How to See Yourself As You Really Are
by Dalai Lama XIV
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Read in June, 2008
I studied a bit about Buddhism back towards the end of high school and the early part of college
but my ego was too hard to shake then, and it's even harder now.
Not sure I understood all of the concepts, but then again who is there to understand it?
; )
This book really raised a lot of questions for me.
I'm wondering about the 'purpose of life' could be in the confines of this philosophy,
and other things of the sort....
Alas need to organize my thoughts a bit better before I...more
but my ego was too hard to shake then, and it's even harder now.
Not sure I understood all of the concepts, but then again who is there to understand it?
; )
This book really raised a lot of questions for me.
I'm wondering about the 'purpose of life' could be in the confines of this philosophy,
and other things of the sort....
Alas need to organize my thoughts a bit better before I...more
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Read in February, 2007
It took me forever to listen to this audiotape - six hours worth on a gym treadmill. It was rough-going because it's a deeply philosophical and theological book, not one of those feel-good self-help books like "How to Love Your Inner You" or whatever. No, the Dalai Lama is difficult going. He worries about issues like What is the self beyond the mind/body complex? Does the self really exist? Do things exist in and of themselves or only in the context of other things? I really liked t...more
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I am the first to admit, I place very little faith in self-help books - it's a genre that I traditionally ignore. But, this book sort of leapt off the shelf at me. I am naturally drawn to Buddhist theory, and would certainly be open to any advice His Holiness the Dalai Lama might choose to throw in my path. Thus, I found it hard to ignore this one and it spontaneously made its way into my messenger bag when I really only stopped at the Harvard Coop to use the loo.
But tell me seriously, who ...more
But tell me seriously, who ...more
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Read in June, 2008
How to See Yourself As You Really Are is a simply written book full of very complex, even daunting, ideas. The Dalai Lama discusses Buddhist beliefs relating to inherent existence, compassion, love, and impermanence. This isn't a theoretical treatise, though; there are instructions on mediation and meditation exercises (helpfully compiled in an appendix).
You don't need to be a Buddhist, or even religious, to get something out of this book. The Dalai Lama invites the reader to engage i...more
You don't need to be a Buddhist, or even religious, to get something out of this book. The Dalai Lama invites the reader to engage i...more
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Read in February, 2007
Don't recommend as first book on Buddhism for the uninitiated. Very abstract and conceptual, and other authors have explained same concepts better. But this will definitely bend your mind about reality, especially if you're used to Westernized/ego/material-driven concepts of self and reality.
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This book is more geared to those who are currently practicing, as it offers a step-by-step into methodology. It is full of wit and sensitivity, as all his books are. The focus on ignorance is really beneficial. I originally just checked this book out from the library, but I will now buy it as I feel it will be beneficial to re-visit.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in April, 2008
I really liked the first chapter of this book where the author talks about all religions working together to eliminate suffering and establish peace in the world. The rest of the book was about Buddhist teachings and practices and I lost interest. I find the teachings interesting but I can't relate to any of them.
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Read in May, 2008
The only reason I gave this three stars is because I'm sure I didn't understand enough of it to appreciate it fully. It's hard stuff! "Things don't actually exist". That part is not easy for a 45 year old American. But I'm going to keep this book by my bedside and keep trying to digest it in bits.
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This is a great book for meditators. There are suggestions at the end of each chapter to use during your meditation. If you are new to Tibetan Buddhism and just beginning to become a regular meditator, this is a great book and guide for you.
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Read in January, 2008
The book details an approach to meditation that centers on deriving the self from I. A link between the I and mind body creates disharmony in us which leads to bad things. Very complex, technical information.
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Read in February, 2008
This has really started to open up my perspective of living and interacting with people. I am starting to really understand "nothingness" and, how complex and duelistic the concept really is.
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This book is a bit difficult... it is really about the illusion of form and accepting emptiness. But anyone interested in Buddhism or Quantum Physics will find it interesting
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this one was a huge let-down. i was hoping for some inspiration and insight, got neither. almost did not finish it. maybe it was lost in translation, or over my head.
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very insightful, helps one see not just ourselves as we really are but life around us as well.
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Read in April, 2008
I must admit, there were some concepts in this book I didn't quite grasp.
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Read in April, 2008
I am reading this book in bits. Insightful. Gentle and centered.
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Just checked this out from the library over the weekend.
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Read in March, 2008
Enjoying the meditation for beginners part...
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