Living Kindness: The Buddha's Ten Guiding Principles for a Blessed Life

Can one book change your life in a positive way? This one did for me, and its powerful message is changing things so fast for me that I can hardly believe it! First, I am thankful because it helped me find a way out of a long bout of depression. It also guided me to a deep level of acceptance in how relate to others and to create better relationships in my life by doing so. If you want to improve your relationships and empower your own life, LIVING KINDNESS is a sensible and wise guide in this troubled world. I recommend it to anyone who wants to gain more peace in life and relationships.

I can hardly think of another book that was as uplifting and hopeful as Living Kindness. This book does more than give hope. For me, it was like a beacon of light that let me see things more clearly. I started to understand how to approach some difficult issues in my life with greater understanding and wisdom. The book is filled with what the author calls "experiences" (practices) to put living kindness into action. I am a lot happier today, because of this. Personally, I am extremely grateful for the blessing of this book, and I truly think it will bless everyone who is fortunate enough to read it.

Every time I sat down with Living Kindness was like a relaxing vacation from daily stress. And more than an escape, it helped me feel better about myself and my world, and better prepared to return to my daily challenges. It is also a painless, accessible way to learn about different religions, and better understand that the areas of broad agreement are more important than the differences on which contention is too often based.It then goes a step further to show how those beliefs can be incorporated into life as it's lived in the real world. Although the author has taken vows and lived in a monastery, he never makes you feel as if that is something you need to do yourself. Quite the contrary, in a tone that is never preachy, this book reveals the knowledge and a few simple "experiences" that can help you find greater peace and fulfillment in the life that you're already leading.

If you're under stress, have insomnia or high blood pressure, if you're on edge, nervous, unhappy, or if you need meditation and relaxation-try reading Living Kindness before bedtime. It sweeps you away to another world, an easier world...one that you can make come true. Thank you Donald Altman!

Normally, this sort of book might never have interested me, if only because I am not a Buddhist (though, as I learned on reading this material, the book encompasses themes from all of the world's great religious traditions.) But I am open to new ideas and to wisdom in any form, from any age and any tradition, that promises to make everyday life more bearable, if not blissful. What I found in this book, LIVING KINDNESS, were timeless principles illustrated with contemporary stories for living life with integrity. Beyond just the inspirational level, on which this book operates brilliantly, there was eminently practical advice on how meditation and contemplation can enrich our personal lives and relationships, by empowering our intuition to make wise choices, and calibrating our ethical compass for guidance using mindfulness practices honed to perfection over the centuries.I am so happy this book found its way into my life!!