Name: An Open Heart
ISBN: 9780316989794

Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho

Nicholas Vreeland

The Dalai Lama shares some of his key teachings on the practice of compassion, presenting a collection of meditations and introducing the fundamental philosophy of Buddhism and its core concepts.

Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life

An Open Heart

Nick Gracilla

How can one cultivate a disciplined mind, an open heart, and compassion towards others and oneself? 

That's the focus of this quick read, which covers a lifetime's worth of experience, challenge, and growth. In his unique, clear voice, the Dalai Lama sets out the fundamental logic of Buddhism. He highlights teachings and meditation techniques from three key texts.

> Meditation may be thought of as a technique by which we diminish the force of old thought habits and develop new ones." 

The Dalai Lama sets out a practice towards compassion that's not specifically religious per se and amendable to any specific tradition (or none at all). At times, the book dives into the deeper details of Tibetian Buddhism, which are curious and perhaps a bit idiosyncratic to western readers. These sections provide a background, a logical structure to the progress of the mind and the journey towards compassion. 

Recommended.

An Open Heart Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life