A Call to Compassion: Bringing Buddhist Practices of the Heart into the Soul of Psychology [Paperback]

Aura Glaser (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jung on the Hudson | Publication Date: January 26, 2005

Aura Glaser wrote this book to remedy a deficiency she discovered while engaged in psychological research--a nearly complete omission of the importance and cultivation of compassion. Other books exploring Buddhism and psychology have focused on what the Theravada school of Buddhism--which teaches personal liberation through enlightenment--can offer psychology. A call to Compassion works with Mahayana Buddhism, in which practitioners commit to the liberation of all sentient beings, with compassion central to attaining that goal.

In her fascinating and exceptionally clear and concise review of the work of Freud, Jung, and others, Glaser shows how psychology has been ambivalent about the subject of compassion and therefore has developed no methodology for helping individuals cultivate this essential quality in the service of helping others. Glaser introduces as a remedy the Buddhist practice of the lojong, expressed in the text of The Seven Points of Mind Training, for developing love and compassion. With modern-day life examples, she illustrates the four major points-- compassion for self, compassion for others, exchanging self and others, and no self and no other-- affirming that these points are indeed attainable. If we make the effort to contemplate, understand and truly integrate these four essentials, we will have a sound basis for both psychological health and genuine transformation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aura Glaser has had a private practice as a psychotherapist since 1991. She holds a Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, from Pacifica Graduate Institute, a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies (Detroit), and a B.A. in Women's Studies from the University of Michigan. In 1979, she traveled to India where she lived for two years. During this time she met and studied with some of Tibet's greatest living masters, and she is one of the foremost students of Tibetan Buddhist master Gehelk Rimpoche. Glaser has taught Tibetan Buddhism since 1986 and is co-founder of Jewel Heart, an international Buddhist organization. She is also creator and former owner of Crazy Wisdom Bookstore in Ann Harbor, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Nicolas-Hays (January 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892541164
• ISBN-13: 978-0892541164
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #826,001 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book that Can Transform You & Your LIfe, May 26, 2005

By 

Rochelle R. Winter "M.S.W." (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Call to Compassion: Bringing Buddhist Practices of the Heart into the Soul of Psychology (Paperback)

What a beautifully written, and inspiring "call to compassion" this book is! Aura Glaser presents nothing less than the revolutionary idea that Freud and Jung stopped short of exploring the power of compassion in the true transformation of suffering. It took an accomplished psychologist, teacher and Buddhist practitioner, someone with 25 years of meditation experience, to call us to experience a total, radical replacement of our troubled minds and closed hearts, with wisdom and compassion. Her eloquent voice, her depth of insight into Freud's and Jung's work, her easy way with the wisdom tales of old, and her obvious clarity and fullness of heart shine through on every page. She weaves an exquisite tapestry of erudite and practical understanding, using myths and stories, and offering big-hearted solutions and understanding of how we can come into our wholeness. I unequivocally, whole-heartedly love and recommend this book.

Rochelle Winter, M.S.W.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Answer to the Call, February 16, 2007

By 

C. J. Stern - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Call to Compassion: Bringing Buddhist Practices of the Heart into the Soul of Psychology (Paperback)

Though I ordered this book when it came out it is unfortunate for me that I didn't begin to read it until now. It fills and illuminates gaps that you hadn't realized were present until Ms. Glaser articulates them. It is an excellently written, learned, and ardent, volume that ought to be read by each of us as we are all affected by by the consequences of a world that has yet to emphasize a dearth of compassion. A beautiful, much recommended, publication.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A search to better understand the workings of the human mind, April 14, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Call to Compassion: Bringing Buddhist Practices of the Heart into the Soul of Psychology (Paperback)

Author Aura Glaser combines her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and her long-term study of Buddhism to present A Call To Compassion: Bringing Buddhist Practices Of The Heart Into The Soul Of Psychology, a discussion that blends revelations of Freud, Jung, and the Buddha in its search to reveal better ways of helping oneself and others in need. Various chapters discuss the "compassionate revolution" of Tibetan Buddhism, a comparison of what Freud and Buddhism both reveal about human desire, the "alchemy" of the feelings within the heart, and more. A deeply spiritual search to better understand the workings of the human mind and apply transcendental wisdom.