The Lost Art of Compassion
Discovering the Practice of Happiness in the Meeting of Buddhism and Psychology
by Lorne Ladner, Ph.D.
A psychologist in private practice
and the director of the Buddhist Guhyasamaja Center in Virginia,
Lorne Ladner has written a concise book that brings understanding
to the Tibetan concept of compassion. In The Lost Art of Compassion:
Discovering the Practice of Happiness in the Meeting of Buddhism
and Psychology, he has brought his years of Buddhist meditation
and mainstream psychology together into a workable formula that
seeks to help people become their own therapists and seek their
own inner peace, allowing them to then look outward and do good
in the world. Using the Buddha's Four Noble Truths, Ladner explains
why most people are unhappy and then offers concrete tools to enable
folks to get beyond their troubles and see what is really important
in their lives.
In his introductory chapters, Ladner lays out the problem and begins
to teach about how the practicing Buddhists' view of the world differs
from Westerners'. He clearly explains who the Buddha was, what Buddhist
practice is, and how it can be helpful to people who normally come
to psychotherapists for help. The rest of the book deals with meditation
practices that guide the practitioner to discovering the reality
about the Four Noble Truths and ways to then bring their newly found
compassion to others. Ladner realizes that this process will not
be one for the person seeking a quick fix. These practices, however,
are ongoing and will benefit the person seeking to discover true
happiness and meaning in his or her life. That, he says, comes from
being in the present moment and experiencing compassion, not only
for others, but for yourself, as well.
I found Ladner's compassion akin to Jesus' bringing love (with a capital L) to the world.
In many ways, it is much the same thing. It is a compassion or love that doesn't think of
reward or hardship, but just loves and reacts to the needs of others without thought. It
just is.
The Lost Art of Compassion: Discovering the Practice of Happiness in the Meeting
of Buddhism and Psychology is easy to read and understand. The hard part comes from
the work of the exercises. But then, that is the often the path to enlightenment. |
The Book |
HarperSanFrancisco |
January 2005 |
Trade paperback |
0060750529 |
Non-fiction inspirational/self-help |
More
at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Janie Franz |
Reviewed 2005 |
NOTE: Reviewer Janie
Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid!, Relaxation
Techniques for Children, Relaxation Techniques for Adults; Co-author of The
Ultimate Wedding Reception Book and The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book. Coming
Soon: The Ultimate Wedding Workbook, Get Rich on Love, and Sacred Breath
(a sound recording of relaxation meditations). |
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