The Heroic Heart

Awakening Unbound Compassion

By: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Narrated by: Olivia Darnley

Just as the archetypal hero possesses the heart to face trials and tribulations for the sake of helping others, the bodhisattva has a remarkable resolve to free others from suffering so that all may achieve true happiness and awakening. Through each challenge, the Buddhist hero of compassion develops rich inner qualities that empower them to be of true benefit to others.

In The Heroic Heart, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, an esteemed spiritual teacher with a lifetime of experience, illuminates the heart of Mahayana Buddhism—bodhichitta—describing it as “the selfless expression of boundless compassion.” Jetsunma uses as a touchstone the famous Tibetan Buddhist text The Thirty-Seven Verses on the Practice of a Bodhisattva. Here, she reveals how to become such a compassionate hero, the bodhisattva in training, and helps us to face the uncertain tides of the world, however joyful or dangerous, with a deep wish to find meaning and uncover the ultimate heart of wisdom and compassion.

©2022 Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo (P)2022 Shambhala Publications

Absolutely marvelous

I am a Buddhist and a serious meditator. This book is not only beautiful, it is also very helpful to anyone who is on the Path. I’ll definitely listen to it again. Sadhu sadhu sadhu! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

A jewel for everyday living

Delightful, excellent performance. The narrator makes one feel what is being transmitted. The teachings from Buddha in a clear and inspiring commentary

Excellent narration. A wonderful “next book” when you move on from introductory Buddhism.

This book takes an already distilled down set of the most important Buddhist teachings, and makes them very accessible. The ideas are the same as with Jesus, “be a light to the world and servant of all”. But Buddhist teaching has been able to continue developing freely, over the last 2,600 years and has more explicit guidance on how to get closer to these goals in day to day life. After this book one is more prepared to take on more profound, and less readily “accessible”, but excellent books such as Pema Chodron’s “No Time to Lose”, and Norman Fischer’s “Training in Compassion”. The narrator has a gorgeous voice and seems to intonate perfectly with the ideas behind the words.
“No Time to Lose”: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva.
“Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings in the Practise of Lojong” (Seven Points and Fifty-Nine Slogans).

A fundamental text

This is perhaps the most important text I’ve come across on the spiritual path. The whole of the path is outlined here, and Tenzin Palmo does a fantastic commentary. I am thankful that I’ve found it.

Brilliant Text, Lovely Narration, Grateful Heart

This is a profound teaching and I am immensely grateful for all who have put their life into creating it. Special thanks to Tenzin Palmo who has dedicated her life to embodying and sharing the Dharma. Great appreciation also to