Emotional Awareness

Overcoming the Obstacles to Emotional Balance and Compassion

By: Paul Ekman, His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Narrated by: Richard Gere, Paul Ekman Ph.D.

Two leading thinkers engage in a landmark conversation about human emotions and the pursuit of psychological fulfillment

At their first meeting, a remarkable bond was sparked between His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the world's most revered spiritual leaders, and the psychologist Paul Ekman, whose groundbreaking work helped to define the science of emotions. Now these two luminaries share their thinking about science and spirituality, the bonds between East and West, and the nature and quality of our emotional lives.

In this unparalleled series of conversations, the Dalai Lama and Ekman prod and push toward answers to the central questions of emotional experience. What are the sources of hate and compassion? Should a person extend her compassion to a torturer—and would that even be biologically possible? What does science reveal about the benefits of Buddhist meditation, and can Buddhism improve through engagement with the scientific method? As they come to grips with these issues, they invite us to join them in an unfiltered view of two great traditions and two great minds.

Accompanied by commentaries on the findings of emotion research and the teachings of Buddhism, their interplay—amusing, challenging, eye-opening, and moving—guides us on a transformative journey in the understanding of emotions.

©2008 His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“A rich feast for the mind... This is a singular meeting of two intellectual traditions--and two remarkable minds and hearts.” —Daniel Goleman

“A fresh, unique exploration of many subtle issues... on psychology and Buddhism... Full of... unexpected humor and tender surprises... They gently probe each other's system of thought with striking intellectual rigor.” —Shambhala Sun

“Their conversations touch on questions of emotional balance, anger, and the range and limits of compassion, but a brief review can hardly do justice to the range and depth of this fine book.” —Library Journal

Nice brief narration of the book

It's very nice to follow up the concept of emotional awareness with the author himself (Paul Ekman).

The Dalai Lama's accounts are narrated by Richard Gene in awesome fashion.

The book concept is clear but I wouldn't recommend it as first read into emotional understanding.

Unfortunately this book is an abridged version of the print/kindle copy.

Valuable Subject Matter; Coarse Delivery

I found it difficult to follow the many voices reciting the conversation and felt a lot of tension as Paul's dialogue seemed abrasive at times. This would be good for someone who is coming into Buddhism through Paul but might be frustrating for someone with more than a pedestrian experience of Buddhism. Quality message regardless of the listening experience.

Deeply inspiring

It is one of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read. The knowledge and compassion of the authors is deeply touching and stimulating. Thank you for the gift of sharing with us readers so much of your wisdom.

I had my doubts

after stop listening for 6 months I was inspired to continue by "the book of joy" with Desmond tutu . I had to push past my discomfort on being a Christian. I became very attracted to the dalai Lama views .

Made me think

If you could sum up Emotional Awareness in three words, what would they be?

Made me think

What did you like best about this story?

I can broaden one's point of view.

Did Richard Gere do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

It didn't sound like it was one guy talking the whole way through?

What did you learn from Emotional Awareness that you would use in your daily life?

address the issue not the person and work on being compassionate.

Any additional comments?

Initially I thought

The basis for emotional intelligence

This book is the guide for the “why and the how for emotional intelligence. “. Excellent content and effective narration.

Emotional intelligence!

I have a decided bias in favor of the audible books that are read by the author, versus those that are read by a 'professional.' So here you have the voice of Paul Ekman, the author, and his meeting with the Dalai Lama. Psychology professor Paul Ekman is renowned for his study of body language and facial expressions. His narration of the transcript of meetings between himself and the spiritual leader the Dalai Lama explores much of his research as seen through the eyes of His Holiness. Actor Richard Gere plays the part of the Dalai Lama in most of the conversations, using a strange, halting impression. Much of the information is insightful and entertaining. This audiobook is recommended for anyone who would like to eavesdrop on these two fascinating individuals and is a wonderful way to experience the material.

Emotions unite and divide the worlds in which we live, both personal and global, motivating the best and the worst of our actions. They save our lives, enabling quick action in emergencies. Yet how we behave when we are emotional can make our lives, and the lives of those we care about, miserable. Without emotions there would be no heroism, empathy, or compassion, but neither would there be cruelty, selfishness, nor spite. Bringing different perspectives to bear;Eastern and Western, spirituality and science, Buddhism and psychology;the Dalai Lama and I sought to clarify these contradictions and illuminate some paths that might enable a balanced emotional life and a feeling of compassion that can reach across the globe.

Takes time to ease in but well worth it.

Dialogue format took a bit time to get used to but benefited the book in the end.

Ekmans own reflections about both his life and research contribute to the everyday understanding of Buddhism.

Muy Recomendo

Fue una experiencia maravillosa escuchar este libro me contribuyó a reconocer mis emociones y me dio buenas tips para resolver situaciones en mi vida. Gracias.

Going nowhere.

I noticed this title and ordered it in. I've recently met the Dalai Lama in the Dalai lamas cat and experienced his depth of character in the universe in a single atom. I was surprised to find Richard Gere so wonderful a voice in that book. So I had a basis to look for more product to spend time on. I've gone through this book a first time with much of the content over my head, but I've found that's where I start and begin again. I'll start again and glean what I can at a second listen. That's my process. This is another treasure I've found to put in my books I cycle through as I look at balance in this life.