Emotional Awareness

Overcoming the Obstacles to Emotional Balance and Compassion

By: Paul Ekman, His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Narrated by: Richard Gere

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

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.

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.

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.

This is an absolute must read

For anyone who enjoys Paul Edmonds work or the Dalai lama this is an amazing insight into their emotions and so much more. I really hope I get the opportunity to work with him in the future. Because they mentioned some amazing things in this that I think coming to fruition would be Amazing for the world around us.

Somewhat self absorbed

I agree with previous reviews. Ekman comes across a bit self absorbed and uninteresting. His writing in the beginning does nothing to keep me interested. I am skipping to the chapters with the Dalai Lama.

Loved it!

A fascinating glimpse into the minds of two incredible men.
I enjoyed the narrating style and getting to hear the two describe their perspectives in their own voice.

Very good, not great

I am a fan of Paul Ekman’s research, but the beginning of this book definitely felt very dry, and like it dragged the intro to be longer than it needed to be. It picks up and gets more and more interesting

Self absorbed author.

Me, my, and I introduction drones on and on about the author. Totally turned off.

A Stellar Achievement

I found this to be truly insightful and thought provoking. The indepth dialogues are accompanied with footnotes and stories that really help formulate clear understandings into both the Buddist text and modern science.
There are wisdoms and unilateral truth's revield in these discussions that I found to be insightful, intriguing, and liberating.
This is by far one of the best Audible discussion dialogues I've listened to.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this. I am grateful.

I listen to this over and over

Emotional Awareness just gets deeper and more nuanced and meaningful with each listen. It’s beautiful and transformative.