The Intelligent Heart: A Guide to the Compassionate Life

Compassion arises naturally when one comes to perceive the lack of solid distinction between self and other. The Buddhist practice known as tonglen—in which one consciously exchanges self for other—is a skillful method for getting to that truthful perception. In this, his commentary on the renowned Tibetan lojong (mind training) text the Seven Points of Mind Training, Dzigar Kongtrul reveals tonglen to be the true heart and essence of all mind-training practices. He shows how to train the mind in a way that infuses every moment of life with uncontrived kindness toward all. Review "The Intelligent Heart offers a profound new approach to awakening readers’ loving hearts to the essence of bodhisattva wisdom: cherishing others more than oneself. This jewel of a book teaches us how to shower the light-of-love into even the darkest corners of our stressed world."—Tulku Thondup, author of The Heart of Unconditional Love “A wonderful addition to the growing and essential lojong literature. Dzigar Kongtrul’s homey, earthy words evoke the very best of the Tibetan spirit of common sense compassion. Deceptively simple, this book carries with it enormous depth of practice and understanding. My copy is rife with underlining!”--Norman Fischer, Zen priest, author of Experience: On Thinking, Writing, Language and Religion and coauthor of What Is Zen? Plain Talk for a Beginner's Mind “This is a wonderful book that will be helpful to anyone who wishes to understand and take up the practices of the Seven Points on Mind Training, especially tonglen. The Intelligent Heart shines a clear light on the method for exchanging self for other, developing compassion, and freeing one’s heart. In addition, it's fun to read with helpful illustrations and a keen sense of humor. — Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness About the Author DZIGAR KONGTRÜL grew up in a monastic environment and received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine. In 1989 he moved to the United States with his family, and in 1990 he began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Naropa University. He also founded Mangala Shri Bhuti, his own teaching organization, during this period. He has established a mountain retreat center, Longchen Jigme Samten Ling, in southern Colorado. When not guiding students in long-term retreats and not in retreat himself, Kongtrül travels widely throughout the world, teaching and furthering his own education.