Mindful Compassion

I teach meditation and I recommended to my study group that this would be an excellent text for us to further our study of compassion as one of the skills we use in a meditation practice, especially as it is linked to the second skill of mindfulness and uses many of the focus ( the third skill I teach) techniques as well. The introduction and first chapter sets up the background then the next chapters focus on our brain and how it evolved and what that means to those practicing these skills. I particularly like that compassion is considered not only the recognition and feeling of compassion but also the commitment to action.Most of us have found the exercises and reflections useful, and sometimes dramatic in practice.I can recommend this text to those who have not been practicing long as well as long time practitioners. It is an excellent amalgam of science, theory and practical components.

Nice book, weaves together evolutionary psychology, Buddhist philosophy, neuroscience, even politics. Perhaps with the most emphasis on evolutionary psychology and a Buddhistic approach. Paul Gilbert is a strong thinker and prolific writer, ahead of his time, and one of the world's authorities on compassion (e.g. creator of CMT, Compassionate Mind Training). A stimulating read, but could probably use some revisions and some reorganization to hone it. Somewhat repetitive. However, I study clinical psychology so I'm likely to be more critical than casual readers.

The focus is compassion in this book and not just for other people. When you study Buddhism, you can sometimes feel you are lacking the character to actually succeed. He makes the point over and over that our reactions are perfectly normal given our evolution and our experiences. But then he goes on to explain how we can change for the better and happier. The meditations are most useful. A good book for the beginner or someone having doubts or needing a gentle pat on the back.

Informative and easy to read. I have all the other books by Gilbert and Choden on compassion, this is the best so far.

A very good book that discusses many psychological conditions that we all have to some extent (I work in psychiatry, so I sort of know). Don't let the fact that it often refers to Buddhist Dharma, put you off in reading it. I gave this to a \friend who is Christian & she reported that she learned a lot from it.

Great meaty book that really explores how and why your mind works the way it does. Great exercises to begin a comprehensive habit of mindfulness and reaps the benefits.

Written for the engaged and intelligent reader, the author integrates information from neuroscience, Buddhism, and other sources to present a coherent framework for growth. The book is filled with wisdom and insights, and almost every sentence opens an avenue for further thought and exploration. Most importantly, it aligns growth and wisdom, with compassion and kindness.

A colleague recommended Paul Gilbert. I used this book as a reference for a class I was teaching. Wish this was required reading for all. We need a more compassionate world and Gilbert provides both a good overview of "Mindfulness" and also some important pointers on how to take on challenges to help those who suffer.

I use this book as my guide to meditation and to living. What I love about it is that it doesn't just focus on 'mindfulness' but combines that with 'compassion'. Without the latter, I would find mindfulness in meditating and in living to be too difficult. I also love the information on the brain, how it developed, and how it affects the way we behave. This is a great book, especially for anyone who suffers from anxiety and who wants to find peace and calm.

a must read for all healthcare workers. I was recommended to read this book and haven't been disappointed.

Excellent

Great book

Great reading - new perspective and very informative. Includes exercises to practice and great opportunity to reflect on real life situations. A helpful read.