REVIEWS+

How To Be Compassionate

A Handbook for Creating Inner Peace and a Happier World
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. How To Be Compassionate: A Handbook for Creating Inner Peace and a Happier World. Atria: S. & S. Mar. 2011. c.147p. tr. from Tibetan & ed. by Jeffrey Hopkins. ISBN 9781451623901. $20. REL
COPY ISBN
The Dalai Lama's latest publication, with his former interpreter Hopkins (Tibetan & Buddhist studies, emeritus, Univ. of Virginia), does not dwell on his life or experience, as some of his more popular recent titles have done; nor does it address specifically Buddhist concerns or spirituality. Rather, the Dalai Lama works here from the Buddhist places (awareness, nonattachment) to speak to general readers about habits that make for unhappiness (anger, for one) and the attitudes that increase contentment.
VERDICT Light on politics and even lighter on the more abstruse points of Tibetan Buddhism, this is a fine and accessible book for the everyday reader; excellent for the self-help market.
Reviewed by Graham Christian , Mar 01, 2011
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?