Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama Kindle Edition
by Daniel Goleman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 122 ratings
See all formats and editions
Kindle
$15.35
*Why do seemingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?
*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?
*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?
*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?
Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, provides the illuminating commentary—and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.
Destructive Emotions
Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the “three poisons”: craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psychological sophistication--which are now being confirmed by modern neuroscience. With new high-tech devices, scientists can peer inside the brain centers that calm the inner storms of rage and fear. They also can demonstrate that awareness-training strategies such as meditation strengthen emotional stability—and greatly enhance our positive moods.
The distinguished panel members report these recent findings and debate an exhilarating range of other topics: What role do destructive emotions play in human evolution? Are they “hardwired” in our bodies? Are they universal, or does culture determine how we feel? How can we nurture the compassion that is also our birthright? We learn how practices that reduce negativity have also been shown to bolster the immune system. Here, too, is an enlightened proposal for a school-based program of social and emotional learning that can help our children increase self-awareness, manage their anger, and become more empathetic.
Throughout, these provocative ideas are brought to life by the play of personalities, by the Dalai Lama’s probing questions, and by his surprising sense of humor. Although there are no easy answers, the dialogues, which are part of a series sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute, chart an ultimately hopeful course. They are sure to spark discussion among educators, religious and political leaders, parents—and all people who seek peace for themselves and the world.
The Mind and Life Institute sponsors cross-cultural dialogues that bring together the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist scholars with Western scientists and philosophers. Mind and Life VIII, on which this book is based, took place in Dharamsala, India, in March 2000.
—
Read less
Length: 450 pages Word Wise: Enabled Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Page Flip: Enabled Language: English
Kindle Monthly DealsKindle Monthly Deals
New deals each month starting at $1.49. Learn more
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 6Page 1 of 6
This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.
Back
Healing Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Psychology, Meditation, and the Mind-Body Connection (Core…
Healing Emotions: Conversations with the…
Dalai Lama
4.3 out of 5 stars 18
Kindle Edition
$15.54
This title will be released on October 20, 2020.This title will be released o…
The Meditative Mind: The Varieties of Meditative Experience
The Meditative Mind: The Varieties of Meditative Experience
Daniel Goleman
4.3 out of 5 stars 48
Kindle Edition
$7.29
The Mind's Own Physician: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama on the Healing Power of Meditation
The Mind's Own Physician: A Scientific Dialogue with the…
Jon Kabat-Zinn
4.7 out of 5 stars 37
Kindle Edition
$15.35
Emotions Revealed: Understanding Faces and Feelings
Emotions Revealed: Understanding Faces and Feelings
Paul Ekman
4.5 out of 5 stars 532
Kindle Edition
$13.99
Perfecting Patience: Buddhist Techniques to Overcome Anger (Core Teachings of Dalai Lama Book 4)
Perfecting Patience: Buddhist Techniques to Overcome Anger (Core…
Dalai Lama
4.5 out of 5 stars 28
Kindle Edition
$15.14
The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized
The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized
Owen Flanagan
4.4 out of 5 stars 28
Kindle Edition
$14.92
Next
Product description
From the Inside Flap
ingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?<br><br>*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?<br><br>*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?<br><br>*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?<br><br>Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of <b>Emotional Intelligence</b>, provides the illuminating commentary--and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.<br><br><b>Destructive Emotions<br><br></b>Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the “three poisons”: craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psyc --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"One of the most absorbing and, yes, entertaining reports of brainstorming in the public interest since Plato wrote up those symposia of Socrates." --This text refers to the paperback edition.
Book Description
In March 2000 a group of world-class scientists and philosophers sat down with the Dalai Lama to discuss the question of destructive emotions and how and where they originate from. In this illuminating commentary on the ensuing exchange, Daniel Goleman, author of the international bestseller Emotional Intelligence reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired, and th --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Daniel Goleman, PhD, covers the behavioural and brain sciences for the New York Times and his articles appear throughout the world in syndication. His previous books include Vital Lies, Simple Truths, The Meditative Mind, Emotional Intelligence and Working with Emotional Intelligence. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
*Why do seemingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?
*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?
*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?
*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?
Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, provides the illuminating commentary--and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.
Destructive Emotions
Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the "three poisons": craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psychological sophistication--which are now being confirmed by modern neuroscience. With new high-tech devices, scientists can peer inside the brain centers that calm the inner storms of rage and fear. They also can demonstrate that awareness-training strategies such as meditation strengthen emotional stability--and greatly enhance our positive moods.
The distinguished panel members report these recent findings and debate an exhilarating range of other topics: What role do destructive emotions play in human evolution? Are they "hardwired" in our bodies? Are they universal, or does culture determine how we feel? How can we nurture the compassion that is also our birthright? We learn how practices that reduce negativity have also been shown to bolster the immune system.Here, too, is an enlightened proposal for a school-based program of social and emotional learning that can help our children increase self-awareness, manage their anger, and become more empathetic.
Throughout, these provocative ideas are brought to life by the play of personalities,
by the Dalai Lama's probing questions, and by his surprising sense of humor. Although
there are no easy answers, the dialogues, which are part of a series sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute, chart an ultimately hopeful course. They are sure to spark discussion among educators, religious and political leaders, parents--and all people who seek peace for themselves and the world.
"The Mind and Life Institute sponsors cross-cultural dialogues that bring together the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist scholars with Western scientists and philosophers. "Mind and Life VIII, on which this book is based, took place in Dharamsala, India, in March 2000.
"From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to the paperback edition.
Read less
Product details
File Size : 3509 KB
Print Length : 450 pages
Word Wise : Enabled
Publisher : Bantam; Reprint Edition (19 November 2008)
Enhanced Typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Language: : English
ASIN : B001LOEG22
Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars 122 ratings
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
122 global ratings
5 star
74%
4 star
12%
3 star
9%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
How are ratings calculated?
Review this product
Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review
Sponsored
Top reviews
Top reviews
Top review from Australia
Manan.cm.au
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars Sheer brilliance
Reviewed in Australia on 27 February 2019
Verified Purchase
The book is a dialogue to analyse what constitute destructive Emotions. What triggers any emotions at all. And if there's a way to better understand and control destructive Emotions. Its a dialogue between bhuddist school of thought ( in a secular way) and western school of thought ( mostly neurology).
Dalai lama ( and other bhuddists) understanding of emotions is surprisingly simple and powerful.
Western psychology ( broad generalisation) focuses too little on generating awareness of emotions and understanding of emotions. It focuses more on external causes which caused the Emotional disturbance and then try to resolve them. Bhuddists come with a very clear distinction between reality as-is ( phenomenology) and our interpretation of reality. It then attempts to control our interpretation of reality by rationalising the thoughts.
From neurology point of view, the book highlights how certain part of brains are more lit on different emotions. There's no solutions though as neurology sits more on the symptom analysis side.
Book also touches on bhuddists understanding of self and western interpretation of self. Then it touches on impact of culture on our interpretation of self.
Its a brilliant read, full of wise contrasts from multiple school of thoughts.
The only negative I felt in the book was its writing style. Since it was a logical discussion, it's not easy to give it topical coherence.
Read less
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Comment Report abuse
See all reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Nushinha
5.0 out of 5 stars Really good book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2020
Verified Purchase
Love this book by the first few pages I read!
Easy reading, and a good contexts.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Tom H.
5.0 out of 5 stars 10/10
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2020
Verified Purchase
Nice hardback, great book to read for a sense of calm
Report abuse
goodallrounder
2.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 August 2017
Verified Purchase
Not as good as Emotional Intelligence by Goleman. This book is written as more of an account of various conversations and it is difficult to find the facts among it.
Report abuse
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2017
Verified Purchase
Great book would reccomend to anyone having a bad time in their head
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
MISS H COBLEY
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 April 2018
Verified Purchase
Nice quality paper back
Report abuse
--------------------
Write a review
Aimee
Aug 08, 2009Aimee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I'm an atheist, but I find Buddhism to be a compelling religion. I admire the Dalai Lama (duh), but what is truly stunning is his scientific curiosity. Never before have a I heard a religious leader say that if scientific evidence contradicts the dogma of a religion, that religion *must change* to accommodate this new data - that's exactly what the Dalai Lama states in this book. Read it!
flag17 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
Michael Vagnetti
May 15, 2012Michael Vagnetti rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
It's unfortunate that this book is titled what it is. It's really a book of comparative psychology/philosophy of mind: Western vs. Buddhist. It explores in detail the complex Buddhist concept of emotions/afflictions, and how Western language and philosophy have framed ideas of compassion, mind, and ethics in contrasting ways. A practical bridge between the mythical elusiveness of concepts like nirvana and samsara and the way that the brain actually handles emotions across cultures. The scientists here major innovators in their fields, and each of them have published separately. (less)
flag11 likes · Like · comment · see review
J
Nov 16, 2012J rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is not an easy read. This is not the kind of material that I breezed through and I've found that while the rational and logical aspects kept me rooted, some realizations along the way were pretty painful. I read this with a journal next to me. And I'm not finished reading it yet. The book offers a lot of self-reflection and one of the most poignant takeaways I received from this is how the Dalai Lama had to take a break during one seminar when he learned that Westerners hated themselves. He never thought that anyone can be capable of that.
I can read this over and over again, but in different phases of my life. Really grateful for this book. (less)
flag7 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
KarmA1966
Nov 03, 2015KarmA1966 rated it liked it · review of another edition
The structure of the book took some getting used to with its propensity for "dialogues". But the book holds many gems. One of my favorites takes place when the Dalai Lama is asked how we're supposed to have compassion for others.
This is paraphrased:
He said the greatest example of compassion is the compassion a mother has for her child. If we can take that type of compassion and focus it on all we come in contact with. That is compassion. That is love.
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review
Andreea
Jul 16, 2014Andreea rated it really liked it · review of another edition
The book was written as the proceedings of the eighth Mind and Life meeting, having as the main topic destructive emotions. The biographies of the participants are as interesting as the topic of the discussion. In order to better portrait the participants, The author also gives some short information about their lives and what motivates them in their research. We are told about the Dalai Lama’s childhood and his interest in science from a young age. Another nice example is Jeanne Tsai, who was born in the US to Taiwanese parents. She was studying how cultural influences affect emotions and self perception. While reading the book I was left with the lasting impression that the scientists participating to the talk were doing this research out of altruism. They were motivated by how their findings could help people have a better mental state, be happier and increase their interior well-being.
One of the many interesting ideas shared during the Mind and Life meeting is that mediation can lead to changes in your neural circuits. In order to support this claim, Richard Davidson’s research regarding mental activity of subjects with a long experience in mediation is presented.
Each of the participants tried to bring their contribution to the topic being discussed. Alongside scientific results, views on the Western and Buddhist philosophy regarding emotions were presented.
The downside of this book was the form in which the information was organized. Throughout this book it I was under the impression that the author was doing exercises on how to turn direct into indirect speech. This made it quite hard to read.
Before encountering this book I had almost no knowledge about Buddhism or meditation practice. Although it does not give you an introduction into any of these topics, it has sparked my interest in both of them. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · 5 comments · see review
Raheel
Nov 08, 2012Raheel rated it really liked it · review of another edition
A great primer for anyone who wants to get some knowledge on neuroscience. Additionally one would appreciate how the author explains on length different sections of the brains anatomy ,for many of the uninitiated it would be their first time coming across terms such as as Amygdala, Hippocampus , Frontal Lobes et al.
Going beyond just explaining brain anatomy , Daniel Goldman illustrates how all of these parts have a great bearing on our personalities and behavior.The book breaks through the Freudian consensus that has developed over the past century when it comes to behavior to a new paradigm .All in all a great reader for the specialist and the layman alike! (less)
flag2 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Lisa
Jan 21, 2008Lisa rated it liked it · review of another edition
Unfortunately, Daniel Goleman rather gets in the way of the "dialogue” to which the title refers. He seems much more intent on creating a Dalai Lama hagiography than presenting the reader with a pellucid transcript of the proceedings of what, to be fair, does seem to have been an amazing colloquium. Notwithstanding the annoying smarminess of Goleman, the book has its moments. In particular I found discussions in which neuroscience research findings were described and related to Tibetan Buddhism to be extremely interesting. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Kat, lover of bears...
Aug 02, 2018Kat, lover of bears... rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 2018-reads, audible-read
The title of the book says it all, "A Scientific Dialog..." I should have realized that it would read like a "presentation" and not like the casual but informative "Book of Joy".
It was good and I enjoyed the information, but it was just a tad too "scientific" for me.
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Dawn Frese
Mar 03, 2017Dawn Frese rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This book was perspective-changing for me. I came across this book when I was in a state of hurt and uncertainty. The combination of Western science and Eastern philosophy, and how to apply both to our lives, was incredibly engaging. If more people read this book, I think a lot of lives would be changed.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Arber Halitaj
Sep 16, 2020Arber Halitaj rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Definitely one of my favorite books. Besides being very informative on emotions, it is a great example of religion and science working together towards a common goal.
I enjoyed every part of the discussions.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Carlos
Jul 02, 2012Carlos added it
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Perhaps one of the most important books I have ever read. I am quite impressed with the Dalai Lama and his interest in science. Specially in the area of Mental Health where western psychology is failing the citizens by ignoring the science they should be knowing. The Dalai Lama is not only interested in rational thinking, but in the quantitative empirical research which provides answers to important questions. I too am impress with this religious leader's statement indicating that when complelin ...more
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Christi
Mar 21, 2008Christi rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Recommended to Christi by: Brandon DeCuir
Fascinating! While it was a long read (because I kept re-reading), it was worth every minute. This book is the account of the eighth Mind and Life meeting, held March of 2000 in Dharamsala, India.
While reading, I actually felt as if I were sitting amongst the renowned scientist, monks and philosophers. This conference combines ancient Buddhist wisdom and breakthroughs in a variety of fields of scientific study (neuroscience to child development). The relevant discoveries illustrate how we can recognize and transform emotions that pose threats to us as individuals and our collective fate. To say the least, I found this book an intellectual feast of dialogue.
(less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Luke Fullagar
Oct 20, 2015Luke Fullagar rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I *loved* how this potted summary of the conference afforded the narrative a relaxed feel.
It was so much fun hearing the way each of these luminaries would interject with their two cents when the conversation would turn to points of cultural difference.
The extended treatment of the three poisons and their twenty derivatives was the best I've come across.
Just so many subtle moments in this book where he smallest of distinctions opened whole new possibilities for how I conceive of the role emotions play in experience, and especially the destructive activity of very subtle 'negative' emotionality.
Top shelf read, cover to cover. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Elizabeth
Jan 18, 2009Elizabeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction
This record of conversations between the Dalai Lama, Buddhist scholars and American & European psychologists and neuroscientists was absolutely delightful. There were big, complicated ideas discussed, but explained! This book gave me a lot to think about, (like the idea that anger isn't necessarily something innate we can't get rid of). Hmmmmm. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Krystal
Oct 23, 2009Krystal rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Everything I love, spirituality, psychology, neurology.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Maximilian Stark
Oct 06, 2020Maximilian Stark rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: american, philosophy, psychology, nonfiction
By now, this book is twenty years old, so some of its core ideas have since seeped into mainstream psychology and do not look as radical today as they must have back then. Social-emotional learning is a well-known idea, even if implementation is slow; putting experienced meditators, monks etc. into brain MRTs to see the changes in their brain function as they meditate or pray is not an esoteric idea anymore; and practices like mindfulness are considered fairly standard fare in modern psychological treatment.
This change is at least in part due to the efforts of the participants of the Mind and Life symposiums who worked to bring Buddhist practices and ideas into the view of Western psychology and validating these ideas and the efficacy of these practices under modern scientific scrutiny. in "Destructive Emotions," some of the most respected contemporary psychologists and neuroscientists work with the Dalai Lama and a delegation of Buddhist monks and philosophers to answer one core question: How can the methods of either of these schools of thought be employed to resolve destructive emotions in people all over the world--emotions which lead to bad mental health, interpersonal conflict, bigotry, and even violence. It's a true dialogue, and thus makes for an extremely interesting read.
If I have one criticism about this book, it is in the overall form. Daniel Goleman (the inventor of the idea of emotional intelligence) chose to structure it as a fairly close retelling of the symposium, sometimes slipping into a descriptive prose that has nothing to do with ideas or science and instead describes the weather or certain people's facial expressions. There is also an entire chapter that is simply a biography / glowing endorsement of the Dalai Lama, which seems out of place.
However, this is not enough reason for me not to consider this a five-star-book. The overview of two different, yet often surprisingly similar understandings of the human mind and two philosophies of emotion makes for a fascinating read. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Sarah Rigg
Nov 23, 2018Sarah Rigg rated it really liked it · review of another edition
The book is largely a transcript of a multi-day meeting between Buddhists and brain scientists, and one of the big topics in the book is how to teach children "emotional and social intelligence"; that includes things like recognizing and coping with your own negative emotions, learning to recognize emotions in others, and learning to calm down and not react violently in response to negative emotions that arise. I was really impressed that he and the brain scientists agreed that it was necessary to find a secular way of presenting the information. How many evangelistic Christians would be so enthusiastic about turning the precepts of their religion into something secular to make it more widely accepted and applicable?
One highlight:
Typically, therapists who work with people who have explosive anger issues try to lengthen the time between when the person gets angry and when they act on that anger (i.e. "Take a deep breath and count to ten."). In Buddhist psychology, they believe in trying to catch the anger even earlier, and learning to notice the thought processes that lead up to the feeling of anger. Say a man is in line and someone cuts in front of him. He begins to think, "That's not fair. That person is a jerk." Then he gets angry. Then he is tempted to push the person or say something nasty. Traditional therapy would tell the man to breathe deep, count to ten, and not take action until he'd calmed down. The Buddhist approach is to try to catch yourself earlier, while you're in the "unfair" part of the thought process, and re-frame. "Maybe he didn't see me. Anyway, it's no big deal, and nothing worth losing my cool over." That way, you might even be able to stop yourself from getting really angry, much less acting on it. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Manan Younas
Feb 27, 2019Manan Younas rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Sheer brilliance
The book is a dialogue to analyse what constitute destructive Emotions. What triggers any emotions at all. And if there's a way to better understand and control destructive Emotions. Its a dialogue between bhuddist school of thought ( in a secular way) and western school of thought ( mostly neurology).
Dalai lama ( and other bhuddists) understanding of emotions is surprisingly simple and powerful.
Western psychology ( broad generalisation) focuses too little on generating awareness of emotions and understanding of emotions. It focuses more on external causes which caused the Emotional disturbance and then try to resolve them. Bhuddists come with a very clear distinction between reality as-is ( phenomenology) and our interpretation of reality. It then attempts to control our interpretation of reality by rationalising the thoughts.
From neurology point of view, the book highlights how certain part of brains are more lit on different emotions. There's no solutions though as neurology sits more on the symptom analysis side.
Book also touches on bhuddists understanding of self and western interpretation of self. Then it touches on impact of culture on our interpretation of self.
Its a brilliant read, full of wise contrasts from multiple school of thoughts.
The only negative I felt in the book was its writing style. Since it was a logical discussion, it's not easy to give it topical coherence. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Leila Dedovic
Nov 26, 2018Leila Dedovic rated it really liked it · review of another edition
The book is great!
I especially liked the part about neuroscience, which explains how the brain reacts to certain emotions.
I would also point out the part about the education of children with the exercises for understanding and overcoming negative emotions, which certainly improves their quality of life. I would like this part to be read as much as possible by teachers, pedagogues, parents and others who cooperate with little children. It can potentially improve the whole world.
I liked the closer presentation of the participants. All of them are eminent personalities that I would like to know more about and of course their work.
What I would change is the title of the book since it is actually a matter of comparing the Western and Buddhist perspectives to emotions, or mental states, with the intention of getting the best of both of them in order to make the world a better place.
All in all, I'm satisfied with the book. I would recommend it primarily to psychologists, teachers and all of those who want to better understand the nature of emotions and oneself so they and the whole world could be happy. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Amy
Apr 09, 2019Amy rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Having attended a speaking event with the Dalai Lama in college and taking up the practice of mindful meditation a few years ago, this book's description intrigued me. I listened to the full unabridged reading of this and found the topics discussed interesting even though it did read almost as a transcript or a textbook of neuroscience, biology, and philosophy. (Seriously....sometimes you have to push through in places). Perhaps the abridged version would be better? Don't know.
The Mind and Life meetings sound fascinating and I wish I could attend them.
Here are a few of the topics discussed: Eastern vs Western thinking, the affectation of physiological components on mood, emotion and brain areas, the brain workings of meditators, ponderings of teaching/training methods to help childrens and adults with destructive emotions, the negativity of dreams, and anger with the delusion and decrease in intelligence that comes with it. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Ray Lo
Dec 25, 2019Ray Lo rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: makes-u-think, whatchutalkin-bout-willis
I think this book is 200 pages too long. It s the result of a five day conference between HH Dalai Lama and others, but it is just too big. Also it tends to get too technical and theoretical. So in that way it is not self help! Good points for comparative study east-west though.
Another issue is that in some way this book is outdated, after all it is 20 years old, that is before mirror neurons and mindfullness got famous, so the techniques and methodology of the researchers is maybe a little old by now. One should also bear in mind that you should read Golemans books in chronological order, where as I went backwards (Meditation, Emotional Intelligence, Destructive Emotions) and was faced with facts now being widely accepted, but in this book rather experimental. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Gina McNiel
Jul 13, 2019Gina McNiel rated it liked it · review of another edition
I enjoy any article or book connected to His Holiness the Dalai Lama so it was inevitable that I would eventually read this book. The format of the book was a little difficult to track at times as the author was the recorder and mediator over a week long conference which included the Dalai Lama and various psychologists, monks and professors. The book was thought provoking but lacked a continuity that I could not explain. It could be from the observer point of view that it took or in that the purpose of the meeting was to just start a dialogue on destructive emotions. I went a away a little more confused than I started. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Five-Toed Sloth Bear
Aug 15, 2017Five-Toed Sloth Bear rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A little background on me: At a time when adversity led to anger that was destroying my physical and mental health (those that know me can easily locate that abyss in time), I found the book Destructive Emotions by the Dalai Lama and Daniel Goleman. It brought together the more philosophical side of Buddhism (which could be considered one of the world's oldest and most effective psychologies) with Western psychology. It really brought me out of the nosedive and led to the journey of reading that has me currently on The Book of Joy. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Shrestha
Dec 13, 2018Shrestha rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I really appreciated the melding of minds between neuroscientists and Buddhist monks. It helps you rethink and delve deeper into basic human interactions and feelings. Also makes you think about how you can apply the findings of the meeting that was discussed in this book to your personal life. I am also glad to know that many more fruitful discussions were carried on after this event and I am curious to know more about them. Hopefully one day that day will come when we can all be Masters of our emotions and increase understanding and tolerance in the society. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
John Kemp
May 15, 2019John Kemp rated it really liked it · review of another edition
It's always good to hear that the human race is capable of bettering itself in these depressing times. Even better if this hope is supported by hard science and fuelled by buzzwords like neuroplasticity and mindfulness. My question is then what has happened in the near twenty years since this meeting was convened? It does not feel like we have entered a new world of positive psychology and grounded optimism. Perhaps the polarisation of Western culture is just a symptom of the scale of this struggle... (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Sushma Suresh Babu
Jun 02, 2019Sushma Suresh Babu rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Highly informative. It's really really cool that the Dalai Lama concerns himself with keeping Buddhism abreast with scientific findings. His insight into the psychology of the brain is remarkable.
Through the book Buddhist and English vocabulary for describing mental states/emotions are discussed which clearly draws out how much of an impact the vocabulary you familiarize yourself with can have on a society's emotional literacy and temperament.
My only misgiving with this book is the perceptible effort Goldman makes to deify the Dalai Lama. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Jayana Charles
Jul 27, 2018Jayana Charles rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: books-for-2018
I took a really long time to read this book. I tried to glean as much as possible but for some reason I did not like it as much as I thought I would. It is the snapshot of what happens at a popular seminar so maybe it was not my style. I was strongly tempted to DNF it a lot of times, but I powered through. I I really like the authors other works, so I wont give up on him as yet.
Or maybe I was just in a reading slump or just depressed and did not enjoy the book as much as I should have.
flagLike · comment · see review
Melissa
Nov 19, 2018Melissa rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This read is like putting an ear to the door of many scholared people having intimate discussions about their specialties. The marrying of eastern and western perspectives is valuable, informative, and much needed. Though the publication date of this book predates many of the current findings on the power of meditation and mindfulness in countering some the negative states of mind, it gives rise to an understanding of where and why some of that research started.
flagLike · comment · see review
Lauren Ocean
Jan 19, 2019Lauren Ocean rated it liked it · review of another edition
Hard to explain the 3 stars since this is totally up my alley in terms of topic and information presented. I just didn’t care for the “book about a seminar” aspect. I would have rather seen the conversations as they occurred or have a book primarily about the conclusions reached, versus this retelling of a weekend full of discussions and lectures.
flagLike · comment · see review
Steven Day
Oct 29, 2016Steven Day rated it liked it · review of another edition
The 3rd of these books I've read and it had some really interesting points but there was no real conclusion other than read the books by the others involved in the discussion! Kept my attention but heavier going than the other books.
