| View Larger Image | The Lost Art of Compassion: Discovering the Practice of Happiness in the Meeting of Buddhism and Psychology | Paperbackby Lorne Ladner (Author)
| List Price: | $15.95 | | Price: | $12.44 | | You Save: | $3.51 (22%) | | | Available: | Usually ships in 24 hours |
| | Binding: | Paperback | | Publisher: | HarperOne | | Page Count: | 336 Pages | | Publication Date: | January 01, 2005 | | Sales Rank: | 85,157th |
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FEATURES | - ISBN13: 9780060750527
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Product Description
Now in paperback, this practical guide to cultivating compassion delivers Buddhist and psychological insight right where we need it most—navigating the difficulties of our daily lives. Compassion is often seen as a distant, altruistic ideal cultivated by saints, or as an unrealistic response of the naively kind-hearted. Seeing compassion in this way, we lose out on experiencing the transformative potential of one of our most neglected inner resources. Dr Lorne Ladner rescues compassion from this marginalised view, showing how its practical application in our life can be a powerful force in achieving happiness. Combining the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism and Western psychology, Ladner presents clear, effective practices for cultivating compassion in daily living. |
Amazon.com Review
For modern Westerners groomed to be competitive, insatiable, and as hyperactive as hamsters, The Lost Art of Compassion stops us dead in our frantic tracks. With a zenlike whack to the side of our heads, Ladner deftly applies the pragmatic methods of Buddhism to psychology, reminding us that genuine happiness won't come from our misdirected striving and craving. A clinical psychologist and longtime Tibetan practitioner, Ladner has written a deeply innovative and kind how-to guide that reclaims the foundations of authentic contentment and compassion. The Western practice of psychology has taught us to work with damaging emotions and patterns, but according to Ladner has not offered "even one clear, practical, well-researched method for people to use to develop compassion." In contrast, the Buddhist tradition of mind-training focuses on the steady cultivation of positive emotions and mental states such as affection, even-mindedness, empathy, gratitude, and especially compassion. By practicing, we not only free ourselves from negative emotions, but are moved to ease the human suffering around us that is fed by such emotions. Richly combining his years of clinical and spiritual work, Ladner offers 10 reflective practices that drill out "the ego's calcifications" and distorting self images, opening the space for compassion. Emphasizing that "you cannot give others what you do not have yourself," his method gradually builds outward from establishing a secure self to caring for others. And, somehow, he does this without making us feel like we need to be Mother Teresa by next week. Ladner has never forgotten how he once heard someone in Los Angeles ask the Dalai Lama "what was the 'quickest and easiest' way to enlightenment." The Dalai Lama bowed his head and began to cry. Not fast-food, Ladner's book is a gift of compassion in itself once anyone puts it to practice. --Deborah Easter |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 12 reviews)
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The Found Art of Compassion by Renee Aubuchon (San Francisco)  5 Stars
July 18, 2009
I work in a psychiatry clinic that is in the process of adopting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as its primary theoretical orientation in the intensive outpatient program. DBT to some degree combines cognitive therapy with buddhist psychology. Thus I came to this book with an interest in where buddhism and psychology meet. I am not a buddhist and am centered in another spiritual tradition. I easily gave this book all the stars I could because it is a truly wonderful, compassionate book on how to live life as a true human being. All of us to one degree or another have some narcissism, and this book is an excellent guide to dealing with our own narcissism and the pain it causes us. Life is short, sometimes unexpectedly so, and for those readers working to come into true maturity as a human being and end suffering in their lives- this is a truly kind and truth filled guidebook.
I especially like that all the exercises that are proposed that the reader do are again listed together at the back of the book. I have had the honor of seeing lovingkindness work transform lives. This book has been tremendously helpful to me personally, and I know that incorporating the essence of the book's message into the work setting will help me serve others.
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A Brilliant Book by Upeksa (USA) 5 Stars
March 29, 2009
I received this book from a close friend and have read it three times. It is beautifully written, and I found myself able to relate to so many of the examples he provided. I can't wait for Lardner's next book.
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Excellent by R. M. Riley (Fort Wayne, IN) 5 Stars
January 20, 2009
I highly recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling in life. The book is well written with lots of practical advice on how to develop more love and gentleness in your life.
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A must read and a keeper. by David R. Halperin (Traverse City, MI) 5 Stars
March 27, 2007
I underline the passages of books that are the key ideas within each section. This book has the most underlining of any book on Buddhism I have read, and that is quite a few. Ladner helped this thick headed westerner gain a deeper appreciation and realization of important Buddhist principles. It is also an enjoyable romp into the world of western psychology, made palatable by its lack of filler (typically endless "studies" done on undergrad students)and Ladner's deep appreciation for Buddhism's insights into human behavior, thought and psychology. A bonus is the last section where Ladner outlines each chapter of the book. GET THIS BOOK.
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Insightful, Clear, Inspiring by S. Andrews (Pasadena, CA) 5 Stars
September 08, 2006
I've read several books making Buddhist concepts accessible to Western/American readers -- and this is the best, the clearest, the most practically useful. It is also a book that would help followers of other faiths see the usefulness of Buddhist concepts and practices without threatening their present beliefs. In other words, this is a great book for Christians to read! It helps show many practical ways for all of us to become kinder, more accepting, more loving of others and ourselves. It also show us a way out of our own selfishness, our own fears about interacting with others. It could help marriages, families, relationships, friendships.
It is a wonderful book. I am sad to see that the bargain price suggests it hasn't sold well, but I am glad to see that its bargain price makes it easier for people to purchase. I have given more than one copy as a gift!
Read it!
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