Dharamshala: Penguin India is releasing a new book entitled The Little Book of Encouragement authored by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and edited by Renuka Singh. It is a compilation of the spiritual leader’s quotes on a wide array of topics that is arranged in a verse-like format, yet reads like prose with its simple and succinct style, characteristic of His Holiness’ teachings. 

The 152 page-long book which includes its preface encapsulates the core messages of His Holiness’s teachings and guides the reader on how to cope with every possibility, especially amidst the unprecedented circumstance of the pandemic. 

His Holiness expresses empathy for the many suffering inhumane conditions while simultaneously acknowledging his own removed existence and perceives the positive aspects of humanity that have risen in response to the crisis as a validation of the human values of compassion, altruism, love and tolerance.

It also contends about urgent issues like the climate crisis which puts the existence of all life forms at risk and appeals for collaborative action to tackle it, highlighting universal responsibility and interdependent existence. Of relevance to the present situation, it stresses the importance of mental wellbeing to overcome the challenges of the pandemic recognizing that negative emotions provide a fertile ecosystem for the virus and emphasizes the mental health of healthcare workers whose valiant efforts are the defense line against the battle of the coronavirus.

More meaningful than any other gift, His Holiness appeals his followers to dedicate their actions to realizing his principal commitments and at the outset he shares his hope that this book inspires discussion and practical actions.