Destructive Emotions

A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama

By: Daniel Goleman, Dalai Lama

Narrated by: Ed Levin

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

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, these 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.

©2003 Mind and Life Institute (P)2003 Audio Renaissance, a Division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"Covering the nature of destructive emotions, the neuroscience of emotion, the scientific study of consciousness and more, this essential volume offers a fascinating account of what can emerge when two profound systems for studying the mind and emotions, Western science and Buddhism, join forces." (Publishers Weekly)

Great book!

VERY, VERY well done! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow in spirituality!

Buddhist practice links to science

I thought that this book was great for many reasons, but the most important one being that it lays the foundation for many eastern spiritual practices. It takes the mysticism out of, well, mysticism and backs it with scientific explanations. I have to admit that I used to be skeptical about meditation and other 'new age' practice, but this book sums up the scientific validity of this and more. It also offers insight upon how some people's emotions are destructive and how to counteract that. Although it is not a self-help book, but is presented as one (part of the reason for four stars rather than five, the other reason being that it lays down fact after fact a little too quickly to grasp at times), it still is a valuable tool for understanding the premise of the title.

Destructive Emotions

One can tell the ideas discussed in this book are ethically driven. To me that is important, because I do not like feeling I need to fact check a book. This was my first exposure to the Dalai Lama and Buddhist teachings. Learning about it through scientific dialogue definitely gives one a unique perspective. This book has helped me obtain a far greater degree of personal peace. That in return has lead to amazing health benefits. If you are prone to stress, anger, frustration, obsession, or any other "destructive" feeling; this book could vastly change your life.

Masterpiece

As an individual who is really just beginning the journey to conquer my anger, I found this completely entrancing.

Essential

the only thing I could say about this book is its really awesome. it's very well done. The information in the book is priceless, timeless and essential. One of those books that can change a life. For some time, I have believed that in order to change my life I have to change what I believe. This book takes me further on that Journey.

Wow

It's true that the format of this book reads like a seminar report, but that didn't make the content any less facinating. I felt awed, inspired, excited and humbled. Not a single dull moment in the entire audiobook for me.

I think this book would appeal very much to those who like HHDL's "Art of Happiness" and Goleman's "Emotional Intelligence" and "Social Intelligence".

A great look into emotions

Yes, the title of the book is ‘Destructive Emotions’, but it’s also a look at all emotions. Here a panel talks with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan teachers about work they’re doing to help people control their negative emotions. They look at what causes destructive emotions and how different cultures deal with them when they arise. People say that Buddhist monks are not the ideal people to talk to about emotions. They are wrong and this book proves it. It’s a great followup to Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting!

Excellent

I will read it over and over. Thanks
I have issues with reactivity so it was helpful.

I feel better, after having listened.

well read. loved this. i see now where i must change some ways i think and do things

Excellent and interesting

I couldn’t stop listening. Very well narrated and content was deep. Listened twice and probably will again.