This booked opened up an entire new way of thinking and seeing the world for me. It made awesome comparisons between Eastern and Western thought. I helped me to understand many of the differences and similarities. One of the most profound excerpts for me was when the DL was asked about self hatred. He has no concept of it. He had to think about it to get his mind around it. Once he did, he cried.

is our natural state of being.  Wonderful book, enlightening and inspiring

Keep it simple st-.  Great read and so easy.  I was moved!

“I think that this is the first time I am meeting most of you. But to me, whether it is an old friend or new friend, there’s not much difference anyway, because I always believe we are the same; we are all human beings. Of course, there may be differences in our cultural background or way of life, there may be differences in our faith, or we may be of a different color, but we are human beings, consisting of the human body and the human mind. Our physical structure is the same, and our mind and our emotional nature are also the same. Whenever I meet people, I always have the feeling that I am encountering another human being, just like myself. I find it is much easier to communicate with others on that level. If we emphasize specific characteristics, like I am Tibetan or I am Buddhist, then there are differences. But those things are secondary. If we can leave the differences aside, I think we can easily communicate, exchange ideas, and share experiences.”

genuine compassion is based on the rationale that all human beings have an innate desire to be happy and overcome suffering, just like myself.  And, just like myself, they have the natural right to fulfill this fundamental aspiration.  On the basis of the recognition of these equality and commonality, you develop a sense of affinity and closeness with others.