Conceptual Compassion Material

Last Updated:
May, 2010

Title: The Healing Relationship
Author: W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.
Publisher/Date: Internet, 2003 -> -> -> -> ->

Book Summary: Two of the most important basic concepts related to the understanding and practice of compassion are empathy and the link between relationship features and the relief of suffering. Describing these two fundamental constructs are the main emphasis of this text. There are numerous quotes from skilled healers, across many cultures and faiths, along with a large reference list. The unique part of the book is the propsed link between advanced levels of empathy and relationships that directly promote the healing experience supported by how the participant views the experience (instead of just hearing the healer's viewpoint).

Comments: Compassion and empathy are linked together and this text offers one a deeper understanding of empathy. The discusion of empathy linked to our survival is very limited. There is no discussion of developmental aspects of compassion but there is a discussion of developmental empathy. There is also a discussion of relationship features that are connected to the relief of suffering. The book contains a section on training to improve relationships that promote healing although this section is dificult to read. There is no discussion about "holding a compassion space", unless one reads between the lines. In addition there is no discussion about "passing it on". This book contains both introductory and advanced concepts.

Title: The Ultimate Relationship
Author: W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.
Publisher/Date: Internet, Still in progress -> -> ->

Book Summary: This book contains advanced compassion concepts. The author extends his ideas about advanced empathy and the mystic relationship to a phenomenon he calls radiant compassion. Radiant compassion is defined as "the ultimate relationship" and it has a sacred quality as well as directly promoting healing. The book presents issues concerning the development and practice of radiant compassion. This book contains advanced concepts.

Comments: This book seeks to present to the audience a difficult construct - advanced levels of compassion and does so by describing highly developed compassion. There is very little mention of other developmental levels. There is a discussion of relationship stance connected to compassion. There is also some disscussion of holding a compassion space, practicing compassion, and passing it on. It would be nice to see more material on teaching and training and on how to use this advanced compassion in modern culture.

Title: Calling God Collect: The Mystic's Relationship - Receiving and Understanding Sacred Communication.
Author: W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.
Publisher/Date: Internet, 2005

Book Summary: This book is one in a series of books by this author that attempts to address advanced levels of compassion. This book looks at the features of the sacred compassionate relationship offered by the mystic. The book is not only supported by an extensive reference list but also includes personal stories and teachings within the allegory of the "collect phone call". The material is offered non-secular and seeks to cross religious bridges. It's main emphasis is to describe what a relationship with a mystic might look like and why it is important. This book contains advanced compassion concepts.

Comments: This book speaks to the characteristics that might be associated with advanced levels of compassion that also have a sacred quality. There is a considerable amount of material covered in the book and at times it is difficult to follow. The idea that compassion is, in part, learned from "passing it on" is touched upon. This is foundational information for further discussions regarding the radiant nature of advanced levels of compassion.

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Title: Compassion: The core value that animates psychotherapy
Author: Roger A. Lewin, M.D. -> -> -> -> -> ->
Publisher/Date: Jason Aronson, 1996

Book Summary: A well written book that explores the basic issues faced when seeking to hold a compassionate space for someone. Although the book is aimed at psychotherapists, it contains fundamental information useful to anyone wishing to offer compassion to another. Compassion is given a broad range of influences and the author gives the reader practical advice on using a concept that is often difficult to describe.

Comments: The book addresses almost all of the basic assumptions of compassion, and it is why this reviewer has placed it on the fundamentals list. In several places the author discusses the ties to empathy, but there is no extended discussion. There is a great discussion of how to listen more deeply and with compassion. A few times the author mentions that compassion is part of our nature, but there is no elaboration. In addition there is no discussion of levels of compassion development although the author seems to strongly suggest that compassion can be developed. Quoting, "Compassion is unlikely to become a true occupation amoung us unless it retrieves its rightful place as a central cultural preoccupation, a topic on which we brood, one we return to so often that after a while it can truely be said that it is as if we never left it." (p.91) This is what this reviewer refers to as Giving Compassion A Strong Voice! The book is filled with a broad description of the relational aspect of compassion and its links to the reduction of suffering - the central strength of the book. A rare gem, is the mention of holding compassion with joy in the midst of suffering. There is some discussion on the nature of passing it on, but the strength of the book is it's practical discussion of compassion's functionality for a world seeking answers on "What to do?"

Comments below address the basic assumptions of compassion -> -> -> ->

Reviewer: Dr. David Hoisington

Reviewer:

Reviewer: Dr. David Hoisington

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Book Reviews for Compassion Concepts