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Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
by
Sharon Salzberg (Goodreads Author),
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Throughout our lives we long to love ourselves more deeply and find a greater sense of connection with others. Our fear of intimacy—both with others and with ourselves—creates feelings of pain and longing. But these feelings can also awaken in us the desire for freedom and the willingness to take up the spiritual path.
In this inspiring book, Sharon Salzberg, one of Ame...more
In this inspiring book, Sharon Salzberg, one of Ame...more
Mass Market Paperback, 264 pages
Published
April 8th 2008
by Shambhala
(first published 1995)
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“Throughout our lives we long to love ourselves more deeply and find a greater sense of connection with others. Our fear of intimacy- both with others and with ourselves-creates feelings of pain and longing…The Buddha described the nature of such a spiritual path as ‘the liberation of the heart, which is love.’
Drawing on simple Buddhist teachings, wisdom stories from various traditions, guided meditation practices…the author shows how each of us can cultivate love, compassion, joy...more
Drawing on simple Buddhist teachings, wisdom stories from various traditions, guided meditation practices…the author shows how each of us can cultivate love, compassion, joy...more
I surprised myself once when I took part in a values clarification exercise. I always thought honesty was my number one value. I believe very strongly in honesty and integrity but what I realized after completing this values activity was that if push came to shove, I would choose kindness over honesty every time. The highest value by which I live my life is kindness. That is not to say, I'm right and if you would choose honesty or any other value that you would be wrong. It's simply to say that ...more
Sharon Salzberg is a gem! In my experience, lovingkindness meditation, or metta, is an essential life practice for peacebuilders. Loving self, friends, acquaintances, enemies - all are difficult. Thankfully, Salzberg provides very clear explanations for how one can move toward a life marked by greater love and compassion.
For Christians and other faith practitioners, metta offers a practical application of the Golden Rule and Jesus' radical teachings on loving enemies. Instead of jump...more
For Christians and other faith practitioners, metta offers a practical application of the Golden Rule and Jesus' radical teachings on loving enemies. Instead of jump...more
This book is doing more to spread well-being than the many I'v read thus far. Practicing and teaching metta - lovingkindness - is being of incredibly great benefit. Thank you, Sharon Salzberg!
This was a wonderful book the foundation of happiness for all of us. Sharon Salzberg has a true gift for putting into words and examples the teachings of the Buddhist path so that it is clear on how they do truly apply to everyday life. I particularly used this book to help me work through a situation where I was so hurt, angry and betrayed by a family member that I couldn't find the place in my heart to feel love. I knew it was there, but I just couldn't access it. Truly, if every human bei...more
When I want to encourage a student to learn loving-kindness practice, I recommend that they start with Salzberg’s book because she gives a thorough description of this kind of meditation, and she addresses the resistance that many students have. Mindfulness practice can be difficult to do because you encounter so much dukkha (suffering). Loving-kindness practice helps you build the capacity to maintain equanimity while being present with dukkha; therefore, it is key to developing mindfulness.
this is my second time through this book. It gets better with practice. I think at first it didnt make sense since I had come to metta practice through Vajrayana guru yoga, and this works much more with the simple power of intention. But now that I work more with that energy, I am more aware of its power, and the power of this book to explain it.
This is a great go to handbook for aspiring Buddhists or just those who enjoy a fresh perspective on what it means to be human and learn to care for yourself. This is a truly beautiful work as the writing is superb.
I have read this many times but recently following the death of my father found it to be just what I needed.
I have read this many times but recently following the death of my father found it to be just what I needed.
A clearly and beautifully written treatment of the practice of lovingkindness (metta) meditation. Salzberg describes how the Buddhist path can bring authentic inner peace and happiness...not an easy journey, but one with deep personal rewards and wider social and political rewards as well.
I am not finishing this one, either, but it seems like a great book. I'm not ready to read the whole thing; I'm not ready to sit in meditation. I believe that I find that kind of simplicity and happiness in rock climbing, and I'd like to find it in more activities, as well as embracing the concept of truly loving myself. Perhaps I will come back to it.
Reading two books at once! What a trip! When I get tired of learning how to meditate, I switch to getting myself back in the art world! Love both books...highlighting in both! Too much to remember!
Life changing. At the minimum, you will learn how to see life in a new light. A light, breezy read. Not preachy or overbearing. Pick it up.
My mother and I are reading this book along with my step-sister. It's sort of a family affair, if you will. I loved this book and plan on rereading it immediately as part of my daily practice. For more:
http://satiasreviews.blogspot.com/2011/0...
PS: I'll also be rereading Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life.
http://satiasreviews.blogspot.com/2011/0...
PS: I'll also be rereading Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life.
As with most of Sharon Salzberg's books, I am left feeling softer, stronger, kinder, lighter and all-around better about myself, life and humanity.
Sharon is one of my favorite meditation teachers, and it turns out she knows how to write about her field, too.
I just did a retreat with Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein in September and am now enjoying this book on Metta.
A profound, yet simple book on practicing "metta," or lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg, the founder of Insight Meditation Society. We can all benefit from the four ideas of lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, whether or not we choose to meditate. All people deserve our compassionate attention and perhaps those who seem as the least likely candidates, need it the most. The beauty of metta is that as we learn to see ourselves with clarity, we will then move from...more
pretty good cheesy stuff. but chanting slogans of optimism won't help change the reality. I'm not sure i will try this kind of meditations.
Leaning how to meditate...
Great read so far. First time reading Sharon Salzberg.
I read this book a few years ago - a rereading is due! Looking at it again now, I see that I was inspired to do much underlining, note writing in the margins etc. I especially liked the ways that Salzberg offers the reader to personalize the teachings. My version of the traditional four line "Metta" meditation came to be : May I be free from fear. May I be peaceful. May I be healed. May I dwell in peace.
I have heard several friends praise this book. I have made two attempts to read it, but I found her writing style to be a block. I am certain that many people would enjoy this book; however, I found the the feelings-based terminology frequently did communicate an meaning to me. I was constantly asking, "What does she mean by that?" This is an unsatisfactory read if your Myers-Briggs type is "ISTJ".
Ilana
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone interested in learning some meditation techniques
This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in meditation practices, especially lovingkindness meditation (metta). Salzburg provides clear descriptions, language, and anecdotes from hr own life to help guide the beginning or experienced practitioner. It will help you slow down, breathe deeply, and become kinder to yourself and others.
This one is alternately encouraging and overwhelming, with odd exotic anecdotes. It's all about trying to be a kinder, better person - always a bit of a squirm inducing subject, but definitely worth reading about. I've been meditating regularly for a couple of months now and am hoping to wear some happier ruts in my brain. (August 12, 2006)
In this spiritual memoir, listen closely to the echo of your own voice. The book is thoroughly encouraging and only a tad too instructive (as we Buddhists prefer our literature to be). Skip all of the Buddhist jargon and and let it lead you right to the heart of happiness. Don't worry: it's neither revolutionary nor an art.
maybe if you live on the east coast ignore this...but if you live on the west coast and have softened up like me this is a lovely read. amidst lots of seemingly horrible events in my life, it made me feel very appreciative and warm and fuzzy. i think i may be healing from surgery faster from reading it, seriously.
Finally finished this. It was lovely, and I want to read her book Faith next. She provides nuggets of wisdom that help you put things in perspective, and her writing is lucid and uncomplicated (unlike Mark Epstein, who is also great though). Would recommend as a bedside book you won't read in one sitting.
Salzberg skillfully translates Buddhists ideas for the Western reader in plain, direct language. This book focuses on meta, the concept of lovingkindness. In particular, the chapter on equanimity helped me a great deal. This is an excellent and accessible guide to opening up to a more joyful and radiant heart.
I absolutely love this book - I have it on audio tape and have listened to it about 10 times. I find it especially helpful when my mind is cluttered. Sharon's voice is very calming. Also a good intro into Buddhism for those that are curious.
I am currently reading The Fountainhead and feel as though I should read this to counteract.
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One of America’s leading spiritual teachers and authors, Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work.
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“Sometimes we think that to develop an open heart, to be truly loving and compassionate, means that we need to be passive, to allow others to abuse us, to smile and let anyone do what they want with us. Yet this is not what is meant by compassion. Quite the contrary. Compassion is not at all weak. It is the strength that arises out of seeing the true nature of suffering in the world. Compassion allows us to bear witness to that suffering, whether it is in ourselves or others, without fear; it allows us to name injustice without hesitation, and to act strongly, with all the skill at our disposal. To develop this mind state of compassion...is to learn to live, as the Buddha put it, with sympathy for all living beings, without exception.”
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“The difference between misery and happiness depends on what we do with our attention.”
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