best one of them. Still, it reminded me to read more of his work.

Food for thought.

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible overview of critical aspects of Buddhism. it's a good well grounded look at Buddhism and H.H. the Dalai Lama refers back to important Buddhist scholars and texts. For practitioners its a nice quick review.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

B+ Beautiful lessons for living.

[Beck Laus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Dalai Lama.

[Jigme Tsering · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is really hard but when you read really closely you can understand every word. I happen to read this book because, my mom told me to.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a quest to become more compassionate, I picked up this book... It had some pretty good tips for dealing with everyday and difficult people.

[Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives good advice :) The practice of respecting and having compassion for other sentient being sounds like a good plan!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully inspiring book.