Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times

I have read different commentaries to "Training the Mind in 7 Points" and this is by far the best one. I like "Poor Richard's Almanac" by Benjamin Franklin with the cliches like "A Penny saved is a penny earned" and "Fish and visitors begin to stink after 3 days" Well "Training the Mind in 7 Points" is the buddhist version of "Poor Richard's Almanac" with cliches This is a commentary to Training the Mind in 7 Points where all the cliches are broken down and explained. I love this author's books because I am from the United States and Kelsang Gyatso explains things in a way that Americans can understand. EDIT (5/26/2009): I have read thousands of books in my life (yes I am a big nerd) and I can say unequivocally that this is my favorite book in my entire life. And I have read almost all of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's books but if you put these instructions into practice your life will be so incredibly happy and joyful. And you will make so many friends because people will respect you and love you for your "newly-acquired" delightful personality. It will certainly make you a dream boyfriend or girlfriend to somebody.

This book is really powerful and inspiring. It is full of beautiful stories that enrich Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's pure explanation of the path to enlightenment.

Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions For Difficult Times by the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a patient and inspirational explanation of the acclaimed Buddhist poem "Training the Mind in Seven Points". Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions For Difficult Times is a heartwarming and "reader friendly" guide to learning, understanding, and embodying the way of altruism. The rigors of training one's mind and the eternal evolution toward enlightenment are reverentially discussed in this fascinating study which is especially recommended reading for anyone seeking to learn more about Buddhist philosophy and spiritual teachings.

I find myself very inspired by the example of the Kadampa practitioners in this book, who managed to change their hearts through meditation. The meditation on equalizing self with others - recognizing that everyone equally wants to be happy and free from suffering - made a big difference to my life the moment I started to try and do it. The other meditations in the sequence are also enormously practical, as well as enormously effective. I've come to figure out from my own limited experience that it really must be possible to change your heart, for good. Kudos to Geshe Kelsang for being so accurate and precise in his instructions - something I have also noticed from the other books of his that I have read.

This is a very special book. I've read it cover to cover and tried to put some of the concepts and techniques into practice. To the extent that I can follow the suggestions my life has improved. I've read some of Geshe Kelsang's other books and they are all fantastic, but I have a certain affinity for this one. It's a real roadmap to psychological and spiritual health IMHO.