The Power of Compassion : Stories That Open the Heart, Heal the Soul, and Change the World

This book of real-life stories is a palliative for the pain of everyday life. The basic premise is that intentional acts of kindness can have unintended and far reaching consequences that can affect individuals in extraordinary ways. Here are over forty first-person stories (contributors range from Surya Dass to Thich Nat Hanh to John F. Kennedy, Jr) that concretely demonstrate the dynamic power of compassion. We hear the story of a monk who welcomed a dying, underprivileged child into his home, giving the boy nine months of peace and attention before his death. A civil right protestor tells how she learned compassion and love for the "opposition" from a cellmate. Engaging and inspiring, this is a book that will motivate readers to change their lives and the world through intentional acts of compassion. This is a re-package with a new introduction of a book that was originally published by Conari Press in 2000. Compassion is much more than a state of mind. That's because it has the power to move people to act on behalf of others. Here more than forty, first-person stories by the likes of John F. Kennedy, Jr., Pema Chodron, Barbara Brodsky, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jay Jarvis Masters, Joan Halifax, and Sogyal Rinpoche that demonstrate how compassion can be a dynamic force that achieves concrete consequences. In one story, a monk welcomes a dying child into his home, providing the boy with practical care and a sense of peace during the boy's last nine months of life. In another story, a civil rights protester learns from a cellmate how to find compassion for those she once considered to be the "opposition." In stories as gripping as they are inspirational, it becomes abundantly clear that intentional acts of kindness are nothing short of life-changing -- and sometimes even world-changing. The writings collected here also prove that while our compassion aids others, it is also a mighty force that opens our own hearts. Pamela Bloom believes compassion is contagious. She has compiled a timely book for times worth changing. Here are over forty first-person stories (contributors range from Surya Dass to Thich Nat Hanh to John F. Kennedy, Jr) that concretely demonstrate the dynamic power of compassion. There is the story of a monk who welcomed a dying, underprivileged child into his home, giving the boy nine months of peace and attention before his death. In another story, a civil rights protester tells how she learned compassion and love for the "opposition" from a cellmate. Underlying each of these story is belief that intentional acts of kindness can have unintended, extraordinary, and far-reaching consequences.

Blooms compilation is truly a gift to the world. These stories demonstrate in concrete terms how our simple acts of compassion can change our own lives, as well as those around us. Here are over forty first-person stories (contributors range from Surya Dass to Thich Nat Hanh to John F. Kennedy, Jr.) that concretely demonstrate the dynamic power of compassion. There is the story of a monk who welcomed a dying, underprivileged child into his home, giving the boy nine months of peace and attention before his death. In another story, a civil rights protester tells how she learned compassion and love for the opposition from a cellmate. Underlying each of these stories is the belief that intentional acts of kindness can have unintended, extraordinary and far-reaching consequences. Bloom's compilation is truly a gift to the world. These stories demonstrate in concrete terms how our simple acts of compassion can change our own lives, as well as those around us "My religion is compassion," the Dalai Lama has said. Indeed, the vow to be of benefit to others lies at the heart of Buddhist practice. This book collects dozens of profound and moving stories of true compassion. From the Buddhist monk who offered his body to starving animals, to modern Western practitioners who use Buddhist principles for healing and social reform, these stories inspire with their depth, tenderness, humor, and occasional outrageousness. Included are tales of the "crazy wisdom" kindness practiced by many masters in the Tibetan and Zen traditions, as well as selections from the best-loved Buddhist figures of today, including Sogyal Rinpoche, Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Dalai Lama.-- Amazon.com

my Religion Is Compassion, The Dalai Lama Has Said. Indeed, The Vow To Be Of Benefit To Others Lies At The Heart Of Buddhist Practice. This Book Collects Dozens Of Profound And Moving Stories Of True Compassion. From The Buddhist Monk Who Offered His Body To Starving Animals, To Modern Western Practitioners Who Use Buddhist Principles For Healing And Social Reform, These Stories Inspire With Their Depth, Tenderness, Humor, And Occasional Outrageousness. Included Are Tales Of The Crazy Wisdom Kindness Practiced By Many Masters In The Tibetan And Zen Traditions, As Well As Selections From The Best-loved Buddhist Figures Of Today, Including Sogyal Rinpoche, Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, And The Dalai Lama.