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The Power of Compassion
Based on the Dalai Lama’s talks in London this ebook addresses the current difficulties facing humanity including: racial hatred, gender and environmental protection.
Modern life is so full of confusion and suffering that people need the courage to face their anger and hatred, in order to transfrom their lives and relationships.
This ebook describes in a clear and simple style how to live and die well and how to bring wisdom and compassion into our everyday lives.
‘Genuine compassion is based on a clear acceptance or recognition that others, like oneself, want happiness and have the right to overcome suffering. On that basis one develops concern about the welfare of others, irrespective of one’s attitude to oneself. That is compassion.’
The Dalai Lama
180 pages, Audio Cassette
First published January 1, 1955
29 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Dalai Lama XIV
1,554 books6,199 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 37 reviews
April 22, 2020
Very great. Lectures encompassing many topics. Mindfulness yet mind provocative.
Kudos to more societal taboo issues being discussed such as birth control.
Ps wanted to get more insight on some teachings within this book and more search is underway :)
Kudos to more societal taboo issues being discussed such as birth control.
Ps wanted to get more insight on some teachings within this book and more search is underway :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2009
I'm a Christian. I believe in the divinity of Christ, but I also believe in a big tent. If I could have my choice of anyone in the world to sit down and have a conversation with the Dalai Lama has long since been my pick.
August 17, 2018
Tarp 3 ir 4*
Knygele skaiciau seniai, 2001-siais. Tada labai man patiko ir tiko ...Pavarciau siandien (2018-iais)...ir ka galiu isskaityti yra tik bla bla bla....
Knygele skaiciau seniai, 2001-siais. Tada labai man patiko ir tiko ...Pavarciau siandien (2018-iais)...ir ka galiu isskaityti yra tik bla bla bla....
June 25, 2020
Ahahahahah prosit????
March 30, 2021
lihtsalt üks suur ❤️
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September 17, 2019Un escrito complejo pero didáctico que explica los principios fundamentales de la psicología budista, extrayendo los principios fundamentales de las principales figuras del budismo, además de comentarios o argumentaciones que sostienen los razonamientos explicados por el Magnánimo y reconocido autor el Dalai Lama.
Compasión, Meditación, Las tres joyas, son algunas de las figuras explicadas detalladamente en esta presentación. Recomendado para quienes deseen conocer el budismo desde un punto de vista laico.
Compasión, Meditación, Las tres joyas, son algunas de las figuras explicadas detalladamente en esta presentación. Recomendado para quienes deseen conocer el budismo desde un punto de vista laico.
February 10, 2016
This is such a small book, but so filled with LARGE Teachings! some of this was difficult to read, for his are not necessarily simple, his thoughts & teachings are complex....
One of the things is the Dalai Lama, is not only astute, but beyond intelligent... It is very interesting how he speaks about how we all want to be loved & happy, but that many of us have essentially crappy mental attitudes....and therein lies the problem.
My favorite quote: "As humans we all have the same human potential, unless there is some sort of retarded brain function."
Contentment, Joy & Living Well
Facing Death & Dying Well
Dealing w/ Anger & Emotion
Giving & Receiving: A Practical Way of Directing Love & Compassion
Interdependence, Inter-Connectedness & the Nature of Reality
The Challenges for Humanity: An Interfaith Address
Questions & Answers......
I still can't figure out how he put so much awesome information/teachings in one little book.
One of the things is the Dalai Lama, is not only astute, but beyond intelligent... It is very interesting how he speaks about how we all want to be loved & happy, but that many of us have essentially crappy mental attitudes....and therein lies the problem.
My favorite quote: "As humans we all have the same human potential, unless there is some sort of retarded brain function."
Contentment, Joy & Living Well
Facing Death & Dying Well
Dealing w/ Anger & Emotion
Giving & Receiving: A Practical Way of Directing Love & Compassion
Interdependence, Inter-Connectedness & the Nature of Reality
The Challenges for Humanity: An Interfaith Address
Questions & Answers......
I still can't figure out how he put so much awesome information/teachings in one little book.
April 8, 2010
I love the Dalai Lama and really like what he has to say and the way he says it.
November 11, 2010
A mesmerizing work by H.H. The Dalai Lama. It was both very informational and interesting that I would like to recommend it to everyone. It is very easy to read and understand.
April 20, 2012
This is collection of lectures by H.H. 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. It has all the advise and good ways of being a good human.
June 23, 2020
It was a little too deep and maybe I don't understand my inner consciousness enough for this one.
October 12, 2018
Quick, simple, illuminating read (I took longer as I was distracted, but ideally this book can be finished within days or even hours, for some). While this book is overtly Buddhist, any interested layman can read it. Granted, there are a couple terms only people well-versed with Buddhism or neighbouring religions would know, but there's nothing a quick Google search can't solve.
There are some things I agreed with, and some that I didn't. I won't cover everything I liked and disliked, but here are two examples:
Non-attachment, or detachment, seems to be a common them in this book - and Buddhism in general - and I am open to practicing it as well. When talking about wealth and material possessions, H.H. the Dalai Lama touches on how when we become too dependent, too attached on such things, the road to contentment disappears. We sink to a state of disappointment because we are always wanting more This, I agree on.
Though, when he talks about the topic of nature and dips into sexual relations, I found myself disagreeing with some things he said. I concur when he said that without sex we wouldn't exist (obviously), but that blind love creates problems and misery. That is true. Blind love is a whole other chapter that I would love to tackle, but to keep it short, the consequences of loving someone mindlessly can be detrimental. What I didn't agree with was when he spoke about sex and animals, and how he greatly appreciated the few animals who copulate and mate for life, hence being "responsible individuals" whereas he was disgusted by animals like dogs who simply mate for the pleasure. It's OK to have sex and enjoy it and not commit, so as long as both parties are on the same page and no one is being wronged. The Dalai Lama may be a forward-thinking individual, but I fear he lacks open-mindedness in regards to a few topics, including sex. Monogamy isn't the only way most people live, though I personally am a serial monogamist.
I think this book is a good read if you want a light understanding on topics regarding emotion, death, loving ("practically") and to use as a stepping stone to being a better person. I did make notes and jot down some things I found helpful, so I can say that this book was not a waste. I may not be Buddhist, or even religious for that matter, but I find the religion quite interesting. I like their way of thinking and way of life. If you'd like a glimpse of the Buddhist mentality, this book would show you that.
I'd like to add that there is also a question and answer section at the end of this book if you'd like to see H.H.'s personal views on common topics like overcoming fear, forgiveness, meditation, etc.
Personal note: As a person who has been extremely attached to things, places, and most importantly people, reading this book and being exposed to its constant, underlying theme of non-attachment has shed some light on how I want to be dealing with life subsequently. I am definitely going to look into Buddhism and detachment (as well as other beliefs mentioned in this book).
There are some things I agreed with, and some that I didn't. I won't cover everything I liked and disliked, but here are two examples:
Non-attachment, or detachment, seems to be a common them in this book - and Buddhism in general - and I am open to practicing it as well. When talking about wealth and material possessions, H.H. the Dalai Lama touches on how when we become too dependent, too attached on such things, the road to contentment disappears. We sink to a state of disappointment because we are always wanting more This, I agree on.
Though, when he talks about the topic of nature and dips into sexual relations, I found myself disagreeing with some things he said. I concur when he said that without sex we wouldn't exist (obviously), but that blind love creates problems and misery. That is true. Blind love is a whole other chapter that I would love to tackle, but to keep it short, the consequences of loving someone mindlessly can be detrimental. What I didn't agree with was when he spoke about sex and animals, and how he greatly appreciated the few animals who copulate and mate for life, hence being "responsible individuals" whereas he was disgusted by animals like dogs who simply mate for the pleasure. It's OK to have sex and enjoy it and not commit, so as long as both parties are on the same page and no one is being wronged. The Dalai Lama may be a forward-thinking individual, but I fear he lacks open-mindedness in regards to a few topics, including sex. Monogamy isn't the only way most people live, though I personally am a serial monogamist.
I think this book is a good read if you want a light understanding on topics regarding emotion, death, loving ("practically") and to use as a stepping stone to being a better person. I did make notes and jot down some things I found helpful, so I can say that this book was not a waste. I may not be Buddhist, or even religious for that matter, but I find the religion quite interesting. I like their way of thinking and way of life. If you'd like a glimpse of the Buddhist mentality, this book would show you that.
I'd like to add that there is also a question and answer section at the end of this book if you'd like to see H.H.'s personal views on common topics like overcoming fear, forgiveness, meditation, etc.
Personal note: As a person who has been extremely attached to things, places, and most importantly people, reading this book and being exposed to its constant, underlying theme of non-attachment has shed some light on how I want to be dealing with life subsequently. I am definitely going to look into Buddhism and detachment (as well as other beliefs mentioned in this book).
June 14, 2025
Ich habe ja immer einiges an Widerstand, bei Büchern über oder von Menschen die sich als Guru Ausgeben, oder so verehrt werden. Doch, die Figur Dalai Lama hat mich trotzdem immer ein bisschen fasziniert und imponiert mit der absoluten Verpflichtung gegenüber Mitgefühl und Friedvolles Miteinander.
Das Buch ist mittlerweile etliche Jahre alt und ich fand es interessant das Buch von 1993 nun im Jahr 2026 zu lesen. Zu der Zeit der Veröffentlichung meldet man der Art und Weise der Erzählungen an, dass es noch Hoffnung gab, eine Lösung zu finden.
Doch was bleibt? Dieses Buch regt an, darüber nachzudenken, was passiert ist seitdem? Wie bleibt man etwas treu, ohne dass sich Hoffnungen und Träume erfüllen?
aus heutiger Sicht bietet das Buch keinerlei Antworten und das ist, was ich daran auch interessant finde, bei einem Buch welches Antworten des Dalai Lamas bzu fragen bietet wie:
"Würden Sie in Fällen von tödlichem Krankheiten bei einem langen Todeskampf Sterbehilfe verdammen?"
Was ich erfrischend empfunden habe waren antworten von Dalai Lama, die seine Demut und eigene Unwissenheit klar machten. An anderen Stellen zeigten seine Äußerungen aber auch einige Blinde Flecken auf, was zum Beispiel das Thema Privilegien angeht.
3 Sterne von mir, weil das Buch, obwohl es in die Jahre gekommen ist, noch Relevanz hat aber auch eine interessante Perspektive auf den Dalai Lama vor 30 Jahren.
Ich werde das Buch irgendwo in einem anderen offenem Bücherschrank mit einer kleinen Botschaft hinterlassen.
Ah, aber nicht zu vergessen ist auch, dass es anregt, den Tibet und die Menschen dort nicht zu vergessen und sich damit auseinander zu setzen, was ist passiert seitdem? Was hat sich verändert?.Was braucht es heute?
Das Buch ist mittlerweile etliche Jahre alt und ich fand es interessant das Buch von 1993 nun im Jahr 2026 zu lesen. Zu der Zeit der Veröffentlichung meldet man der Art und Weise der Erzählungen an, dass es noch Hoffnung gab, eine Lösung zu finden.
Doch was bleibt? Dieses Buch regt an, darüber nachzudenken, was passiert ist seitdem? Wie bleibt man etwas treu, ohne dass sich Hoffnungen und Träume erfüllen?
aus heutiger Sicht bietet das Buch keinerlei Antworten und das ist, was ich daran auch interessant finde, bei einem Buch welches Antworten des Dalai Lamas bzu fragen bietet wie:
"Würden Sie in Fällen von tödlichem Krankheiten bei einem langen Todeskampf Sterbehilfe verdammen?"
Was ich erfrischend empfunden habe waren antworten von Dalai Lama, die seine Demut und eigene Unwissenheit klar machten. An anderen Stellen zeigten seine Äußerungen aber auch einige Blinde Flecken auf, was zum Beispiel das Thema Privilegien angeht.
3 Sterne von mir, weil das Buch, obwohl es in die Jahre gekommen ist, noch Relevanz hat aber auch eine interessante Perspektive auf den Dalai Lama vor 30 Jahren.
Ich werde das Buch irgendwo in einem anderen offenem Bücherschrank mit einer kleinen Botschaft hinterlassen.
Ah, aber nicht zu vergessen ist auch, dass es anregt, den Tibet und die Menschen dort nicht zu vergessen und sich damit auseinander zu setzen, was ist passiert seitdem? Was hat sich verändert?.Was braucht es heute?
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December 22, 2020This book was for more dogmatic than anticipated.
I had recently read a book about Vedic dharma that was great and thought to myself that a philosophical comparison with Buddha dharma is in order.
I found much of what the Dalai Lama said to be surprisingly anti-human and not compassionate. Perhaps politics have soured him.
I won't reduce all of what was said in this book down to just a negative opinion, The Dalai Lama does has allot to share with the world, specifically about meditation and acknowledging suffering.
However that being said considering that he won't harm a fly, he's cool with passive eugenics reducing the earth's population and demonizes the act of sex. Meanwhile he's explanations for his opinions are reminiscent to those of a Primary Catholic-School teacher.
In conclusion, I found after having compared this book to Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya's "The Dharma Manifesto: A New Vision for Global Transformation". I'm left with impression that Vedic dharma focuses more on a connection with the universe and natural order, whereas Buddha dharma focuses more on the destruction of the self.
I had recently read a book about Vedic dharma that was great and thought to myself that a philosophical comparison with Buddha dharma is in order.
I found much of what the Dalai Lama said to be surprisingly anti-human and not compassionate. Perhaps politics have soured him.
I won't reduce all of what was said in this book down to just a negative opinion, The Dalai Lama does has allot to share with the world, specifically about meditation and acknowledging suffering.
However that being said considering that he won't harm a fly, he's cool with passive eugenics reducing the earth's population and demonizes the act of sex. Meanwhile he's explanations for his opinions are reminiscent to those of a Primary Catholic-School teacher.
In conclusion, I found after having compared this book to Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya's "The Dharma Manifesto: A New Vision for Global Transformation". I'm left with impression that Vedic dharma focuses more on a connection with the universe and natural order, whereas Buddha dharma focuses more on the destruction of the self.
May 20, 2020
My take aways from this book, are 1) the process of looking at things or situations from both sides 2) you can feel the emotion of anger but don't let it turn into hatred. Hatred changes you and stays with you. Positive energy does not come from hatred. 3) death is inevitable. Face that so when it comes you are calm leaving this earth. Your next life will be better for it.
There are other things, but I can't seem to verbalize them. The positive energy, calming, and looking at both sides of situations are things I can definitely practice and get on board with.
Eye opening and lots to think about, this book delivered on what I was expecting and needed.
There are other things, but I can't seem to verbalize them. The positive energy, calming, and looking at both sides of situations are things I can definitely practice and get on board with.
Eye opening and lots to think about, this book delivered on what I was expecting and needed.
January 16, 2022
Insights on emotions, life, karma and similar deep human traits.
The first half of the book is an easy read, but the second half probably takes multiple iterations to understand. Emptiness and cessation isn’t that simple, but the book tries to explain it in the best possible way
The first half of the book is an easy read, but the second half probably takes multiple iterations to understand. Emptiness and cessation isn’t that simple, but the book tries to explain it in the best possible way
November 10, 2024
Small book strength goes unnoticed.. spreading warmth and understanding, encouraging to adopt empathy, consideration, kindness, forgiveness by being compassionate to others and to ourselves, silently healing heart .
April 23, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook. I definitely appreciate the content, but the narrator sounded like Alfred Hitchcock, which was just not the right vibe. The image in my head of the Dalai Lama as I was listening was really messed up due to this.
March 15, 2019
A short, inspirational look at the power of compassion from the Buddhist faith tradition. I really enjoyed hearing how others practice compassion and concern for their fellow humans.
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June 29, 2019This was a gift from my then fiancé and I loved it. If you are looking for a somewhat beginner perspective to the way of Tibetan Buddhism this is a beautiful veto read.
December 26, 2019
Well explained about Buddhist philosophy and it very easy to understand by everyone..
June 6, 2020
Simple but clear messages. I love the simplicity.
June 25, 2020
A gem within the books of Dalai Lama.
September 27, 2021
Thought provoking
April 2, 2022
Ouvir o Dalai Lama falar é sempre uma benção. Seus ensinamentos sobre a compaixão, o amor, a generosidade enquanto fala da nossa verdadeira natureza da mente é sempre muito enriquecedor.
March 2, 2023
Amazing book!
February 18, 2016
I bought this book at a place where it ought to be bought, a calm Buddhist temple as I've a habit of taking books as souvenirs to conclude my trip. Anyway, the Dalai Lama is one of the spiritual leaders whom I respect despite my own personal views on the subject; for his relentless struggle towards the Tibetan cause and more importantly, for being one of the more forward thinking people in his field and in this very book, he asserted that one can't reach too far in the path the enlightenment by means of blind faith, contrary to what I have heard from many in the same field.
This book is a collection of lectures, on how to show compassion, how to accept death gracefully, among other similar topics and the last part of the book is a Q&A session documented. To be very honest, I really wanted to like the book, but then, I was far from impressed with this book and in fact, I found his delivery to be rather dull. Moreover, this book cannot be read by someone who is not acquainted with Buddhist practices and philosophies, although I am not completely in the dark with regard to the same considering a lot of similarities with the religion I was raised in (being Hinduism, though, I quit religion long ago) but then, there were several instances where I was totally lost. I do appreciate that he tried to appeal to people like myself, adding a caveat after any reference to re-birth or other related religious concepts that 'even for non-believers...' but then, those arguments proposed weren't totally convincing.
Moreover, I guess my scepticism is also owing to my complete ideological differences with one of the strongest concepts that he was riding on, throughout the lecture, as to not show attachment but show compassion. While I agree with the latter part, I believe it is inherent human nature to show attachment to people whom you regard and love while you could still be compassionate towards the society at large and no convincing arguments were made as to how these two are mutually exclusive and moreover, I am of the very strong belief that a state of trance reached through detachment and giving up on desires is merely an illusionary happiness and I for one would prefer to be sad in the real world than exercising that option.
Anyway, enough with my own personal ideas because, whenever I get deeper into the same, I very frequently get a remark stating, 'you can't take such a narrow view on philosophy' - let me for argument's sake agree with this, but then, in this very book, one highly ridiculous statement was made:
'I find it a bit difficult to apply this principle of compassion to the field of economics. But economists are human beings and of course they also need human affection, without which they'd suffer. However, if you think only of profit, irrespective of the cause of consequences, then drug dealers are not wrong, because from the economic viewpoint, they are also making tremendous profits.'
- page 73 and 74
I don't know if he was just trying to be funny which I doubt considering the otherwise serious nature of his lecture, he has narrowed down an entire subject to ONE school of thought, being positive economics and as per his view, I guess Alfred Marshall was fine with money making through drugs; I mean, going by Voltaire, I do defend his right to believe in that idea and defend his right to profess that in a speech (and it'd apply for my thoughts on philosophy too) but then, nevertheless, this was a ridiculous remark to make and from that moment on, I stopped taking the contents of this book very seriously.
This could seriously be a case of a right book landing in the wrong hands and I still feel this could be enjoyed by those who wish to understand and learn about Buddhist philosophies but then, the review being typed by the same hands that held the right book, the review is inevitably going to be bad, and thus, my rating for the book shall be a two on five.
This book is a collection of lectures, on how to show compassion, how to accept death gracefully, among other similar topics and the last part of the book is a Q&A session documented. To be very honest, I really wanted to like the book, but then, I was far from impressed with this book and in fact, I found his delivery to be rather dull. Moreover, this book cannot be read by someone who is not acquainted with Buddhist practices and philosophies, although I am not completely in the dark with regard to the same considering a lot of similarities with the religion I was raised in (being Hinduism, though, I quit religion long ago) but then, there were several instances where I was totally lost. I do appreciate that he tried to appeal to people like myself, adding a caveat after any reference to re-birth or other related religious concepts that 'even for non-believers...' but then, those arguments proposed weren't totally convincing.
Moreover, I guess my scepticism is also owing to my complete ideological differences with one of the strongest concepts that he was riding on, throughout the lecture, as to not show attachment but show compassion. While I agree with the latter part, I believe it is inherent human nature to show attachment to people whom you regard and love while you could still be compassionate towards the society at large and no convincing arguments were made as to how these two are mutually exclusive and moreover, I am of the very strong belief that a state of trance reached through detachment and giving up on desires is merely an illusionary happiness and I for one would prefer to be sad in the real world than exercising that option.
Anyway, enough with my own personal ideas because, whenever I get deeper into the same, I very frequently get a remark stating, 'you can't take such a narrow view on philosophy' - let me for argument's sake agree with this, but then, in this very book, one highly ridiculous statement was made:
'I find it a bit difficult to apply this principle of compassion to the field of economics. But economists are human beings and of course they also need human affection, without which they'd suffer. However, if you think only of profit, irrespective of the cause of consequences, then drug dealers are not wrong, because from the economic viewpoint, they are also making tremendous profits.'
- page 73 and 74
I don't know if he was just trying to be funny which I doubt considering the otherwise serious nature of his lecture, he has narrowed down an entire subject to ONE school of thought, being positive economics and as per his view, I guess Alfred Marshall was fine with money making through drugs; I mean, going by Voltaire, I do defend his right to believe in that idea and defend his right to profess that in a speech (and it'd apply for my thoughts on philosophy too) but then, nevertheless, this was a ridiculous remark to make and from that moment on, I stopped taking the contents of this book very seriously.
This could seriously be a case of a right book landing in the wrong hands and I still feel this could be enjoyed by those who wish to understand and learn about Buddhist philosophies but then, the review being typed by the same hands that held the right book, the review is inevitably going to be bad, and thus, my rating for the book shall be a two on five.
January 25, 2015
While not found on the cover, the subtitle of “The Power of Compassion” is, “A Collection of Lectures by His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama” and this adds some clarity to the content of the book because the book is not exclusively related to the subject of compassion. While the Dalai Lama exudes compassion throughout “The Power of Compassion” and, while compassion may be the thread that connects the discussions in this book, there are essentially six main topics (broken into distinct chapters) that this book focuses on:
1) Contentment, Joy and Living Well
2) Facing Death and Dying Well
3) Dealing with Anger and Emotion
4) Giving and Receiving: A Practical Way of Directing Love and Compassion
5) Interdependence, Inter-connectedness and the nature of Reality
6) The Challenge for Humanity: An Interfaith Address
and there is a seventh chapter that presents a series of questions and answers.
Of course, these discussions come from a Buddhist perspective; however, the Dalai Lama also seems to use a great deal of common sense when exploring these ideas. Indeed, the Dalai Lama even says that, “…in Buddhism, greater emphasis is given to reason and intelligence than faith.” Having very little knowledge of the Buddhist philosophy, this came as a surprise to me.
Another aspect of Buddhism that I found surprising was how it seems to evolve and incorporate new ideas as society changes,
“I think it is quite important to be able to make a distinction between what I call the ‘core’ and ‘essence’ of religious teachings and the cultural aspects of the particular tradition. What I would call the ‘essence’ or ‘core’ of religious traditions are the basic religious messages, such as the principles of love, compassion and so forth, which always retain the relevance and importance, irrespective of time and circumstances. But as time changes, the cultural context changes, and I think it is important for the followers of religious traditions to be able to make the necessary changes that would reflect the particular concerns of their time and culture.”
Furthermore, the discussion around ‘Interdependence, Inter-Connectedness, and the Nature of Reality’ might very much read like a section straight out of a modern textbook in physics rather than Scriptures from hundreds of years ago.
While this aforementioned, fifth chapter of the book provided for a challenging read, I also find that my layman’s knowledge of Buddhism was a hindrance when trying to grasp the many precepts that entered into the discussion. Principles such as: the Four Noble Truths, the Four Powers, the Three Jewels, the Ten Negative Actions etc. are all absolutely foreign to me. I assume, even though I prefer not to make assumptions, that readers who are better versed on Buddhist traditions and texts would derive far more benefit from these specific discussions that I was able to.
In general though, I would say that, in spite of my limited knowledge, I felt that there were some profound insights in “The Power of Compassion” and my life will be improved from having read them.
1) Contentment, Joy and Living Well
2) Facing Death and Dying Well
3) Dealing with Anger and Emotion
4) Giving and Receiving: A Practical Way of Directing Love and Compassion
5) Interdependence, Inter-connectedness and the nature of Reality
6) The Challenge for Humanity: An Interfaith Address
and there is a seventh chapter that presents a series of questions and answers.
Of course, these discussions come from a Buddhist perspective; however, the Dalai Lama also seems to use a great deal of common sense when exploring these ideas. Indeed, the Dalai Lama even says that, “…in Buddhism, greater emphasis is given to reason and intelligence than faith.” Having very little knowledge of the Buddhist philosophy, this came as a surprise to me.
Another aspect of Buddhism that I found surprising was how it seems to evolve and incorporate new ideas as society changes,
“I think it is quite important to be able to make a distinction between what I call the ‘core’ and ‘essence’ of religious teachings and the cultural aspects of the particular tradition. What I would call the ‘essence’ or ‘core’ of religious traditions are the basic religious messages, such as the principles of love, compassion and so forth, which always retain the relevance and importance, irrespective of time and circumstances. But as time changes, the cultural context changes, and I think it is important for the followers of religious traditions to be able to make the necessary changes that would reflect the particular concerns of their time and culture.”
Furthermore, the discussion around ‘Interdependence, Inter-Connectedness, and the Nature of Reality’ might very much read like a section straight out of a modern textbook in physics rather than Scriptures from hundreds of years ago.
While this aforementioned, fifth chapter of the book provided for a challenging read, I also find that my layman’s knowledge of Buddhism was a hindrance when trying to grasp the many precepts that entered into the discussion. Principles such as: the Four Noble Truths, the Four Powers, the Three Jewels, the Ten Negative Actions etc. are all absolutely foreign to me. I assume, even though I prefer not to make assumptions, that readers who are better versed on Buddhist traditions and texts would derive far more benefit from these specific discussions that I was able to.
In general though, I would say that, in spite of my limited knowledge, I felt that there were some profound insights in “The Power of Compassion” and my life will be improved from having read them.
September 28, 2019
Time tested wisdom.
"If you could meet anyone...?"
Read, pause, and ponder.
"If you could meet anyone...?"
Read, pause, and ponder.
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