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  • The Heart of Compassion

  • The Thirty-Seven Verses on the Practice of a Bodhisattva
  • Written by: Dilgo Khyentse
  • Narrated by: John Telfer
  • Length: 8 hrs
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

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The Heart of Compassion

Written by: Dilgo Khyentse
Narrated by: John Telfer
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Publisher's Summary

What would be the practical implications of caring more about others than about yourself? This is the radical theme of this extraordinary set of instructions, a training manual composed in the 14th century by the Buddhist hermit Ngulchu Thogme, here explained in detail by one of the great Tibetan Buddhist masters of the 20th century, Dilgo Khyentse. 

In the Mahayana tradition, those who have the courage to undertake the profound change of attitude required to develop true compassion are called bodhisattvas. Their great resolve - to consider others’ needs as paramount, and thus to attain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures - carries them beyond the limits imposed by the illusions of “I” and “mine,” culminating in the direct realization of reality, transcending dualistic notions of self and other. 

This classic text presents ways that we can work with our own hearts and minds, starting wherever we find ourselves now, to unravel our small-minded preoccupations and discover our own potential for compassion, love, and wisdom. Many generations of Buddhist practitioners have been inspired by these teachings, and the great masters of all traditions have written numerous commentaries. 

Dilgo Khyentse’s commentary is probably his most extensive recorded teaching on Mahayana practice.

©2007 Shechen Publications (P)2019 Shambhala Publications

What listeners say about The Heart of Compassion

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Not a typical book on meditation

This is not a typical book about meditations as you might expect. Rather, it’s about the life philosophy... in a pure darma way. I was deliberating to quit listening since it was too idealistic for my comprehension. And than, in Chapter 9, I started hearing the message which was quite powerful once I became attuned. I went over and over Chapter 9 many times in aim to let some simple yet powerful words sync in. Hope you’ll get out of this book as much as I have.

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Amazing, deep understanding on the Buddhist path

If your looking to gain a further understanding of Buddhist faith and deepen your faith in any way, path or devotional practice. Then this is the book for you.

namo avalokiteshvara

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My experience

Eye opening and informative. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
The dharma simplified by a great master.

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  • Rachel
  • 2020-08-05

A commentary to be read and contemplated upon over and over

It is probably the best commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva I have read/listen to so far. I got a lot of strong emotions and goosebumps listening to this book. I even cried at some part because the compassion from these great teachers moved me so much.

If you really learn and integrate these practices into your life, your life will become a meaningful better life and your future lives will be good and have all the conducive factors for spiritual growth.

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16 people found this helpful

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  • Simply Me
  • 2020-07-13

Excellent

This is an excellent text. It illuminated many areas of uncertainty and doubt for me.

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9 people found this helpful

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  • Regan House
  • 2020-05-20

Amazing

Such a valuable and fantastic book full of wisdom and straight talk from a genuine realized master. Narration also top notch. Amazing.

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  • Free-Bird
  • 2021-09-10

Countless times

This is an e book for anyone who wants to delve into what it means to be a practicing Buddhist. Delivered in a relatable and conversational format, you receive the teachings in an clear and easy to digest format. Not dry or preaching whatsoever, like a friend speaking to a dear, old friend. In a time where the Dali Lama has voiced that perhaps another Lama may not follow, and has opened up even the most sacred of ceremonies to the public, in hopes of transmitting the most sacred texts for the benefit of all beings, this speaks volumes on how compromised our world has become when it comes to wickedness.
Truly this e book is a blessing in transmitting the truth that you are capable, now, of adjusting your mindset away from fear and confusion, and towards ultimate enlightenment. Maybe not in this life, but if you try to follow these concepts, you and others around you will benefit in countless ways, and discover depths of peace unfounded. I’ve listened to this countless times. And whenever I am in a time of sorrow or confusion, put my AirPods in and work through whatever it is. This book to me is like listening to a loving Grandfather reassure me that everything is, and will be, ok.

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  • Peter Rosewood
  • 2021-07-29

Pith instructions with the greatest heart

This is an amazing vessel of teaching. The 37 verses themselves are deeply inspiring- and Dilgo Khyentse’s commentary is what makes it an accessible treasure.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2021-04-11

Amazing

May all beings negative Karma be passed on to me & may all beings reach enlightenment, 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🏄🏾‍♂️🌞🌹❤🌱🌌, Beautiful book from the Blessed Buddha himself, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2023-01-03

Deeply profound teachings I thought I could bypas

Exquisite. Every aspiring Bodhisattva or student of dzogchen NEEDS to hear and apply, hear and apply until mastery is attained. "Higher teachings such as Dzogchen" must be based on a complete understanding and realization of these so-called initial teachings, which although called initial are essential and in one sense the seeker must master before taking on "more advanced stages" of the path, because were one wise enough, the ultimate path and realization can be discerned in even the introductory teachings if one is open minded, not urged by arrogance to o cast off so-called easier teachings because these are indeed profound and if one is a good enough student, one will realize that the most refined and profound teachings were there on page one of true texts, and if we did not perceive their ultimate meaning, it is because one needs a thorough foundation in order to progress. It is a form of acute lack of understanding to presume the "introductory" teachings did not contain the path to the "high" paths. Buddha-dharma does not lie at any stage; the ultimate meaning is always there. Understanding or realization of ""higher" teachings must rely upon solid foundation understanding --- once understood, those introductory teachings are not incomplete. Speaking for myself, i wanted to get to the essence immediately, NOW. not appreciating that teachers knew that there was a progessive path, no matter what I wanted.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2022-02-05

Most excellent

This book is very clear, forthright & friendly as if your best friend is talking supreme sense to you.

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  • Julia S.
  • 2020-12-07

For liberation!

Just wanted to point out that when Dilgo Khyentse came to America in 1975, he came here to bless Odiyan Retreat Center! Love!

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  • Adrian Lopez
  • 2023-10-17

Transformational

Very simple yet very deep instructions to be listened to, for reflection, and meditated on for a life time.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2020-07-25

Une source infinie d'inspiration

A écouter et ré-écouter, pour garder en mémoire et laisser progressivement infuser le sens de ces paroles vastes et profondes.

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  • TACHOE Kalsang Dorji
  • 2023-11-13

The true treasure

One of the best audio I have listened.
Very grateful to all who made this possible.

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