In Praise of Great Compassion - (Library of Wisdom and Compassion) by Dalai Lama & Thubten Chodron (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Volume 5 of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion, In Praise of Great Compassion, continues the Dalai Lama's teachings with the first of two volumes on compassion, said to be the essence of the Buddha's teachings. While the emphasis in volumes 3 and 4 is on our situation as an individual and taking responsibility for it, this volume is about opening our hearts to others and generating and strengthening our determination to benefit sentient beings. We begin with cultivating a positive attitude toward others by contemplating the four immeasurables-immeasurable love, compassion, empathic joy, and equanimity-as taught in both the Påali and Sanskrit traditions, and by developing the altruistic intention of bodhicitta. With examples from celebrated Buddhist texts, such as Candrakåirti's Madhyamakåavatåara, as background, we learn to generate the aspiration to attain full awakening for the benefit of all beings and to commit to engage in the path by adopting the bodhisattva ethical code. The volume concludes with a chapter on mind training practices in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, which challenge us to reorient the framework through which we view the world, calling out the ridiculous logic of the self-centered attitude and self-grasping that leads to misery and replacing it with a more realistic perspective that helps us to remain balanced when we experience either happiness or suffering, allowing us to make all circumstances favorable to the path. Volume 6 will continue these teachings on compassion by setting forth the ten perfections, as practiced in the Påali and Sanskrit tradition, making known a full-fledged bodhisattva path to supreme awakening"--

Book Synopsis

The fifth volume of the Dalai Lama's definitive Library of Wisdom and Compassion series, which has sold nearly 15,000 copies to date.

In Praise of Great Compassion, the fifth volume of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion, continues the Dalai Lama's teachings on the path to awakening. While previous volumes focused on our present situation and taking responsibility for creating the causes for the happiness we seek, this volume is about opening our hearts to others and generating the compassion, joy, and fortitude to make our lives meaningful by benefiting them.

We are embedded in a universe with other beings, all of whom have been kind to us in one way or another. More than any other time in human history, we depend on one another to stay alive and flourish. We are sometimes oblivious to their kindness, or take it for granted, which leads to feelings of discontent. But when we look closely, it becomes apparent that we have been the recipient of great kindness and naturally we want to repay it.

To do this, we begin by cultivating a positive attitude toward others by contemplating the four immeasurables--immeasurable love, compassion, empathic joy, and equanimity--and the altruistic intention of bodhicitta. We learn to challenge the deluded logic of the self-centered attitude that leads to misery and replace it with a more realistic perspective that helps us to remain balanced when we experience either happiness or suffering. This enables us to make all circumstances favorable to the path to awakening.

Review Quotes

"In Praise of Great Compassion is a welcome arrival that illuminates the interface between two Buddhist traditions, Mahayana and Theravada, through the common ground of compassion. These valuable teachings are a gift and a powerful message to the world."--Ajahn Sundara, Amaravati Monastery

"Another insightful volume in an important series, In Praise of Great Compassion is a deep and wonderful book that offers crucial lessons for our time--and for all time."--Daniel Gilbert, Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology, Harvard University

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama, together with Bhik?u?i Thubten Chodron, lucidly present the Buddha's teachings to a wider readership. The inclusion of different Buddhist traditions' practices on the important topic of great compassion is especially welcome, and I am delighted to see a chapter on Chinese Buddhism and its introduction to the Seven Round Compassion Contemplation, as well as the Four Great Vows. These are powerful practices not only to develop compassion but also to eliminate one's own karmic obstacles. May all beings benefit from this latest volume of the valuable Dharma series, the Library of Wisdom and Compassion."--Bhik?u Jian Hu, Abbot of Sunnyvale Zen Center

"The Buddha's journey to full awakening could have ended with liberation, but his infinite compassion in the face of the suffering of all beings led him to continue his journey by sharing what he had learned with others. In this fifth volume of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion, the Dalai Lama explores in depth just how central compassion and empathy are to the path to awakening. It's a comprehensive look at the teachings on compassion in every Buddhist tradition and is wonderfully complemented by the reflections and meditation suggestions of his co-author, Thubten Chodron."--Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Change

About the Author

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and a beacon of inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. He has persistently reached out across religious and political lines and has engaged in dialogue with scientists in his mission to advance peace and understanding in the world. In doing so, he embodies his motto: "My religion is kindness."

Thubten Chodron has been a Buddhist nun since 1977. A graduate of UCLA, she is the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State. She is a popular speaker and author of numerous books, including Buddhism for Beginners.