The Wisdom of Compassion

December 10, 2012
An attendee at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s meetings all over the world and coauthor with him (The Wisdom of Forgiveness), Chan provides an insider’s account of the spiritual master’s teachings at venues large and small. “This is the Dalai Lama in context,” he writes, “live, unscripted, and at his most charismatic.” Encounters are arranged by theme: “Overcoming Adversity,” “Educating the Heart,” and “Compassion in Action.” His Holiness interacts with survivors of Northern Ireland’s violence, seriously ill children, social activists fighting poverty and oppression, and scientists studying compassion. Leaving intact the Dalai Lama’s distinctive English, Chan vividly conveys the world leader’s intense curiosity, intelligence, explosive laughter, keen wisdom, and kindness; his account of the Dalai Lama’s conversation with Archbishop Desmond Tutu crackles with energy. Throughout, His Holiness incisively conveys his core teaching that inner transformation is key to alleviating suffering and bringing peace to a violent world. He also listens intently to innovators who are committed to the same goals. Details provide immediacy; carefully placed background information gives context. These inspiring dialogues communicate His Holiness’s worldwide appeal and essential commitment to compassion.

November 15, 2012
Tales of kindness and understanding from the Dalai Lama. The authors--Chan previously co-wrote The Wisdom of Forgiveness (2004) with the Dalai Lama--bring forth numerous stories of empathy and consideration that they have personally witnessed. Believing that a person's goal in life is to be happy, and that the causes of unhappiness are primarily internal bouts of anger, attachment and ignorance, the Dalai Lama has spent more than 50 years practicing and promoting his wisdom to millions of people around the world. From watching the Dalai Lama interact with young children with serious illnesses to recording the wise words of his good friend, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Chan portrays a rarely seen, intimate side of the Dalai Lama, whose life is full of wit and lightheartedness balanced by wisdom and compassion. Regardless of religious beliefs, readers will gain a deeper understanding of human nature and our capacity to show consideration and benevolence to those around us as they follow Chan and the Dalai Lama on a global tour. "For the Dalai Lama," writes Chan, "compassion and wisdom are the fundamental building blocks of society. In our homes and in our schools, he believes, we should systematically nurture a culture of warmheartedness, a culture of kindness. They are essential elements, critical to having a happy life." The first place this bond of compassion is formed is when a baby nurses on her mother's milk; as such, women are by nature compassionate "life-givers." Throughout, the authors' message is uplifting, if occasionally repetitive and not always wholly convincing. Although readers may not be able to spend five hours a day in meditation and prayer like the Dalai Lama, they will come away with a better sense of the importance of communication, forgiveness and empathy, regardless of the circumstances.

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