Join us in reading this month’s selection by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso – Universal Compassion, Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times.
From the back cover: “This book gives a practical and uplifting explanation of how we can transform our day to day lives – including the most demanding and difficult situations – into opportunities for personal and spiritual development. Ancient meditative techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries are brought alive and made relevant to our everyday experiences.
By pointing the way to an unchanging freedom and happiness, this immensely readable book challenges us to grow, and will have a remarkable impact on our life. “
Universal Compassion is a book written to translate a 12th Century Buddhist text entitled Training the Mind in Seven Points. The general precept of the book may sound terribly boring but the author, the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, does a beautiful job of expanding upon these seven points in a way that is superbly applicable to our world today and all of the challenges we face in our daily lives.
When I first picked up my copy of Universal Compassion, I was hesitant about the material. I thought the book might be religiously focused on uninspiring doctrines of the Buddhist tradition. Surprisingly though I found the book to be quite inspiring, particularly the healing meditations that are presented throughout the book.
Universal Compassion centers around the concept that the suffering we experience in our lives is largely due to our own negative actions. Geshe Kelsang then proceeds to outline centuries’ old advice for moving out of our suffering and into happiness. The solutions presented are less etheric in nature and more common sense-oriented. Anyone reading the book will immediately be able to try Geshe Kelsang’s suggestions with ease.
As I read Universal Compassion, I practiced each of the ancient meditations and exercises offered and found them each to be powerful and healing.
As I’ve often written about, I think one of the most debilitating diseases plaguing our society is self-obsession.
As Americans we’re offended too easily and resentment is a habitual pastime for too many. We seem more focused on revenge and one-upmanship than resolution. We tend to think our problems are the most important, we feel entitled and indignant too often.
Most tragically, we seem unobservant and impervious to the suffering and very real needs of others that surround us every day.
Americans have enjoyed wealth and opportunity more than most, but so many still seem deeply unhappy. If money could lead to happiness, then most Americans really would be truly happy by now. But most are not.
The concepts in Universal Compassion are so simple and so practical. They remind us how treacherous the path of self-obsession is, and how ultimately it robs us of our inner peace and happiness. I love the simple steps Universal Compassion offers, the passion and care with which its written and I highly recommend this book for anyone who is truly ready to be happy.
