Revealing the Heart: The Practice of Compassion
Title: Revealing the Heart: The Practice of Compassion
Author: Sukhavaha Devi Dasi (Susan Bauer)
Publisher: Golden Age Media
Publication Date: 2022
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: app. 350
"Revealing the Heart: The Practice of Compassion" is a deeply personal and transformative memoir/guide written by Sukhavaha Devi Dasi (also known as Sukhavaha Mataji or Susan Bauer), an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON. Published in 2014 (Kindle edition) and later in print (some editions around 2022–2023 via Golden Age Media or indie devotional presses), it's her primary and most well-known book.
The book is a blend of autobiography, spiritual reflection, and practical guidance on emotional healing through compassion. Sukhavaha draws from her own life journey—marked by periods of deep hopelessness, depression, and emotional struggles—to illustrate how practicing genuine compassion acts as a "balm of love in action" that awakens us to our real nature as the soul.
Key elements include:
Her personal story of moving from inner darkness (including past conditioning, envy, uncertainty, and anarthas/unwanted tendencies) to spiritual renewal.
Integration of Krishna conscious principles (bhakti, the Holy Name, surrender to Krishna, and insights from Srila Prabhupada's teachings) with tools from compassionate communication (inspired by non-violent communication/NVC).
Practical insights on how conscious, empathetic communication can change relationships, dissolve ego barriers, and deepen one's devotional life.
Emphasis on self-awareness: turning emotions into opportunities for growth, addressing "emotional toxins" that arise even in spiritual practice, and cultivating qualities like responsibility, empathy, vulnerability, integrity, and gratitude.
A devotional perspective: compassion as an active expression of bhakti, helping devotees move beyond mechanical practice to a vibrant, heart-centered connection with Krishna.
This book is a modern, relatable memoir that bridges counseling psychology with Gaudiya Vaishnava wisdom. Sukhavaha shares vulnerably to create a "safe space" for readers to introspect, reflect on personal obstacles, and apply compassion to themselves and others—ultimately revealing the heart's boundless love.
Devotees and readers praise it for its honesty, practicality, and inspiration—especially for those dealing with emotional blocks, past traumas, or "mechanical" sadhana. Reviews highlight it as a tool for introspection and deeper Krishna connection (e.g., "recommended to every devotee who wants to introspect"). HH Varsana Swami endorsed it for creating a safe space through vulnerable sharing. It's often recommended alongside her other works like What to Do About Sue? (on karmic healing) and her "GAP" series on self-awareness/ego.
