Awakening the Kind Heart: How to Meditate on Compassion

by Kathleen McDonald

Overview

Everyone appreciates kindness. A smile, a few friendly words, a show of concern when we're troubled or feeling unwell, an offer of help - gestures of kindness like these brighten our day and ease whatever sadness we may feel in our hearts. Feeling that "someone cares" fulfills a very deep need that we all have. And just as we appreciate other people being kind to us, others appreciate it when we are kind to them. That is why it is important to learn to be kind, because it will help make our relationships and interactions with others more satisfying and less problematic.

But it's not always easy to be kind. Sometimes our hearts are filled with anger, jealousy, or pride, and being kind is the last thing we feel like doing. Or we get so caught up in our work and responsibilities that we find no time to think of others and their needs, no time to be kind and gentle. However, these problems can be remedied. The Buddhist tradition offers a wealth of methods that can be used to overcome whatever prevents us from being kind and gentle.

Some of these methods are explored and explained in this book - in a way that will allow you to practice them in your daily life. Awakening the Kind Heart offers powerful and inviting meditation techniques to activate the heart of kindness within us all - a modern and motivating interpretation of traditional and powerful practices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780861716951
Publisher:	Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date:	05/25/2010
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Kathleen McDonald (Sangye Khadro) was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1974. She is a respected and inspiring teacher in the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, a worldwide organization of Buddhist teaching and meditation centers.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

The Metta Sutta: The Buddha's Words on Loving-Kindness xi

Section 1

1 It's Time 10 Change Your Mind 3

2 Immeasurable Love 19

3 Meditations on Loving-Kindness 39

4 Immeasurable Compassion 57

5 Meditations for Cultivating Compassion 79

6 Immeasurable Joy 91

7 Immeasurable Equanimity 103

Section 2

An Exploration of The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation 117

Notes 149

Other Books about Loving-Kindness, Companion, and Thought Transformation 151

About the Author 153

Editorial Reviews

"Through clear explanations, straightforward practices, and basic goodheartedness, this book explains how to navigate the path to love, even under very trying circumstances. Truly, there is nothing more needed at this time-our very future may depend upon it."

Susan Piver

"Kathleen McDonald is a remarkably skilled meditation teacher. In this precious gem of a book, she shows us how to open our hearts into deepest solidarity with others and thereby uncover our truest selves."

John Makransky

"This book will help you find happiness and true satisfaction, and help you live a life of benefit to others."

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

"A brilliant book and a must-read for all seekers."

Tulku Thondup Rinpoche