Compassion Shift

Through our partnership with Emory University’s Center for Contemplative Sciences and Compassion-based Ethics, we are fortunate to participate in the Compassion Shift initiative.

At the invitation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics hosted a conference in Dharamsala, India: “SEE Learning®: A Worldwide Initiative for Educating the Heart and Mind” on December 9-10, 2022. Experts shared how the Compassion Shift initiative is developing, implementing, scaling, and researching programs that work to explicitly promote a compassionate, peaceful, and sustainable world. Recordings of the conference are available at the Compassion Shift website.

Our role in the Compassion Shift centres around the development of compassion training for educators by contributing to the adaptation and piloting of Cognitively based Compassion Training (CBCT). More broadly, the Compassion Shift is adapting CBCT for specific professions (Law, Medicine, Business) as well as making content accessible for the general public. SEE Learning also plays a critical role in the ambitions of the compassion shift providing a route for engagement with a compassionate approach to life through age specific and accessible learning materials from age 5-18 years old.

We are just one of number of international partners supporting this initiative to seed compassion across all areas of our society and world. Through our joint actions we can support His Holiness’ vision of a more compassionate world and greater oneness of humanity.

Jetsun Pema Compassion Education Event

We recently had the privilege of hosting a remarkable event, "An Evening with Jetsun Pema Discussing Compassion Education." While we wish every one of you could have been there, we understand that schedules can be demanding. That's why we've put together this blog post to share some highlights and insights from this inspiring evening.

Jetsun Pema's Wisdom

Jetsun Pema, a prominent figure known for her wisdom and compassionate teachings, graced our event as the keynote speaker. Her profound insights into her work at the Tibet Children’s Village and the importance of compassion in education left us all deeply moved and inspired. She emphasised the importance of nurturing empathy, kindness, and understanding in our communities, which can lead to positive transformations on a global scale.

Engaging Discussions

What truly made the event exceptional was the engaging discussions that unfolded throughout the evening. Attendees actively participated in a dialogue that enriched the overall experience. Their thoughtful contributions and questions brought depth to the subject, sparking new ideas and perspectives. It was a testament to the power of collective wisdom and shared passion.

Our Commitment to Compassion Education

The DLCC’s mission is to promote compassion education and empower individuals to make a positive impact on the world. While the event was a wonderful opportunity to gather and learn, it was just the beginning of a journey toward creating a more compassionate and understanding world. Through our projects SEE Learning and Cognitively based Compassion Training (CBCT), we have the tools to support children, young people and adults to foster compassion in their lives.

Get Involved

We firmly believe that collective action can drive positive change, and your input and support are vital. If you have feedback or ideas for future events or topics of interest, we'd love to hear from you. Your involvement in our mission is greatly appreciated.

What's Next?

If you couldn't attend this time, don't worry. We have exciting plans for the future. Keep an eye on our website www.dlccoxford.org and social media channels for announcements about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Research about the impact of Cognitively based Compassion Training (CBCT)

CBCT offers a comprehensive method for training compassion that draws on the ancient Indo-Tibetan Buddhism traditions and is supported by scientific research in fields such as evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Growing research in the field of compassion science links compassion training to greater resilience and wellbeing, as well as moderating stress, anxiety and depression. For example, studies have suggested that compassion training not only lowers stress hormones and strengthens immune response, but also decreases rumination, activates pleasure circuits in the brain, increases self-reported happiness, creates more optimistic and supportive communication styles, and serves as an antidote to burnout. CBCT is one of the most researched compassion training programs, with the following outcomes:

Significant decrease in:

• stress biomarkers and inflammatory response

• depression

• loneliness

• PTSD symptoms

Significant increase in:

• compassion and related neural activity

• empathy and related neural activity

• self-compassion

• hopefulness

CBCT® has been the subject of numerous formal research studies since its development in 2004. Early studies, led by Charles Raison, MD, suggested strongly that the practice of CBCT would positively influence key blood-based biomarkers of stress and inflammation. Later studies show that CBCT® may improve the ability to interpret facial expressions along with increasing activity in the parts of the brain associated with empathic reasoning. Further information about the evidence and research related to CBCT can be found at www.compassion.emory.edu/research.html.

Jetsun Pema Compassion and Education Event -30th October, 5.30-7.30 pm, London Business School, NW1

The Dalai Lama Centre for Compassion (DLCC) is delighted to extend a special invitation for an extraordinary and intimate gathering that promises to be both inspiring and enlightening.

On the evening of 30th October 2023, we are honoured to host Jetsun Pema, the sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for a unique and insightful discussion about compassion, education and kindness in society and to thank you for your kind support of The DLCC.

Event Details

Date: Monday, 30th October, 2023

Time: 5.30 pm-7.30 pm

Venue: London Business School, NW1

Jetsun Pema is widely recognised for her compassionate work and commitment to humanitarian causes. Her decades of work supporting refugee children with the Tibetan Children's Village and her wisdom and insights into the value of compassion promise a rich and enlightening discussion.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama remains committed to the growth of the organisations that he founded around the world. We are delighted to report that The DLCC has gone through an exciting new phase with the arrival last year of our new Chair, Kirstie Papworth (Psychologist, Executive Director at London Business School and Author of "Compassionate Leadership") and two new Trustees; Nina Bohn and Amanda Horton-Mastin, in April 2023. Our compassion-led programmes are thriving in schools, and we have exciting new plans to grow our work with children and introduce Compassion-based training for teachers.

We appreciate that you may not be able to attend the event in person, and we'd love to keep you in the loop on our plans, so please let us know if you'd like to chat with us at another time.

Please RSVP by 20th October to secure your spot, as seating is limited. You can RSVP by replying to info@dlccoxford.org.

If you have any questions or require further information, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via the same email address.

Thank you for your support and for considering our invitation. We very much hope to see you on 30th October for an evening of inspiration and enlightenment and to celebrate compassion.

Mandala Lab: Where Emotions Can Turn to Wisdom

The Mandala Lab is an interactive travelling installation provided by The Ruben Museum of Art as part of the London Design Festival. The installation invites individuals to be curious about their emotions, consider how complex feelings appear in their everyday lives and imagine how you might have the power to transform them.

Inspired by powerful Buddhist principles, the lab features five thought-provoking, playful experiences—including videos accompanied by scents, a sculpture that invites collective breathing, and curated percussion instruments dipped in waters—that guide you along an inner journey focused on self-awareness and awareness of others. See, smell, touch, and breathe through the space designed to inspire connection, empathy, and learning.

The Mandala Lab will be Located in Union Square at Canary Wharf. Free and open to the public noon–18:00 daily, with late hours until 20:00 on Thursdays. Contact for enquiries or group and school tours.

The benefits of Cognitively based Compassion Training (CBCT) for educators

Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) can be highly beneficial for educators for several reasons:

Enhanced Classroom Environment: CBCT equips educators with the tools to create a more compassionate and empathetic classroom environment. When teachers model compassion and understanding, it encourages students to do the same, leading to improved relationships among students and between students and teachers.

Improved Student-Teacher Relationships: CBCT helps educators develop stronger connections with their students. By fostering empathy and active listening skills, teachers can better understand their students' needs, perspectives, and challenges, which can lead to more effective teaching and support.

Reduced Stress and Burnout: Teaching can be emotionally demanding, and educators often face high levels of stress and burnout. CBCT provides stress reduction techniques and promotes self-compassion, helping teachers manage their own well-being more effectively and maintain their passion for teaching.

Conflict Resolution Skills: CBCT teaches conflict resolution skills grounded in compassion and empathy. Educators can use these skills to mediate conflicts among students and create a more harmonious learning environment.

Enhanced Classroom Management: Compassion-based approaches can be applied to classroom management strategies. Educators can respond to behavioural issues with understanding and empathy rather than punishment, which can be more effective in addressing the root causes of behavioural problems.

Improved Communication: CBCT helps educators develop better communication skills, which are essential for effective teaching. By practising active listening and clear, compassionate communication, teachers can convey information more effectively and build trust with their students.

Cultivating Inclusive Classrooms: Educators can use CBCT principles to foster inclusivity and diversity in the classroom. By recognizing and valuing the unique backgrounds and perspectives of all students, teachers can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Professional Development: CBCT can serve as a form of professional development for educators, helping them grow personally and professionally. As teachers deepen their own compassion and emotional intelligence, they become more effective at supporting their students' emotional and social development.

Promoting Academic Success: A compassionate and supportive classroom environment can positively impact students' academic performance. When students feel safe, valued, and understood, they are more likely to engage in learning and strive for academic success.

Promoting Kindness: Educators can use CBCT to instil values of kindness and empathy in their students, helping to prevent bullying and promote positive peer interactions.

Incorporating CBCT into their professional development can empower educators to not only improve their well-being but also create a nurturing, compassionate, and effective learning environment that benefits both them and their students. It's a valuable approach for educators committed to fostering personal growth, emotional intelligence, and positive social change within their classrooms and schools.