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Audiobooks >  > An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life
An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life (Unabridged) Audiobook, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Play Audiobook Sample

An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life Audiobook (Unabridged)

By: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life (Unabridged) Audiobook, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Nicholas Vreeland, with an afterword by Richard Gere Publisher: Hachette Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 2.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: September 2001 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:
4.00113372093023 out of 54.00113372093023 out of 54.00113372093023 out of 54.00113372093023 out of 54.00113372093023 out of 5 (4.00) - 3,440 listener ratings
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Publisher Description

When His Holiness the Dalai Lama came to New York City in 1999, he spoke simply and powerfully on the everyday Buddhist practice of compassion. An Open Heart lays out this course of meditation, from the simplest to the most challenging, describing the mental training techniques that will enable anyone of any faith to change their minds and open their hearts.

It is my hope that the listener of this audiobook will take away a basic understanding of Buddhism and some of the key methods by which Buddhist practitioners have cultivated compassion and wisdom in their lives. The methods discussed have been taken from three sacred texts of Buddhism. I would like to stress at the outset, however, that one doesn't have to be a Buddhist to make use of these meditation techniques. Meditation is merely the process whereby we gain control over the mind and guide it in a more virtuous direction. Meditation may also be thought of as a technique by which we diminish the force of old thought habits and develop new ones. Yet the techniques themselves do not lead to enlightenment or a compassionate and open heart. That is up to you, and the effort and motivation you bring to your spiritual practice. - The Dalai Lama

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"A book simply explaining Buddhist beliefs, concepts and methods to achieve understanding and practice in daily life. One does not need to be intent on converting to Buddhism to benefit from the book. The concepts alone are beneficial and prompt one to grow. Even considering the purpose of the exercises and practices is insightful into our own lives, such as the descriptions on mediation and realizing that we all engage in some form of mediation daily even if it is unstructured and seemingly without purpose. It forms our minds, behaviors and interactions with others. Also, it provides an insight into the distractions that we continually face and the discipline it takes to silence them in order to have more meaningful thoughts, learning and interactions with others."

— Steve (4 out of 5 stars)

An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.16 out of 54.16 out of 54.16 out of 54.16 out of 54.16 out of 5 (4.16)
5 Stars: 11
4 Stars: 7
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Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is a condensed version of the Dalai Lama's teachings during his visit to New York City in 1999. The focus is on cultivating compassion through mindfulness meditation. "

    — Tyne, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I think you need to be a more advanced student of Buddhism to appreciate this book. "

    — Karen, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " a jewel of a book: succinct and gently written. encouraging. a light hand in the flow of the thoughts. yet only the first part of the book is truly accessible to the novice or the intermediate student of this meditation style. the second half is serious business yet worth reading and very nicely presented. recommended with awareness of not "overdoing" it, meaning take in the hard section (it's presentation allows for that) but not push for more than you can handle at any given moment. take under advisement and then continue practicing where you are. "

    — Maggie, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book is one of my favorite what I like to call "perspective" books; meaning it gives you another facet for viewing life through. This book honestly made an impact on the way that I interact with people and how I view the things that happen in my life. I would say that if you're another person like me who is curious about how other people see the world in their heads then give this book a read. "

    — Justin, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " still reading but enlightening "

    — Tanya, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Eh. It was a good read. Mostly information I already knew. Reaffirmed my belief in meditation. Nothing mind blowing or new, but definitely serves as a good reminder. "

    — Lucas, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book is awesome, I keep referring back to it. "

    — Leeann, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Just another one by my favorite noble man! "

    — Dawn, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Simply compassionate and wonderful! "

    — Patricia, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Come on you know anything by Dalai Lama is going to be life changing! I am serious I really dig this book! "

    — Darcy, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved this, and it was surprisingly easy and enjoyable to read. "

    — Roxanne, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A favorite of mine - I find it very calming to look at his face and I appreciate the message. "

    — Kimberly, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I have this in audio form and love it. "

    — Carolina, 11/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A quickie compared to the art of happiness "

    — Cindi, 10/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " love his holiness "

    — Kathryn, 1/11/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " of course, ryan gave me this one. "

    — Melissa, 7/30/2007
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " There are not enough people in this world like this great man. "

    — Timm, 8/3/2006
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " While I do not think that I could embrace Buddhism, I learn from reading the Dalai Lama's writings, and know myself better after reading this particular selection. I have tamed anger, learned to know myself better and be more genuinely compassionate through several readings of this book. "

    — Mary, 5/10/2006
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was pretty good, but my thing was that I had a few questions after I finished reading it. I didn't really understand how the wording was simple but the ideas behind them were so complex. It opened my mind, but I need somthing else to read now. "

    — Ashley, 12/3/2005
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this book! I will definitely read it again and already look forward to doing so! "

    — Elizabeth, 10/23/2005
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful lessons in peace and compassion that transcend religious boundaries, reminding the reader of what a fabulous gift this and every human life is. "

    — Tish, 1/14/2005
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful to start meditating. I highly recommend this book to all those who are in some kind of spiritual path. "

    — Camilla, 7/24/2004
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book on the idea and concepts of Buddhism for the everyday guy. Some concepts may be harder to understand at first... but remember its not a race and takes time. "

    — Chad, 4/13/2004
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Inspiring. I found myself going back through an highlighting full passages. What an incredible man! You can read this book repeatedly and get something new from it each time. "

    — Rachel, 7/20/2003
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Good book discussing basic principles. Always enjoyable to feel the calm energy he clearly communicates to his audience. "

    — Mark, 2/22/2003

About His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Jeffrey Hopkins, PhD, served for a decade as the interpreter for the Dalai Lama. A Buddhist scholar and the author of more than thirty-five books and translations, he is emeritus professor of Tibetan and Buddhist studies at the University of Virginia, where he founded the largest academic program of Tibetan Buddhist studies in the West.