The Heart Is Noble Changing the World from the Inside Out

"This is not a book about Buddhism. I don't want to talk about Buddhist theory or practice, but about our experience of life. The shared ground we all meet on is our shared concern about our lives and our world, rather than philosophical views. On that ground, we can meet as friends."--from the Introduction Focusing on developing an open heart toward all others, the Karmapa, a youthful Tibetan Buddhist leader, offers encouragement to look at the causes of the world's problems and to take small steps toward changing systems and ways of thinking that seem immovable. Speaking from his experience growing up as a nomad on the Tibetan plains, and then living in monasteries in Tibet and India, the author shares his perspective on habits of consumption in different parts of the world, and how wealthy societies subjugate impoverished societies without being aware of it. The book is based on intensive conversations held during a month-long session where a group of American college seniors met with the Karmapa. The guidance presented here is timely and inspiring for anyone who feels helpless in the face of global changes. Topics addressed by the Karmapa include the importance of healthy, honest relationships; exposing the causes of greed and consumerism; how to find meaningful livelihood; protection of the natural environment; the meaning of social justice, as well as justice in food and fuel production; and how to sustain a lifetime of kind and compassionate activity.

The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, is the spiritual head of one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 900-year-old lineage of Karmapas has included some of Tibet's greatest spiritual masters. Born to nomadic parents in rural Tibet, he was identified while still a young child as the heir to this leadership position. In 2000, the Karmapa's dramatic escape to India from Chinese-ruled Tibet at the age of fourteen propelled him onto the world stage. Since then, he has emerged as an international Buddhist leader and environmental activist, founding Khoryug, a region-wide environmental protection program. The Karmapa has been dubbed the "new face of Tibetan Buddhism," and many Tibetans look to the Karmapa for inspiration in their struggle to preserve their embattled culture. In 2008, he made his historic first visit to America. He currently resides at Gyuto Monastery, near Dharamsala, India.