Transforming the Mind: Teachings on Generating Compassion - Softcover

Dalai Lama, His Holiness The

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007160003 ISBN 13: 9780007160006

Publisher: Thorsons, 2003

Synopsis

The Dalai Lama on one of the most important spiritual practices to develop wisdom and compassion.

· Based on three days of teaching in London, May 1999, this book is an edited version of the Dalai Lama’s discourse on The Eight Verses on Generating Compassion.

· The Verses are one of the most profound and sacred texts in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

· The title of the book comes from the Tibetan word for the Verses: ‘lojong’ – literally, transforming your mind.

· The lucid, straightforward commentary on these teachings includes instruction on how to transform difficult situations into opportunities for spiritual growth.

· The author also offers practical methods as to how to develop positive ways of thinking and compassion.

About this title

Review:

The mind is central to all human experience. Whether one is in harmony with the world or not depends upon one's relative emotional and spiritual health. For this reason, the core teachings of Buddhism have always emphasised various forms of mind-training. In Transforming the Mind, based on an edited series of his lectures, the Dalai Lama provides a succinct overview of the basic techniques of spiritual development of Tibetan Buddhism. He introduces several aspects of mind training, combining the insights of traditional scholarship with his personal warmth and humanity.

The book begins with a lucid account of the basic teachings of Buddhism--the nature of the human predicament and how it may be overcome. Then two key aspects of mind training involving the development of altruism and insight are described. This is essential, since Buddhism teaches that true mental transformation requires a sense of responsibility for others together with the attainment of insight into the dynamic working of the human psyche and the world. Included in the book is the short traditional text on mental transformation which the Dalai Lama used to structure his illuminating presentation of Buddhism practice. As an added bonus, the book concludes with a message for the millennium, giving the Dalai Lama's views on the role of Buddhist-inspired ethics in this newly dawning era.

Though not aimed at complete beginners, this book will appeal to readers who are seriously committed to bringing about change in the world through developing their own spiritual capabilities, whether they are Buddhists or not. --Stephen Hodge

Review:

..".the practice of compassion is at the heart of the entire [Buddhist] path. All other practices are either preliminary to it, or a foundation for it, or they are subsequent applications of this core practice."

About this edition

• Publisher: Thorsons
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0007160003
• ISBN 13: 9780007160006
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176