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Martin Lowenthal
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Lar C. Short
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Opening the Heart of Compassion: Transform Suffering Through Buddhist Psychology and Practice Paperback – December 1, 2006

by Lar Short (Author), Martin Lowenthal (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 20 ratings
Martin Lowenthal and Lar Short 1993 Opening the Heart of compassion: Transform Suffering Through Buddhist Psychology and Practice
From the authors:
"We have chosen to offer this amalgam of east and west, of modern and traditional, and of the ordinary and the sacred through teachings about the habits of mind that shape our experience of ourselves and of the world, which often results in us living in a world of pain. The path out of that suffering to freedom involves taking creative action that is guided by compassion. This compassion is developed through reflection upon the nature of our condition, and insight into our ways of operating as the source of possibilities for suffering or creative expression."
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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 1, 2006
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.47 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1419651331
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1419651335
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In this intriguing book, Martin Lowenthal and Lar Short explain how Buddhism uses the practice of compassion as a way to transcend everyday suffering. They present a helpful and friendly introduction to Buddhist teachings on the habitual ways of thinking and feeling which characterize the six realms of experience They integrate this ancient knowledge with modern psychological insights to guide readers in their quest for freedom from unnecessary pain. Included are many meditative exercises that will help the reader to achieve greater understanding of self and of others, and to cultivate joy in daily life. This is a remarkable book that presents a path of spiritual development rooted in creative action guided by compassion.
"This volume not only provides a brilliant presentation of the ancient Buddhist teaching on the 6 realms of experience as they relate to the fundamental predicament of modern man. It also describes the skillful means of a series of simple, clear, but nevertheless profound meditative practices. This is a work of deep understanding and the product of vast practical experience." —John Mann, Author of Rudi:14 Years with My Teacher
"The unique contribution of this text is its elaboration of the resources embedded in each dysfunctional style of being, which when acknowledged and developed can transform the seeminly common soil of habitual behavior patterns into pure spiritual gold. There is much here for reflection, consideration, and developmental experimentation." — Harvey B. Aronson, Ph.D., CSW-ASP, auhtor of Buddist Practice on Western Ground and Love and Sympathy in Theravada Buddhism
"This work is an important contribution to the ongoing vital field of East/West psychology and spirituality." — Lama Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Author of Wonders of the Natural Mind and The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep
"This book is easily the most understandable text on Buddhist practices that I have ever read... This is a good book with which to grow and mature." —Debbie Steward in New Age Retailer

About the Author

Reverend Martin Lowenthal, Ph.D., is Senior Meditation Teacher and Mentor with The Dedicated Life Institute. He has taught at Boston College and Harvard University Extension School and leads workshops and retreats all over the world. He is author of many books on Buddhism as well as other spiritual subjects. He has been a Buddhist practitioner and teacher for more than fifty years. Rev. Lowenthal lives in Newton, Massachusetts.

Lar C. Short is the founder & spiritual director of Grace Essence Mandala (GEM). GEM is a non-sectarian, non-dogmatic spiritual organization, based on the fact that transcendence is basic for all human beings, prior to and beyond the limits of any tradition. 

Lar has over 50 years of formal spiritual work and teaching. He is known for his ability to make esoteric and complex teachings accessible by clearly and powerfully distilling the pith teachings into step-by-step instructions, and powerful practices. He does this from life-long work in many spiritual traditions including; Tibetan Buddhism, Shaivite, Kriya Yoga, Esoteric Christianity, Zen Buddhism, Mikkyo, and Accelerated Learning & developmental education.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ BookSurge Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2006
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Notation
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1419651331
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1419651335
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.47 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 20 ratings

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  1. Martin Lowenthal

    Martin Lowenthal

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  2. Lar C. Short

    Lar C. Short

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Lar C. Short is the founder & spiritual director of Grace Essence Mandala (GEM). GEM is a non-sectarian, non-dogmatic spiritual organization, based on the fact that transcendence is basic for all human beings, prior to and beyond the limits of any tradition.

    Lar has over 50 years of formal spiritual work and teaching. He is known for his ability to make esoteric and complex teachings accessible by clearly and powerfully distilling the pith teachings into step-by-step instructions, and powerful practices. He does this from life-long work in many spiritual traditions including; Tibetan Buddhism, Shaivite, Kriya Yoga, Esoteric Christianity, Zen Buddhism, Mikkyo, and Accelerated Learning & developmental education.

    Learn more at larcshort.com

    See more on the author's page
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Sunflowers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book was life changing. I may be digesting the information for the rest of my life. Worth multiple reads. Really recommend it highly!!!!
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  • Alton
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most important books you can read as a human being
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I have read from this to a church full of friends at a memorial last year around now. It brought tears to many of us.

    I have read from this at Facebook HQ. It pressed all the right analytical buttons.

    I have quietly read from this sitting atop a mountain during 3 days of silence. It significantly shifted how I saw myself as a spiritual materialist.

    I have read from this to lovers. I became much more related with them.

    I have read this with the girl of my dreams as we broadcast on Facebook Live. I received some of the best feedback and responses I have in years.

    I have read from this on a cruiseship from Japan to Shanghai to my entire extended family (on one side) it led to some of the most touching conversations with members of my family I previously felt resigned from.

    I shared it with a shaman friend and she now regularly brings it into her practice, her life, and everyone she meets.

    I took notes in the margins of it while listening to Adyashanti, who I later spoke with in Palo Alto. This book was a beautiful bridge.

    I have bought several and gifted them to friends I want good things for.

    This book absolutely changed my life and therefore I would not recommend it to anyone.

    What a gift to be used by this purpose.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Genuine Redhead
    3.0 out of 5 stars Very western-psychology oriented, not very Tibetan
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I bought this for a Tibetan meditation class I was taking, and honestly have been disappointed. The meditations given are very shallow, very new-agey, and the whole thing is written through a very western psychology perspective. The information about the six lokas is readily available for free on line, and there's not much added value. Not a book I will keep when the class is over, and probably won't even donate it to the library.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • wind
    5.0 out of 5 stars Puzzled by human behavior?
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Are you puzzled by human behavior? Do you wonder why your lover just destroyed your relationship? Why politicians pick a fight?Why we all seem so attracted to confident people? And what exactly is the origin of this confidence? Do you wonder why some people can't control their passions? And why others are locked into a cool, detached intellect? Western psychologists have totally missed the boat trying to explain personality archetypes,they have subdivided human personalities into categories that are way too narrow. Who, after all, isn't a little bit obsessive-compulsive or a little bit ADHD? Buddhists ride to the rescue with their 6 ego realms, described in detail in this excellent book. With some practice, you will be able to read people like a book, and you will be very frightened (at times), by what you find. Remember...Buddhists don't have a very high regard for ego, so be ready for a dose of depressing realism.
    So, here I am 9 years later, retired and finally have the time and inclination to more thoroughly enter a life of contemplation. Along the way, a number of books have been constant companions, including "The Tao", "Perfume in the Desert", "Neurosis and Human Growth", "Calm and Clear" and this treasure, "Opening the Heart of Compassion". The only thing I would add to my previous review is how this book helped open me up to the machinations of my own ego. It is of course essential to give up who you think is you before you are discover your authentic self. Though mantra and other techniques may allow you to avoid your ego, for me it has proven essential to understand ego before ( on those rare and happy occasions) I am able to let it go. This book has helped immensely in that regard. It is highly recommended, easy to read and incredibly wise. It is the sort of book to which you will return.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Jonathan B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life-changing insights on the nature of being human - and how to grow beyond.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    In this day and age, where it's easy to feel helpless or angry, we need means to understand what's happening in our state of being, and tools for transformation. This book provides a clear and accessible map to self-assess where we get stuck and how to shift out of it. I've read and re-read this book, and each time it provides new insights and resources. It's also the most clearly articulated description of the 6 realms in Tibetan Buddhism - viewing them as states that we fall easily fall into - and how to shift them into more aliveness. Highly recommended.
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  • Jean
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good Book-Used bargain-I'm happy
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The book content is very good. Condition of the book was fine as I purchased a bargain that came with lots of underlining and comments in margins, which is to be expected with second hand and low price. It's fine with me because I use the plastic colored sticky flags to mark the places that I feel are important anyway.
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  • Nargiza Malagón
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Great book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • manuel
    5.0 out of 5 stars the "REAL" deal!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2001
    This teaching will change your life--FOR THE BETTER!
    enough said--get to work! (S!)
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • James J. Mcentee, Jr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... psycho-spiritual books I can report that this one is excellent. The opening chapter alone makes the book as ...
    Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    As a long time reader of psycho-spiritual books I can report that this one is excellent. The opening chapter alone makes the book as a whole worth getting your hands.
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