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The Heart of the Revolution: The Buddha's Radical Teachings on Forgiveness, Compassion, and Kindness
“The Buddha’s teachings are not a philosophy or a religion; they are a call to action and invitation to revolution.” Noah Levine, author of the national bestseller Dharma Punx and Against the Stream , is the leader of the youth movement for a new American Buddhism. In Heart of the Revolution , he offers a set of reflections, tools, and teachings to help readers unlock their own sense of empathy and compassion. Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within , declares Levins to be "in the fore among Young Buddhas of America, a rebel with both a good cause and the noble heart and spiritual awareness to prove it,” saying, “I highly recommend this book to those who want to join us on this joyful path of mindfulness and awakening."
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
110 people are currently reading
1409 people want to read
About the author
Noah Levine
11 books242 followersAmerican Buddhist teacher, author and counselor known for his philosophical alignment with Buddhism and punk ideology. Identifies his Buddhist beliefs and practices with both Theravadan and Mahayanan traditions. Holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from CIIS. He has helped found several groups and projects including the Mind Body Awareness Project], a non-profit organization that serves incarcerated youths.
Son of American Buddhist author Stephen Levine. Trained by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He also lists as teachers His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ram Dass, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Norman Fischer, and Sylvia Boorstein.
He is the founder of the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, with two centers in Los Angeles and over twenty affiliated groups in North America and Europe. (www.againstthestream.org) Noah leads Dharma and vipassana meditation retreats and workshops across the United States and Europe. An important aspect of his work is with inmates in juvenile and adult prisons where he combines meditation techniques with psychotherapy—“exploring how they can have a deeper understanding of what has happened and what they need to do in order to be free, on many levels—free from prison, free from the trauma of the past.” Noah Levine is a member of the Prison Dharma Network.
Levine’s work with inmates is fueled by his own past; as a youth he had several periods of incarceration. His first book, Dharma Punx, in large part details Levine’s teenage years filled with drugs, violence, and multiple suicide attempts - choices fueled by a rebellious nature and identification with punk rock and culture. His substance abuse started early in life - at age 6 he began smoking marijuana - and finally ended in a padded detoxification cell in juvenile prison 11 years later. It was in this cell where he hit “an emotional rock bottom” and began his vipassana practice “out of a place of extreme drug addiction and violence” While incarcerated, he saw for the first time how the practice his father taught him gave him the tools to relieve the fear and uncertainty that pervaded his life.
One notable aspect of Buddhist Dharma is the path of our choices, the actions past and present and the intention for future action – (ref. Buddhist Law of Karma). Levine’s past – addiction, incarceration, violence, initial rejection of Buddhism and meditation – are all defining characteristics of his writings and teachings. “We all sort of have a different doorway to dharma or spiritual practice. Suffering is a doorway. For me it was the suffering of addiction, violence and crime which opened me at a young age, 17 years old. I was incarcerated, looking at the rest of my life in prison and thought, ‘Maybe I will try dad’s hippie meditation bullshit.’ Suffering opened me to the possibility of trying meditation.”
In Levine’s second book, Against the Stream, released in April 2007, "he presents what he has learned about and through Buddhism". Readers will find it written in a style consistent with the "disarming, frank tone" from his first book and, also, free from the typical "Buddhist-speak" found in comparable works; Levine "clearly returns to such central ideas as impermanence and suffering, giving his thinking simplicity and consistency". The author claims that this work is for '"true spiritual revolutionaries" who are looking for both "inner and outer spiritual rebellion"'.
Son of American Buddhist author Stephen Levine. Trained by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He also lists as teachers His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ram Dass, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Norman Fischer, and Sylvia Boorstein.
He is the founder of the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, with two centers in Los Angeles and over twenty affiliated groups in North America and Europe. (www.againstthestream.org) Noah leads Dharma and vipassana meditation retreats and workshops across the United States and Europe. An important aspect of his work is with inmates in juvenile and adult prisons where he combines meditation techniques with psychotherapy—“exploring how they can have a deeper understanding of what has happened and what they need to do in order to be free, on many levels—free from prison, free from the trauma of the past.” Noah Levine is a member of the Prison Dharma Network.
Levine’s work with inmates is fueled by his own past; as a youth he had several periods of incarceration. His first book, Dharma Punx, in large part details Levine’s teenage years filled with drugs, violence, and multiple suicide attempts - choices fueled by a rebellious nature and identification with punk rock and culture. His substance abuse started early in life - at age 6 he began smoking marijuana - and finally ended in a padded detoxification cell in juvenile prison 11 years later. It was in this cell where he hit “an emotional rock bottom” and began his vipassana practice “out of a place of extreme drug addiction and violence” While incarcerated, he saw for the first time how the practice his father taught him gave him the tools to relieve the fear and uncertainty that pervaded his life.
One notable aspect of Buddhist Dharma is the path of our choices, the actions past and present and the intention for future action – (ref. Buddhist Law of Karma). Levine’s past – addiction, incarceration, violence, initial rejection of Buddhism and meditation – are all defining characteristics of his writings and teachings. “We all sort of have a different doorway to dharma or spiritual practice. Suffering is a doorway. For me it was the suffering of addiction, violence and crime which opened me at a young age, 17 years old. I was incarcerated, looking at the rest of my life in prison and thought, ‘Maybe I will try dad’s hippie meditation bullshit.’ Suffering opened me to the possibility of trying meditation.”
In Levine’s second book, Against the Stream, released in April 2007, "he presents what he has learned about and through Buddhism". Readers will find it written in a style consistent with the "disarming, frank tone" from his first book and, also, free from the typical "Buddhist-speak" found in comparable works; Levine "clearly returns to such central ideas as impermanence and suffering, giving his thinking simplicity and consistency". The author claims that this work is for '"true spiritual revolutionaries" who are looking for both "inner and outer spiritual rebellion"'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 9, 2011
So yesterday I wrote a really half assed review of this book because I still haven't written a review for hatter m, and I didn't want to get behind and I was super excited about starting never the face and I need to finish kraken ect ect ect. But this book deserves better than that as far as I'm concerned.
Reading this was really about getting back to my roots. Noah Levine's Dharma Punx: A Memoir was the buddhism book I ever read, and when I decided I wanted to really check out this buddhism thing I went to a sangha for a year or two that was founded by him, although he wasn't there anymore and the teacher was this guy named josh korda. this meditation group still goes on see here and I would still be going if things like school and work hadn't got in the way. But after all this time and my strong relationship with the books of Brad Warner, Stephen Batchelor, Lama Surya Das, I could go on and on. After the first book I never sat down and read levine again because while warner was running around getting divorced and getting laid and writing books for me to read apparently levine was settling down and starting a family. I have Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries I've just somehow never gotten to reading it. But even with that nothing in this book surprised me, nothing made me said "that's not what I was told". When the hungry ghosts popped up he said just was josh korda had said, they aren't actually different beings they are humans that are living unskillfully (in that case in addiction, we could talk about the definitions of hungry ghosts and all, but it isn't necessary here). He says sometimes kindness doesn't seem kind in the moment. He says no one is perfect. He says mara is in your mind. I bring this all up because it's important to me that I'm not suddenly being fed new lines about the religiousity or holiness of buddhism. I came back to the start, to a book about how he has changed using his practice that still read like the guy I stumbled upon when I picked up his first book years ago otherwise it feel a little bit like you've been taken in by a line of crap.
side note: at one point in this book he talks about a tibetan principle that there have been so many rebirths that in a previous lifetime everyone was at one point your mother, shich reminded me of how connor always says that he asks himself how he would want someone to treat his mom if she came in the store and that's how he treats customers. this made me smile.
Levine doesn't straight up say this, but this is really a book about ethics. How should you treat people, how should you interact with the world. and I think on most levels he agrees with greg, don't be an ass hole. Understand that unskillful action comes from pain and meet it with compassion.
He includes meditations that have weird instructions, including change the words of the meditation if you don't like them or don't find them meaningful, which is something I appreciate personally.
I feel like on some level the book is about the fact that we can't meet the world where it, we can't say it started it. To improve the world we have to rise above it and be better than that. And I mean Karen works with me she knows I get rude and grouchy and I spend plenty of time not rising above it, but failure isn't a reason to stop trying, we have to forgive ourselves and we have to step out of our minds and try again. He talks about the 1%ers and he's right. There are a lot of stories in the bible (the prodigal son, mary and martha) where there is one person that works hard and does what they are suppose to and another who's kind of an idiot but gets parties and blessings ect. And that 1% I think it's learning to be that better person not because you expect a party because someone who is good all the time is not going to get congratulated for doing the right thing it's just expected when you always act like that. And it's like the friends episode if you are just doing good things for the reward, then you still aren't doing them for their own sake. You somehow have to find the desire to act from compassion not because we will be rewarded by other people but because we want to be the kind of people that act that way, because we want to improve the world. and really that's the revolution.
Reading this was really about getting back to my roots. Noah Levine's Dharma Punx: A Memoir was the buddhism book I ever read, and when I decided I wanted to really check out this buddhism thing I went to a sangha for a year or two that was founded by him, although he wasn't there anymore and the teacher was this guy named josh korda. this meditation group still goes on see here and I would still be going if things like school and work hadn't got in the way. But after all this time and my strong relationship with the books of Brad Warner, Stephen Batchelor, Lama Surya Das, I could go on and on. After the first book I never sat down and read levine again because while warner was running around getting divorced and getting laid and writing books for me to read apparently levine was settling down and starting a family. I have Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries I've just somehow never gotten to reading it. But even with that nothing in this book surprised me, nothing made me said "that's not what I was told". When the hungry ghosts popped up he said just was josh korda had said, they aren't actually different beings they are humans that are living unskillfully (in that case in addiction, we could talk about the definitions of hungry ghosts and all, but it isn't necessary here). He says sometimes kindness doesn't seem kind in the moment. He says no one is perfect. He says mara is in your mind. I bring this all up because it's important to me that I'm not suddenly being fed new lines about the religiousity or holiness of buddhism. I came back to the start, to a book about how he has changed using his practice that still read like the guy I stumbled upon when I picked up his first book years ago otherwise it feel a little bit like you've been taken in by a line of crap.
side note: at one point in this book he talks about a tibetan principle that there have been so many rebirths that in a previous lifetime everyone was at one point your mother, shich reminded me of how connor always says that he asks himself how he would want someone to treat his mom if she came in the store and that's how he treats customers. this made me smile.
Levine doesn't straight up say this, but this is really a book about ethics. How should you treat people, how should you interact with the world. and I think on most levels he agrees with greg, don't be an ass hole. Understand that unskillful action comes from pain and meet it with compassion.
He includes meditations that have weird instructions, including change the words of the meditation if you don't like them or don't find them meaningful, which is something I appreciate personally.
I feel like on some level the book is about the fact that we can't meet the world where it, we can't say it started it. To improve the world we have to rise above it and be better than that. And I mean Karen works with me she knows I get rude and grouchy and I spend plenty of time not rising above it, but failure isn't a reason to stop trying, we have to forgive ourselves and we have to step out of our minds and try again. He talks about the 1%ers and he's right. There are a lot of stories in the bible (the prodigal son, mary and martha) where there is one person that works hard and does what they are suppose to and another who's kind of an idiot but gets parties and blessings ect. And that 1% I think it's learning to be that better person not because you expect a party because someone who is good all the time is not going to get congratulated for doing the right thing it's just expected when you always act like that. And it's like the friends episode if you are just doing good things for the reward, then you still aren't doing them for their own sake. You somehow have to find the desire to act from compassion not because we will be rewarded by other people but because we want to be the kind of people that act that way, because we want to improve the world. and really that's the revolution.
August 17, 2011
a very down to earth approach to the "heart" aspect of buddhism that was a little neglected in his last book "against the stream". It feels good that I am not alone in struggle with meditations on compassion, forgiveness and love because it always seems to be so "hippie". Noah has been there but due to his positive experiences with insight meditation (the "wisdom" aspect of buddhism) gave it a very serious try. He shares his insights and a lot of very detailedinformation on meditation with us in this book. Like all good books on buddhism this is not something you read in one sitting and then forget about it, you have to get on the cushion and see for yourself if it makes any sense. not for the complete novice (read against the stream for that). not much biographical stuff. (read dharma punx for that)
July 23, 2019
The book was a big disappointment for me. From start to finish it was just one contradiction after another. The bottom line of what he is saying is "to be able to follow these teachings or rather concepts, you have to deny your own humaness and become divine." Divinity is beyond my pay scale. You would have to be a saint to follow these treachings. He also gives a bad connotation to anger, to lust, to survival, to justice, to being right, to violent thoughts, vengeful thoughts, whether warranted or not...and of course as I said it boils down to not being human. He says "hatred ceases by love" WRONG!!! Hatred ceases by justice and nothing else. He tells you to think of those who have harmed you, of your enemies in a way that you understand the harm they've done or are doing is about "their" pain and the suffering they have experienced or are feeling in their lives. He tries to justify their behavior as not their fault and therefore you should be compassionate and forgive them. I say he's victimizes the victim and puts the burden of their behavior on you to forgive and love the person in spite of whatever they may have done to you. Well, I say "bullshit, I'm not that compassionate and loving. " If you hurt me , the only thing that may bring some forgiveness is if I kick your ass or repay you in kind X 10 and then I may feel sorry for you that I fuc*ed you up so bad and I MIGHT find it in my heart to forgive you but I'll NEVER EVER forget what you did and I'll neverr ever trust you. In my book forgiveness means "you're dead to me." ... He says to be positive, and not be negative about things. I say "expect the worst and hope for the best." This is how I have learned to survive. The way this guy Levine is teaching you, you'd be eaten alive cause people will perceive your love, compassion and empathy as weakness. Let me explain, no one and I mean this sincerely, has more love compassion, respect and most importantly empathy for other people and animals, basically ANY LIVING THING. BUT, I don't turn the other cheek, never did , NEVER WILL... despite how sensitive and fragile I may feel inside, I won't hesitate to do whatever I have to by whatever means necessary to survive and remove the threat. This book reminds of a politicians speech in which he speaks for an hour and then does a question and answer period, and you walk out of there after two hours of listening to NOTHING but RHETORIC. I'll close this review with what I said in the beginning, the main message of this book is to deny yourt own humanity and humaness.
November 18, 2018
Found the book to be full of contradictions and pre-conceived judgments based on the authors own belief systems. A lot of the content seems to be rushed! The author's analogies are far-fetched and often at times made for a poor example to what he was trying to convey to the reader. unfortunately, this was more a "see the world through my point of view" kind of book rather than focusing on the actual teachings of Compassion, Forgiveness, and Kindness.
However, the meditations outlined are pretty good!
However, the meditations outlined are pretty good!
February 21, 2019
This book is best for those who are on the fence about taking the journey into Buddhism. He takes you with him on his journey without going into too much detail/being annoying. While I wasn’t on the fence It is nice for me to read, because I feel like I have a companion with me as I embark on this journey. He chooses what to share wisely-information that will be helpful on your path. He has a down to earth way of explaining things and really gets to the basic logics. It is a well written and insightful book worthy of your time.
Great intro! he starts off by giving a very brief introduction of who Buddha is and why he was attracted to the Buddha. He talks about where his journey started and what made him push on. Then, what affects it started having and why he was having particular reactions to the journey. He encourages you to take the journey, and realistically sets expectations. One day I will see the beginning of my journey as clearly as he sees his.
Ch1 . How the survival instinct drives us towards desire/craving/pleasure, which in turn creates suffering rather than happiness. The survival instinct craves permanence and drives us towards an unhealthy attitude towards attachment and aversion.
“Believing in a permanent self is like believing in a permanent rainbow.” The piles/ skandahs are five aspects of self that we misidentify to be us and that we cling to: body, senses/feelings, perception, ect
They are the basis for our suffering, which he defines and explains briefly and concisely. For the body, for example, he explains how identification with it brings identification with its cravings, which in turn brings attachment to pleasure, ect. He also does this for the concept of karma as it is tied to these aspects that we experience. He explains how meditation
can slowly dust off layers of this mistaken identity.
Ch 3 Why training of the self is necessary, ect. Ch4 start training at the easiest sentiment:mercy towards yourself.
Great intro! he starts off by giving a very brief introduction of who Buddha is and why he was attracted to the Buddha. He talks about where his journey started and what made him push on. Then, what affects it started having and why he was having particular reactions to the journey. He encourages you to take the journey, and realistically sets expectations. One day I will see the beginning of my journey as clearly as he sees his.
Ch1 . How the survival instinct drives us towards desire/craving/pleasure, which in turn creates suffering rather than happiness. The survival instinct craves permanence and drives us towards an unhealthy attitude towards attachment and aversion.
“Believing in a permanent self is like believing in a permanent rainbow.” The piles/ skandahs are five aspects of self that we misidentify to be us and that we cling to: body, senses/feelings, perception, ect
They are the basis for our suffering, which he defines and explains briefly and concisely. For the body, for example, he explains how identification with it brings identification with its cravings, which in turn brings attachment to pleasure, ect. He also does this for the concept of karma as it is tied to these aspects that we experience. He explains how meditation
can slowly dust off layers of this mistaken identity.
Ch 3 Why training of the self is necessary, ect. Ch4 start training at the easiest sentiment:mercy towards yourself.
January 23, 2023
This is my second book by Noah Levine (Dharma Punx was the first). I like Levine's approach to the application of Buddha's teachings into everyday life.
Overall, I liked this book. The format was easy to follow and it flowed well. Levine includes, at the conclusion of major sections, how to meditate on specific concepts, like Compassion. While it was helpful, it did make some of the reading feel really repitive. A summary appendix, at the end, would have made more sense. That is my one significant criticism of the book.
Heart of Revolution was a book I read a bit at a time because I wanted to reflect on the message. I had an "a-ha" moment with this book and it came with the writings on forgiveness. For me, this is one of the areas of my life where I struggle. What has stuck with me, from the reading, is that forgiveness is a journey (not a one and done) and that boundaries can be part of forgiveness. From a perspective of self-help, Levine's guidance on forgiveness has been life altering.
Overall, I liked this book. The format was easy to follow and it flowed well. Levine includes, at the conclusion of major sections, how to meditate on specific concepts, like Compassion. While it was helpful, it did make some of the reading feel really repitive. A summary appendix, at the end, would have made more sense. That is my one significant criticism of the book.
Heart of Revolution was a book I read a bit at a time because I wanted to reflect on the message. I had an "a-ha" moment with this book and it came with the writings on forgiveness. For me, this is one of the areas of my life where I struggle. What has stuck with me, from the reading, is that forgiveness is a journey (not a one and done) and that boundaries can be part of forgiveness. From a perspective of self-help, Levine's guidance on forgiveness has been life altering.
February 24, 2025
I love this book, I love all of Noah Levine’s book. His teachings have been my introduction into Buddhism, and I’ve really appreciated the ways he adds his perspective/experiences. This book taught me a lot about how to retrain the heart and mind from normal human conditioning, calming the monkey mind that swings from thought to thought. There’s lots of added meditation scripts as well, which have been great to read and incorporate into practice. Overall such a good read and full of useful teachings.
November 26, 2016
Covers the essential teachings of Buddhism in an accessible way - especially for people who have a hard time with religions in general. It shows how much the philosophy (which each individual is meant to verify in their own experience) is separate from the system that grew around it.
January 22, 2018
If you’re familiar with Buddhism, this book won’t have much earth shattering information. I was expecting more of a unique story but I’m always happy to learn more about Buddhism and perspective on how others apply the principles in their daily lives
January 28, 2021
I was glad to finally read this book (that I’ve had for four years...). I learned a lot about Buddhism.
I’ve since learned that the teacher/author was caught up in the MeToo net, and did not acquit himself with grace or humility or decency, which definitely affected my perception of the book.
I’ve since learned that the teacher/author was caught up in the MeToo net, and did not acquit himself with grace or humility or decency, which definitely affected my perception of the book.
October 2, 2022
I had to read this for a class. Typically I do not follow along/comprehend/enjoy reading books I am assigned, but this one was good! I learned so much from this book, and I also enjoyed how Levine discussed his own personal experiences.
May 11, 2020
I like the guy. simple stuff, well said. meditation examples. I enjoyed this book very much.
August 2, 2020
Another really great read on Buddhist spiritual practice by Noah - written in an accessible way, especially for us old time punx. Lots to chew on.
April 3, 2021
Interesting book based around the heart practices in meditation. Includes meditation instructions.
February 19, 2024
a treat. came across it unexpectedly at my local library while looking for something else. so glad i picked it up. finished in one day, but the healing will last a lifetime.
January 23, 2015
I found myself nodding in agreement a lot at Levine's interpretations. My eyes actually watered when he mentioned having a childhood picture of himself at his altar, to represent forgiveness. While reading, I took notes and began to see my spiritual beliefs at a much deeper level. I never wanted to be an atheist, but didn't wish to be attached to any particular religion. I appreciate religion itself more on the cultural level. Compassionate beliefs (in worship of a god or not) handed down through generations for thousands of years is beautiful to me.
For now, I'm walking along the Buddhist path, as I've self-studied for at least 4+ years. I'm able to be thankful more, approach conflict with understanding, and learn to smile - even for no reason at all. Being in touch with oneself may seem daunting to some, but I believe that's the end result of happiness and contentment. Of course, it doesn't end there.
The Metta Sutra really broke things down - having compassion for all and the entire universe. Yes, we might have peace for ourselves, but why not the whole world? I see this as a constantly revisited doctrine, even to many skillful meditators. I might just print it out and tack it on my wall for a daily reminder.
Being protected from harm by external forces is something I strongly believed in growing up (and still do). I was in a handful of close calls like getting a finger stuck in machinery, falling down stairs, scooter mishaps, etc. Yet, I never broke any bones - tons of weird bruises, but hardly anything drastic. Nothing will stop me from believing in a spiritual manner. I take bits and pieces of different religions (from self-study) to find my own way. Whether there are angels who save me or not, I accept them wholeheartedly. :)
I highly recommend this book to those wondering about Buddhism but don't know where to start. Or perhaps you're already on the path and just need a supplement.
For now, I'm walking along the Buddhist path, as I've self-studied for at least 4+ years. I'm able to be thankful more, approach conflict with understanding, and learn to smile - even for no reason at all. Being in touch with oneself may seem daunting to some, but I believe that's the end result of happiness and contentment. Of course, it doesn't end there.
The Metta Sutra really broke things down - having compassion for all and the entire universe. Yes, we might have peace for ourselves, but why not the whole world? I see this as a constantly revisited doctrine, even to many skillful meditators. I might just print it out and tack it on my wall for a daily reminder.
Being protected from harm by external forces is something I strongly believed in growing up (and still do). I was in a handful of close calls like getting a finger stuck in machinery, falling down stairs, scooter mishaps, etc. Yet, I never broke any bones - tons of weird bruises, but hardly anything drastic. Nothing will stop me from believing in a spiritual manner. I take bits and pieces of different religions (from self-study) to find my own way. Whether there are angels who save me or not, I accept them wholeheartedly. :)
I highly recommend this book to those wondering about Buddhism but don't know where to start. Or perhaps you're already on the path and just need a supplement.
July 31, 2011
I am a huge fan of Noah Levine. His interpretation and presentation of the Dharma has struck the chord of truth for me from the moment I became aware of his teachings. There are a few areas in which what I currently find to be true based upon my own direct experience differs some from what he finds to be true based upon his own direct experience; but even on those topics I find his perspectives to be enlightening, no pun intended, as they always drive me to investigate further and put my beliefs to the test.
Levine writes like he speaks: boldly and bluntly, yet with humilty and compassion. This man is passionate about the Dharma and it is impossible to read without being infected by his enthusiasm for the truth.
This book, The Heart of the Revolution, was simply fantastic. Whether you are new to the Dharma or have been studying it for years, you will find this book to be an amazing tool to help free yourself from anger and hatred and instead take a path that will lead you to compassion, kindness and forgiveness; qualities are inherent to our makeup but are oftenleft uncultivated.
Levine writes like he speaks: boldly and bluntly, yet with humilty and compassion. This man is passionate about the Dharma and it is impossible to read without being infected by his enthusiasm for the truth.
This book, The Heart of the Revolution, was simply fantastic. Whether you are new to the Dharma or have been studying it for years, you will find this book to be an amazing tool to help free yourself from anger and hatred and instead take a path that will lead you to compassion, kindness and forgiveness; qualities are inherent to our makeup but are oftenleft uncultivated.
January 27, 2025
The Heart of the Revolution: The Buddha's Radical Teachings on Forgiveness, Compassion, and Kindness by Noah Levine is a solid introduction to the core teachings of Buddhism, especially if you're new to the principles of forgiveness, compassion, and kindness that Buddha championed. For someone just starting their spiritual journey, this book could be a really accessible and insightful place to begin.
That said, having studied Buddhism for about ten years myself, I didn't exactly discover any earth-shattering new concepts. In fact, I pretty much skimmed through it, as much of the material felt like familiar territory. Levine’s previous works, Against the Stream and Dharma Punx, made a much stronger impact on me back in my late teens, so I was hoping for something a little more revolutionary in this one.
All in all, if you’re new to Buddhism, this book will likely be a valuable resource. But for those of us who've been simmering in the teachings for a while, it may not offer much beyond a refresher course. Still, it's always nice to revisit these timeless teachings—and Levine’s writing is approachable and well-intentioned.
January 20, 2016
Levine is known for presenting the teachings in a different and accessible way. I think he succeeds in this, for the most part. However, some of his departures resonated less with me. I wasn't exactly sure how he connected "mercy" and "forgiveness" to the Metta Sutta, though I he may be right that they are both important in terms of developing a strong, compassionate heart. Similarly, for my taste, he seems a bit too quite to "rewrite" key teachings to better suit his own interpretations. I agree that we all need to find interpretations that work for us, but also that we should give deep, deep deference to the teachings as presented. I at least feel that way, given that I feel that I am a "beginner" in the practice.
All that said, Levine does present a different take on the teachings, and I think any book on lovingkindness is well worth reading!
All that said, Levine does present a different take on the teachings, and I think any book on lovingkindness is well worth reading!
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March 18, 2015DNF @ 23%
So, this wasn't for me. I picked this up for one reason and one reason alone: I need to learn to manage the bullshit the public throws at me on any given day. Basically, I'm tired of taking other people's problems home with me at night. So I thought, "hey a book about meditation and compassion, that's exactly what I need!" Unfortunately, it is primarily an intro to Buddhism and no matter how well-written or accessible it makes Buddhism, I'm not looking to become a Buddhist. I also could have done without the broad generalizations of other religions and how they compare to Buddhism.
I think I may need to just seek out a guided meditation class. Before I go postal on the next parent that fails to calm their hellspawn in my work place.
So, this wasn't for me. I picked this up for one reason and one reason alone: I need to learn to manage the bullshit the public throws at me on any given day. Basically, I'm tired of taking other people's problems home with me at night. So I thought, "hey a book about meditation and compassion, that's exactly what I need!" Unfortunately, it is primarily an intro to Buddhism and no matter how well-written or accessible it makes Buddhism, I'm not looking to become a Buddhist. I also could have done without the broad generalizations of other religions and how they compare to Buddhism.
I think I may need to just seek out a guided meditation class. Before I go postal on the next parent that fails to calm their hellspawn in my work place.
August 9, 2016
I was actually looking for more of Noah's personal story, but I think that was the book that was already checked out from the library. I did enjoy this one very much and found that it had gentle lessons and offered some practical techniques; however, although the instructions for meditating made me want to try it, the lengthy instructions were daunting to me. How will I ever remember the order in which to think about things and the sentences to keep in mind? Wish there had been a suggestion, or better yet, a reference to a web page where there would be MP3s available for download to walk me through it.
September 26, 2012
Love(d) this book. The only few parts I skipped over were an overly-analyzed passage about the Metta Sutta, and a final note reducing human beings down, over-simplistically, to 3 types.
Levine's writing I found refreshingly clear, after struggling with some of HHDL's writings.
This makes a great companion book with Jack Kornfield's Meditation for Beginners.
Have recommended Levine's book to many and want my children to read it someday.
Levine's writing I found refreshingly clear, after struggling with some of HHDL's writings.
This makes a great companion book with Jack Kornfield's Meditation for Beginners.
Have recommended Levine's book to many and want my children to read it someday.
May 27, 2011
A very good, practical view of American Buddhism. Levine does a great job of using his own troubled past to illustrate the usefulness of Buddhism in present times. In line with the Buddha's teachings, he also interprets many of the more religious tenets of Buddhism (e.g. karma) in a way that feels more true to current times.
July 15, 2011
Levine's style is down to earth, concise and heartfelt. An excellent book with practical advice on meditations of forgiveness, compassion, equanimity. Includes a line by line explanation of the metta bhavana, which I found very insightful and relevant. One of the best Buddhist books I have read.
October 30, 2012
This is the most concise, easy to read "how to" book on meditation I've ever read. Something for beginners and experienced meditators alike. I sometimes forget Buddha was a revolutionary. Very well done.
November 11, 2012
Good but not great. He has a great voice and this is very accessible, but I found him rushing too much in places, such as the very compressed exercises and the very short chapter at the end on tonglen.
January 20, 2013
I've read a lot of books about Buddhism from different authors. Noah Levine makes it readable. He writes in such a way that a new generation of Buddhists can discover themselves in the Dharma. This is a wonderful book and I'm looking forward to more writings from Noah.
February 26, 2013
More focused than "Against the Stream", "The Heart of the Revolution" builds on its bases with a more traditional meditation-centered approach but always with an irreverent "don't believe the hype" punk side. I love Noah's no-nonsense secularist approach of Buddhism.
November 22, 2014
Highly accessible book on forgiveness and lovingkindness. A little bit navel-gazey, and Levine makes numerous sweeping generalizations that seem out of place and are not substantiated. Nevertheless, an enjoyable quick read that clearly and insightfully (ha) explains these practices.
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