Engaged Compassion

'Love thy neighbor as yourself.' Like you, I often heard this as a child, but I didn’t know anyone who did. It was a nice idea, but we can’t just tell ourselves what to feel, and no one seemed to know how to actively cultivate kindness and compassion. That is, until I encountered the Buddha’s teachings. Here is a path that explains a series of meditative techniques that enable genuine empathy and compassion to grow in us. For me, the key was contemplating the kindness of others—not just friends and family, but also strangers and people I didn’t like or trust. As I practiced these meditations over time, I began to see that I’ve been the recipient of tremendous kindness in my life. Gratitude and compassion for others arose in me naturally, replacing anger and cynicism. These and other meditative techniques are clearly explained in Cognitively Based Compassion Training. Try them and join the Dalai Lama’s 'compassion revolution'.

Thubten Chodron, author of Working with Anger and Open Heart, Clear Mind

Engaged Compassion offers a clear and compelling framework showing that compassion is a trainable skill that strengthens resilience and elevates how we lead, work, and live. Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi illuminates the inner foundations required for individuals, institutions, and ultimately societies to truly thrive. This book is essential reading for leaders, and anyone committed to building a more humane and flourishing world.

Jagdish N. Sheth, PhD, Co-author of Firms of Endearment

Engaged Compassion gives us the hopeful message we all need: While we can’t control our circumstances, we can control our reactions by managing our emotions and practicing compassion. This beautiful book might change your life.

Arthur C. Brooks, author of From Strength to Strength

Drawing on decades of work bringing the Dalai Lama’s teachings to a broader, secular audience, Negi integrates deep wisdom and modern science into clear, actionable practices for everyday life. You’ll find this book to be hopeful, inspiring, and deeply needed for our times.

Richard Gere, actor and humanitarian

A wise and experienced guide, hand-picked for this mission by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to help each of us embrace pathways to sacred wholeness. The treasures within this book may enrich the rest of your life.

Lisa Miller, PhD, author of The Awakened Brain and founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia University

A marvelous combination of deep expertise in traditional sciences of flourishing with a brilliant integration of the newest findings in developmental science. Negi brings his magic to Engaged Compassion, a practical guide to leading a fulfilled life.

Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Negi offers a simple and radical truth: Compassion begins inside each of us - not as a belief system but as a human capacity to practice everyday choices that become acts of healing.

Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

In a time of deep division and collective suffering, Engaged Compassion offers something essential: a practical way to train the heart for courageous, compassionate action. Lobsang Tenzin Negi bridges contemplative wisdom and contemporary science to show that compassion is not passive - it’s a force for healing, justice, and connection.

Karen Armstrong, author of A History of God and Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life