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Sadness, Love, Openness: The Buddhist Path of Joy
A direct, pithy, and accessible guide to the entire path of Tibetan Buddhism by one of the most beloved and respected contemporary lamas.Accessible, playful, and genuine, this concise guide shows how we can incorporate our own daily experiences into our spiritual path and awaken to how things truly are. By embracing sadness, love, and openness in our lives, we develop an altruistic attitude to help all beings who suffer and to reduce our own greed and aggression. This easy-to-read manual by one of the most widely loved and respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers of our time teaches us how to honestly explore and deal with our own hang-ups and neuroses. Through knowing our own true nature as aware and compassionate, we can progress, step-by-step, on the Buddhist path and use Rinpoche’s pithy wisdom along the way as a touchstone. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s fresh and engaged approach to timeless Buddhist wisdom enables us to deeply connect with authentic teachings in a modern context. This work is a delight and inspiration to read, outlining the major teachings and practices of Buddhism in a succinct way.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2018
56 people are currently reading
1409 people want to read
About the author
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
19 books40 followersChokyi Nyima Rinpoche is a world-renowned Buddhist teacher and meditation master.
Born in Tibet in 1951, he is the firstborn son of his mother Kunsang Dechen, a devoted Buddhist practitioner, and his father Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, an accomplished master of Buddhist meditation.
As a young child, he was recognized as the seventh incarnation of the Tibetan meditation master Gar Drubchen and installed as the head lama of Drong Monastery in the Nakchukha region, north of the capital city Lhasa.
In 1959, following the occupation of Tibet, Rinpoche fled with his family to India and Nepal, where he spent his youth studying under some of Tibetan Buddhism’s most illustrious masters, including the Sixteenth Karmapa, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.
In 1976 he was enthroned as the abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, which still today remains the heart of his ever-growing activity. Today, more than 500 monks and nuns are under his care in this and other monasteries in Nepal. Drong Monastery, which was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, has recently been rebuilt and is again home to a monastic community.
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual head of numerous centers for Buddhist study and meditation in Asia, Europe, and North America. In Nepal, he runs Rangjung Yeshe Institute, an international center of learning where students can obtain BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Buddhist Studies.
For those who wish to study and practice from home, Rinpoche also offers an online meditation program that covers the entire Buddhist path.
At home in Nepal, he is deeply involved in social work through his local charity organization Shenpen.
Born in Tibet in 1951, he is the firstborn son of his mother Kunsang Dechen, a devoted Buddhist practitioner, and his father Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, an accomplished master of Buddhist meditation.
As a young child, he was recognized as the seventh incarnation of the Tibetan meditation master Gar Drubchen and installed as the head lama of Drong Monastery in the Nakchukha region, north of the capital city Lhasa.
In 1959, following the occupation of Tibet, Rinpoche fled with his family to India and Nepal, where he spent his youth studying under some of Tibetan Buddhism’s most illustrious masters, including the Sixteenth Karmapa, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.
In 1976 he was enthroned as the abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, which still today remains the heart of his ever-growing activity. Today, more than 500 monks and nuns are under his care in this and other monasteries in Nepal. Drong Monastery, which was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, has recently been rebuilt and is again home to a monastic community.
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual head of numerous centers for Buddhist study and meditation in Asia, Europe, and North America. In Nepal, he runs Rangjung Yeshe Institute, an international center of learning where students can obtain BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Buddhist Studies.
For those who wish to study and practice from home, Rinpoche also offers an online meditation program that covers the entire Buddhist path.
At home in Nepal, he is deeply involved in social work through his local charity organization Shenpen.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2021
Rating: 3.5
I think this aims to be an introduction to the Buddhist path, but falls short for many reasons. It attempts to give a summary of the whole of the Buddhist path. But that includes a lot of contradictions, and this book doesn't really help in making sense of those contradictions. It's a lot of information, without really sorting it very well.
It sounds like it was compiled from a selection of Rinpoche's teachings. So it reads a lot like "heart advice". So while, this may not be a great introduction book, it serves better as an advice manual for practitioners. One part I really enjoyed from this was when Rinpoche describes what buddhism is, "It's not a philosophy, it's not a religion: it's a commitment to truth". Solid!
But then in many points, the book says there is no ultimate truth. So which is it? The truth of the lack of the ultimate truth? The nature of the mind is the absence of thought. Is that truth or something else?
Does the book make metaphysical statements or not? I don't know. It says a lot but I am never sure about what it's saying. Perhaps clarity is the biggest issue here.
I think this aims to be an introduction to the Buddhist path, but falls short for many reasons. It attempts to give a summary of the whole of the Buddhist path. But that includes a lot of contradictions, and this book doesn't really help in making sense of those contradictions. It's a lot of information, without really sorting it very well.
It sounds like it was compiled from a selection of Rinpoche's teachings. So it reads a lot like "heart advice". So while, this may not be a great introduction book, it serves better as an advice manual for practitioners. One part I really enjoyed from this was when Rinpoche describes what buddhism is, "It's not a philosophy, it's not a religion: it's a commitment to truth". Solid!
But then in many points, the book says there is no ultimate truth. So which is it? The truth of the lack of the ultimate truth? The nature of the mind is the absence of thought. Is that truth or something else?
Does the book make metaphysical statements or not? I don't know. It says a lot but I am never sure about what it's saying. Perhaps clarity is the biggest issue here.
July 28, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading this book a bit earlier than the official release. I have also had the pleasure of receiving teachings from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in real life on several occasions.
For quite a while I have wished for a book with the depth, clarity, and simplicity of Rinpoche's teachings. So traditional, yet playful and contemporary.
This book is great. Small peaces. Connected to our everyday life. At times provoking. At times sublime and sweet. But always clear, loving, and wise.
I guess this will be a book I will be able to suggest to many friends and give as gift for some time to come.
For quite a while I have wished for a book with the depth, clarity, and simplicity of Rinpoche's teachings. So traditional, yet playful and contemporary.
This book is great. Small peaces. Connected to our everyday life. At times provoking. At times sublime and sweet. But always clear, loving, and wise.
I guess this will be a book I will be able to suggest to many friends and give as gift for some time to come.
April 4, 2025
More than info on Buddhist practice, takes you on a journey through realization of the impermanence of things, an invitation to love all others, and an understanding of your own Buddha nature.
July 8, 2018
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is one of the most renowned and respected Tibetan Buddhists alive today. You’d expect, as a result, this book to be good. And it is.
Buddhism is one of the most difficult topics to write about because the core principles are not conceptual. They must be experienced. Language, however, is a tool that exists for the sole purpose of conceptualization. (He, in fact, refers to Buddhism as neither religion nor philosophy, but the simple search for truth.)
But it is the author’s ability to work within the conceptualized limitations of language that is the greatest achievement of this book. You do have to get your arms around emptiness, impermanence, and dependent origination, but he makes the job pretty easy. The writing is smooth and witty and reveals the genuine joy of the man.
There are a few thought-twisters here and there: “Thought-free wakefulness cannot be grasped by thought. It is—quite literally—unthinkable.” He is relentless in his commitment to understanding and simplicity, however, so he typically comes at each topic from a number of directions and one is sure to resonate: “As things stand, nothing in this world makes any real sense or has any deeper meaning.” Who doesn’t get that?
Few readers will have the time or the resources to follow the path he lays out. That is not to say that there isn’t very real value here, however, for the more casual reader. He even admits, “To be honest, the majority of Buddhists don’t know what Buddhism is really all about, that is, what it all comes down to.”
My favorite line: “The view is not a matter of watching, so give up the act of looking!” It’s a very accessible, thoughtful book and a quick read.
Buddhism is one of the most difficult topics to write about because the core principles are not conceptual. They must be experienced. Language, however, is a tool that exists for the sole purpose of conceptualization. (He, in fact, refers to Buddhism as neither religion nor philosophy, but the simple search for truth.)
But it is the author’s ability to work within the conceptualized limitations of language that is the greatest achievement of this book. You do have to get your arms around emptiness, impermanence, and dependent origination, but he makes the job pretty easy. The writing is smooth and witty and reveals the genuine joy of the man.
There are a few thought-twisters here and there: “Thought-free wakefulness cannot be grasped by thought. It is—quite literally—unthinkable.” He is relentless in his commitment to understanding and simplicity, however, so he typically comes at each topic from a number of directions and one is sure to resonate: “As things stand, nothing in this world makes any real sense or has any deeper meaning.” Who doesn’t get that?
Few readers will have the time or the resources to follow the path he lays out. That is not to say that there isn’t very real value here, however, for the more casual reader. He even admits, “To be honest, the majority of Buddhists don’t know what Buddhism is really all about, that is, what it all comes down to.”
My favorite line: “The view is not a matter of watching, so give up the act of looking!” It’s a very accessible, thoughtful book and a quick read.
July 7, 2018
Speed up your spiritual practice: Go SLO! <3 <3 <3
"Sadness, Love, Openness" is written in a highly accessible way that doesn't require any special knowledge or experience. It will be of interest not only to Buddhists, but to people of other faiths -- or those of no faith, but simply possessed of a kind heart. I love the way it brings fresh insight into spiritual truisms (like having a kind heart, haha!) and Buddhist clichés, while also providing some simple and much-needed correctives to several misconceptions about Buddhism and Buddhist practice (such as the meaning and proper use of meditation, mindfulness and concentration) that have been given wide circulation in the media. For the initiate, it also presents several advanced teachings and techniques in a user-friendly fashion. I bought the e-version: while I love the feel of paper, the e-version gives me the advantage of portable convenience across platforms. Since I started reading it, I refer to it affectionately by its acronym: SLO. Sure enough, the author has some wise words about slowing down in the right places, along with some pithy, powerful spiritual advice that, when applied assiduously, can help speed up one's progress immensely. I want a matching T-shirt that says "Speed up your spiritual practice, Go SLO!" on the front with the words "Sadness, Love, Openness" on the back! I think this book could well become a classic, like "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind."
Ce livre, écrit dans un anglais très abordable, sera d'intérêt pour le grand public comme pour le pratiquant initié. ~ à lire !
本书作者秋吉尼玛仁波切以简单明了的表达方式帮我们确认人生的方向。无论是修佛教的朋友，还是抱持其他宗教信仰的朋友，还是根本没有什么宗教信仰的善心人士，都可以从中获益。强力推荐！
"Sadness, Love, Openness" is written in a highly accessible way that doesn't require any special knowledge or experience. It will be of interest not only to Buddhists, but to people of other faiths -- or those of no faith, but simply possessed of a kind heart. I love the way it brings fresh insight into spiritual truisms (like having a kind heart, haha!) and Buddhist clichés, while also providing some simple and much-needed correctives to several misconceptions about Buddhism and Buddhist practice (such as the meaning and proper use of meditation, mindfulness and concentration) that have been given wide circulation in the media. For the initiate, it also presents several advanced teachings and techniques in a user-friendly fashion. I bought the e-version: while I love the feel of paper, the e-version gives me the advantage of portable convenience across platforms. Since I started reading it, I refer to it affectionately by its acronym: SLO. Sure enough, the author has some wise words about slowing down in the right places, along with some pithy, powerful spiritual advice that, when applied assiduously, can help speed up one's progress immensely. I want a matching T-shirt that says "Speed up your spiritual practice, Go SLO!" on the front with the words "Sadness, Love, Openness" on the back! I think this book could well become a classic, like "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind."
Ce livre, écrit dans un anglais très abordable, sera d'intérêt pour le grand public comme pour le pratiquant initié. ~ à lire !
本书作者秋吉尼玛仁波切以简单明了的表达方式帮我们确认人生的方向。无论是修佛教的朋友，还是抱持其他宗教信仰的朋友，还是根本没有什么宗教信仰的善心人士，都可以从中获益。强力推荐！
February 7, 2019
Feeling disheartened today but wanting to support the request to review this book, I reread the first page of the section Sadness. This one page was enough to recalibrate my attitude. I read the page again and realised that I had experienced exactly what words said I would.
A few pages later and I am reminded of what the issues are and so at the same time, recall the process needed to achieve the solution. Being disheartened has been momentarily useful but remaining that way would be completely lazy.
Sadness Love Openess is a field guide to the readers experience of life and from Buddhist perspective, a treasure map to something we ourselves have hidden. This book is an inspiration to develop the energy needed to uncover that treasure, and the reading is the developing of the energy itself!
A few pages later and I am reminded of what the issues are and so at the same time, recall the process needed to achieve the solution. Being disheartened has been momentarily useful but remaining that way would be completely lazy.
Sadness Love Openess is a field guide to the readers experience of life and from Buddhist perspective, a treasure map to something we ourselves have hidden. This book is an inspiration to develop the energy needed to uncover that treasure, and the reading is the developing of the energy itself!
February 11, 2019
A great book for beginners and advanced practitioners of vajrayana Buddhism (tibetan buddhism). This book also for people who would like to learn tibetan buddhism or to explore the fundamental teachings of the buddha. In short, this is a concise book of the essence of vajrayana buddhism. I'm glad that I was introduced to this book by a friend. As a beginner practitioner in tibetan buddhism, I have scattered knowledge of buddhism. This book not only answers all of my questions on buddhism but also provide relevant information for me to explore further. It helps me connecting the dots on the learning path of tibetan buddhism. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is able to explain the teachings of buddha to readers in a succinct, easy-to-understand, and pithy way. It can be used as a reference guide for everyone.
July 17, 2018
This book is a great introduction to the overarching principles of Buddhist teaching. If you are looking to begin the journey, I think this is a great way to begin. The book is broken up into short sections. Each one seems lighthearted and easy, but to really understand what the author is saying, you would need to slow down and give the ideas much consideration. This is a great beginning/introduction, but to become a serious student, one would need to find more in-depth study or a guide.
I received this book for winning a Goodreads giveaway.
I received this book for winning a Goodreads giveaway.
May 30, 2019
This is a slight and accessible book, which primarily focuses on the relationship between impermanence, perception, the possibility of happiness. While Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is definitely writing from a Tibetan Vajrayana perspective, the lessons on the Bodhisattva path apply to all Buddhists, particularly Mahayanists. Friendly for the beginning lay practitioners and non-Vajrayana Buddhists, this book lays out many key Buddhist principles for the relationship of ethics and psychology in a playful and direct matter, without a lot of Buddhist cliche or jargon.
December 15, 2024
Цю книгу я читав в українському перекладі від видавництва Апріорі, яке наразі не має копії у цій системі.
Щодо вражень, то це ще один черговий текст, написаний буддійським вчителем, який має багаторічний досвід читання лекцій і настанов. Це також фахівець у буддійській традиції, а отже його підхід, за усієї спроби розбавити популярним стилем, залишається у орбіті класичних мотивів ваджраяни: озвучення діагнозу (дукга тут виражається через смуток), озвучення шляху до пробудження (тут це любов, хоча коректніше було би перекласти як співчуття, бо karuna це власне про глибинне співчуття до усіх живих істот, що виростає із розуміння причин дукги), значення вчителя для успішного завершення шляху, який також тут згадується побіжно.
Тобто класична схема - на основі досвіду Будди і його ключових ідей вибудовується текст, де для читача немає цілковитого розуміння, про які саме поняття із буддійського всесвіту йдеться. Смуток, любов, відкритість.. Не відображають у повній мірі семантики буддійських категорій.
Загалом книга потрібна, бо у нас фактично відсутні переклади сучасних вчителів буддизму українською. Тим паче, що заявлено про серію "Пробудження", отже можна очікувати продовження.
Щодо вражень, то це ще один черговий текст, написаний буддійським вчителем, який має багаторічний досвід читання лекцій і настанов. Це також фахівець у буддійській традиції, а отже його підхід, за усієї спроби розбавити популярним стилем, залишається у орбіті класичних мотивів ваджраяни: озвучення діагнозу (дукга тут виражається через смуток), озвучення шляху до пробудження (тут це любов, хоча коректніше було би перекласти як співчуття, бо karuna це власне про глибинне співчуття до усіх живих істот, що виростає із розуміння причин дукги), значення вчителя для успішного завершення шляху, який також тут згадується побіжно.
Тобто класична схема - на основі досвіду Будди і його ключових ідей вибудовується текст, де для читача немає цілковитого розуміння, про які саме поняття із буддійського всесвіту йдеться. Смуток, любов, відкритість.. Не відображають у повній мірі семантики буддійських категорій.
Загалом книга потрібна, бо у нас фактично відсутні переклади сучасних вчителів буддизму українською. Тим паче, що заявлено про серію "Пробудження", отже можна очікувати продовження.
January 10, 2026
This was a hard review, difficult to select how many stars. During the majority of the book, I thought this was an especially direct and concise presentation of the "basics" of Buddhism, something I easily would have given 4-5 stars.
One place I felt like something was left out was in the part on letting go in the final section of the book. As happens a lot in this sort of book, whether it's self-help or Buddhism, the author skips over an essential part of the "letting go" process, and that is opening, softening, and surrendering to what is arising. It isn't enough to stop grasping or resisting. This alone doesn't send us straight to being able to let go, to see things as they really are. First, we must open up to what is present in the moment, including our thoughts and feelings, and with curiosity and compassion allow it "in" before we can let it go.
And, the very last part of the book lost me completely, with its shift to focusing on the Vajra Vehicle, clearly and understandably this teacher's preference, but also a disappointing ending.
One place I felt like something was left out was in the part on letting go in the final section of the book. As happens a lot in this sort of book, whether it's self-help or Buddhism, the author skips over an essential part of the "letting go" process, and that is opening, softening, and surrendering to what is arising. It isn't enough to stop grasping or resisting. This alone doesn't send us straight to being able to let go, to see things as they really are. First, we must open up to what is present in the moment, including our thoughts and feelings, and with curiosity and compassion allow it "in" before we can let it go.
And, the very last part of the book lost me completely, with its shift to focusing on the Vajra Vehicle, clearly and understandably this teacher's preference, but also a disappointing ending.
September 16, 2019
This tiny book is no great shakes, but is at least a nice primer to the foundational concepts of Buddhism, written by a Tibetan monk who among other things has been a spiritual advisor to Richard Gere and Cher (take that as you will). With a particular emphasis on the secular psychology behind mindfulness, while almost entirely jettisoning conversations about Buddhist rituals and religious beliefs, this 100-page manuscript is especially good for Westerners who have gotten interested in Buddhism from a self-care perspective, but who aren't particularly ready to shave their head and start memorizing a bunch of Sanskrit. It comes recommended in this specific context, not for hardcore existing Buddhists but those who are interested in knowing why their New Agey aunt suddenly seems to be so into the subject.
April 2, 2023
Nothing new or groundbreaking here but my first book that is focused more on Tibetan buddhism than Zen. Heavy focus on the impermanence of all things, right thinking, and the Vajra vehicle.
If you fill your heart with love for all others you will naturally be happier due to the cause and effect of being loving. If you recognize the impermanence of all things you will be more wakeful in the present moment.
The vajra vehicle stuff went mostly over my head but I understand it to be a Tibetan buddhism concept. A sort of short cut to enlightenment.
After reading this I feel more aligned with Zen buddhism than Tibetan. Perhaps I need to read more on Tibetan but I feel this book steered me away from it.
If you fill your heart with love for all others you will naturally be happier due to the cause and effect of being loving. If you recognize the impermanence of all things you will be more wakeful in the present moment.
The vajra vehicle stuff went mostly over my head but I understand it to be a Tibetan buddhism concept. A sort of short cut to enlightenment.
After reading this I feel more aligned with Zen buddhism than Tibetan. Perhaps I need to read more on Tibetan but I feel this book steered me away from it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2018
This is a slight book: <120 pages. I originally gave it four stars, because it can be underestimated...but it has stayed with me. A few main points it draws upon is the impermanence of all things (and the need to work with this in every moment) and the notion that the way many perceive reality is just that perception and does not draw on reality as it is. There are passing mentions of "the nature of mind" which is something that I have studied for over 20 years. There is much to chew on here despite its simplicity. Would recommend.
February 1, 2019
I am currently in the midst of my second reading, and can unequivocally say that this is a work of profound insight that goes straight to your heart. Each short passage appears on the surface to be simple and straightforward, and on one level they are; but on another, there is amazing depth and a sense of doors opening in your mind. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche has given us a great gift through his wisdom, humor, and kindness.
September 21, 2020
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is a very knowledgable man whom I'm honored to have learned from. It's amazing how when we think about suffering and the pain we go through, we don't always get down to the nitty gritty details of why we hurt. I never fully allowed myself to understand that everything in life is impermanent, even when we believe we'll have what we do forever. He brings up many things that we know deep down, but we haven't acknoweldged what we know to be true. Denial is not a friend and it's time we stop treating it like it is. Because at the end of the day pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.
June 13, 2022
Without referencing the Buddha's 4th recollection, much of this seems to be a reflection on that. It gives a generous ecumenical gloss of the major Buddhist traditions/paths with a gentle focus on the Tibetan/tantric path that the author claims for his own. It points to a lot of complex concepts in fairly accessible and concise language. A good first introduction to Buddhism.
February 4, 2019
Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher, Shambhala, for this paperback published in 2018. The author was born in Tibet in 1951 and is a world-renowned Buddhist teacher and meditation master. The book has 105 pages and is easy to understand. In January, the sermon series at my church was about different world religions so reading this book was perfect timing. I will type the 1st 4 lines that open the book:
Deep sadness, because nothing lasts.
Fervent love, because all beings are my beloved family.
Lucid openness, because this ordinary mind is full awakening.
Sheer joy, because all of this is true.
Deep sadness, because nothing lasts.
Fervent love, because all beings are my beloved family.
Lucid openness, because this ordinary mind is full awakening.
Sheer joy, because all of this is true.
December 25, 2019
Excellent book!!!!
March 19, 2021
An exceptional elucidation of the Buddhist path from an enlightened master. Profound wisdom in clear, succinct language. A gift!
June 12, 2023
An easy read and friendly reminder. Can be a helpful tool in soothing the sadness and pain while contemplating on impermanence.
May 4, 2024
Maybe better if it’s the first look into Buddhism you’ve ever had? But it was repetitive and honestly just boring.
July 8, 2024
No estoy en mi mejor momento por eso recurrí al budismo y que me lean la palma de la mano hahah and that’s how it’s going
December 18, 2024
Very accessible to read, yet very hard to live these principles.
August 6, 2025
Could’ve been like 4 pages... one of the most repetitive writings I’ve ever read. Think the author was a little too engaged in “thought-free wakefulness” when he wrote this.
July 3, 2018
I was fortunate to be present when Rinpoche first delivered the teachings that later became Sadness, Love, Openness during a seminar in Denmark back in 2013. Since then I have read the manuscript in its various stages and I have used the text as a daily reminder of the importance of keeping a calm, loving and open mind. Today I received the kindle version and I was super happy to see Rinpoche's insight presented so beautifully. I recommend this book to anyone who would like a concise introduction to the heart of Buddhism in a language that is understandable, engaging, and profound.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews