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Mar 26, 2008

Rustam rated it:

I find this man really fascinating, but this book didn't quite get there for me. I wonder if what he preaches is too simple to be interesting in a literary format. I would be interested in reading his auto-biography. His English isn't all that hot, but his occasional anecdotal digressions are very interesting.

I can't believe I'm giving the Dalai Lama TWO stars!? The good news is, I'm not going to Hell, but rather, I may be reborn as a desert rodent.

3 comments like (3 people liked it)

Aug 20, 2011

Alissa rated it:

This book is a good introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. It is generally set up to provide specific daily practices (visualizations, thoughts and meditations). I enjoyed the chapters on the basics and practicing morality, but after that, I found that the descriptions became less coherent. That could either be a translation issue or perhaps I'm not at the understanding level yet. Either way, the most meaningful parts of the book were nearer the beginning. Portions of the book are redundant in th More...

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May 18, 2010

Callie rated it:

A bunch of quotes from this book I need to get down, because they are valuable.

"By greeting trouble with optimism and hope , you are undermining worse troubles down the line."

CONTENTMENT REGARDING FOOD< CLOTHES< SHELTER:

SHELTER "Lay people can reduce the neverending quest for a better home and for the funiture and decorations in it." Imagine! This is an outright unequivocal, unapologetic suggestion that we just stop acquiring things More...

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Jan 05, 2012

David rated it:

This was, as you would expect from the Dalai Lama, an insightful book. It is a guide to enlightenment. As you would also expect, that path is by no means an easy one.

I think it is a bit too hard going for the layman such as me. There are concepts within the book that have left me a little confused. I know I need to look up more on the Middle Way and the philosophical concept of the emptiness. His Holiness (HH) writes:

The understanding of emptiness is fantastic, is it n More...

1 comment like

May 13, 2011

Cris rated it:

It was an excellent book for the purposes of interior examination, for the growing of virtues. It gives exact cataloguing of moral imperfection, including sexual which are very on the ball. I do think there are practical applications of meditation that would be helpful in changing attitudes and of course the idea of loving people in an expansive meditation is excellent. It is of course missing the christian aspect of acceptance of suffering rather than avoidance.....and the definition of hope i More...

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Jan 21, 2012

Heidi rated it:

As the title suggests, this book is more about how to practice Buddhism rather than being about Buddhist doctrine. I found it interesting but less applicable to my life than the Dalai Lama's other books, since I'm unlikely to wake up in the middle of the night to meditate or to ever want to be able to focus my mind on a single picture for up to four hours at a time.

This would be an excellent resource for those who are looking for a step-by-step approach for practicing Buddhism. I'd More...

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Feb 15, 2011

Marianne rated it:

This isn't a book to be read all at once. I think it works best if it's read a bit at a time. That said, I didn't find this to be a particularly easy read. There were sections that I had to read several times to understand what was being said and even then I still don't understand it all. Some of the terminology was unfamiliar, but that's understandable since this is the first book on Tibetan Buddhism I've read.

If you are wanting in introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, there may be ot More...

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Jan 13, 2012

Melissa rated it:

The Dalai Lama is such a witty character. He cracks me up and surprises me with every page of this book! It's so refreshing to read the words and advice of a religious leader that isn't stuffy and in your face about beliefs and religion.

He offers great wisdom and tips on living more peacefully and happily with an open heart and mind. I came away from this feeling lighthearted and motivated to be a better person, live more fully, and experience one day at a time, with grace. I respect h More...

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Sep 24, 2011

Dayini rated it:

A book best read when in a thoughtful and attentive state of mind - not in bits and pieces while driving through the city! The book is heavy and philosophical and contains much interesting and valuable information on the practices to follow to find fulfillment. Definitely worthy of a good read. For my first time through, I found the summary for practice in the final chapter to be most useful and valuable. My only complaint is the mellow and monotonous tone used by the narrator in the audio versi More...

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May 07, 2011

Froztwolf rated it:

This is an odd book that seems to span the entirety of Buddhist practice from beginning to end.

The first third of the book was easy to connect with. It talks about things in our daily lives, what the tenets or Buddhist practice are, how these two relate, and basically what Buddhism encourages people to do and why. Having studied Buddhism a little before, there were few surprises there for me but it was yet a welcome reminder and well structured.

The middle part of the bo More...

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Feb 03, 2010

Roger rated it:

Although I am fascinated by the study of Buddhism and by the amazing words of wisdom passed along by the Dalai Lama, I found the author to be a bit overbearing on the details of ritual practice rather than practical inclusion of Buddhist philosophy into everyday life. From beginning to end, the Dalai Lama lays out the foundations of Tibetan (Mahayana) Buddhist practice, from the cultivation of compassion for others, followed by methods of meditation, and finally acquiring wisdom to ultimately at More...

5 comments like

Jan 14, 2012

Doug rated it:

When I bought this book, I was looking for answers to the many questions that we seem to accumulate over the course of our lives {or so I imagine}. I was disappointed with where I was and with the way I was reacting to the situations in my life ... way too much anger, cynicism, confusion and emptiness.

I thought that I may be able to find a few "tricks" or "secrets" that I could put to immediate use to help bring back a sense of balance that I was sorely lacking.
More...

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May 05, 2009

Jackie rated it:

This was my first real introduction to Buddhism.

Since the purpose of this book is teaching how to achieve enlightenment, it doesn't cover things like Buddhist history or explanations of the basic concepts and so I realize I have a lot to learn to understand this religion.

There are essentially 3 steps to enlightenment: Practicing Morality, Concentrated Meditation and Practicing Wisdom. These are the steps to totally enlightenment and becoming a Buddha, as such they go beyo More...

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Dec 26, 2008

Ladan rated it:

Owned this book for several years before I finally finished it. Though technically I lost it before I quite got to the last few pages. I'm taking that as a sign that my journey with this book is complete. Definitely not a book for beginning practitioners as some of the concepts are really subtle and difficult to grasp as laid out.

"First you realize that each and every sentient being wants happiness and does not want suffering, just like you; in this fundamental way you and they More...

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Dec 05, 2008

Larry rated it:

Jeffery Hopkins does a masterful job of translating both the words and the cultural context of same in his little book. The contents are His Holinesses description of practicing morality, meditation and wisdom together with "tips" to help with understanding. It is helpful to both the novice and a seeker. Many things that I remember but have not yet made priorities in my life. Shame on me.

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Mar 31, 2011

Chorpenning rated it:

I try to read from this book a little each day. It's pretty self-explanatory, but it contains some excellent meditations that I think anyone could find useful if they're interested in becoming more compassionate human beings. The Dalai Lama always writes with a profound sense of humor, and I like that in a spiritual leader.

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Jan 14, 2012

Lynn rated it:

I'm no where near the place that some of this would make most sense.
But I did find the choice of words to describe certain phenomena a bit difficult, like "dependent-arising". I think I'd actually have to study properly in order to really understand the layers of meaning here.
Not a book for those looking to begin their exploration of Buddhism, Tibetan or otherwise.

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Dec 19, 2010

Ridgewalker rated it:

I found the first part of this book excellent and recommend it to everyone. It is one of the best discussions on how to find happiness I have read. The first half was the best, the second half dwells much more heavily into buddhism and wasn't as interesting to me personally.

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Dec 19, 2008

Tess rated it:

I still read this book. Recently, I needed something to bring me peace during a small conflict. I opened the book arbitrarily and found just what I needed. I love this little book. It can be a wonderful guide to living peacefully and spreading peace among others.

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Mar 05, 2010

Oleg rated it:

This book was my introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and a good one. Though I could not follow everything since I heard it on audio and did not rewind much, it had the effect of making me want to research further. That was the goal of listening to it.

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Feb 09, 2008

Jade rated it:

I was looking for new thoughts to help me simplify and enlighten my life. I loved reading about the 10 virtues and non-virtues, and about cyclic behavior. I learned it really doesn't help to hurt people - even if I felt like they deserved it. I felt better being kind. It elevated my thinking. My favorite part about refraining from harm is: *If possible, you should help others *If that is not possible, at least you should do no harm.

To me, the virtues taught in this book are applicab More...

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Sep 17, 2009

Colleen rated it:

kindness, patience and love are not things that you just have or are, you have to put them into practice everyday and treat them as skills to be learned and sharpened...something that we may know, but a really poignant reminder
good stuff

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Aug 10, 2011

Steve marked it as to-read

I have such respect for the Dalai Lama, but I have struggled to complete this book for so long I think it's time to set it aside for awhile. Perhaps some of the teachings are a bit beyond my current meditative practice.

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Feb 02, 2009

Shawn rated it:

Great insight. The first read of these book can be a little daunting but hang in there. You'll come out of the experience with a greater understanding of the world even if you didn't understand every chapter.

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Mar 09, 2009

Siggy is currently reading it

I'm only part way through this, and it's a strangly difficult read because it really throws up your shortcommings, of which I have many. However it does clearly show the way if you're inclined to follow.

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Dec 02, 2008

Laura is currently reading it

Excellent book for any one interested in meditation and developing a serene and controlled way in which to react to the external happenings of daily life. This is having a profound impact on me.

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Dec 13, 2011

Kathy rated it:

I couldn't understand all the deepest thoughts, but the basic tenants speak loudly and clearly and resonate with me. Maybe I am a Buddist at heart. The DL has written many books that try to speak to laymen and I'm going to read a few more.

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Dec 01, 2009

Angie rated it:

I Love this book from H.H. The Dalai Lama and use it as a reference guide. If you're ever feeling "out of sorts," then this is a great book to help you find your center/balance. :-)

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 28, 2010

Alicia rated it:

One of my favorite books, very inspiring and makes me strive to live a more compassionate life. I have read many books by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and I love them all.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 04, 2010

Dan rated it:

A great book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama that be read & enjoyed by practitioners of Buddhism at all levels, from beginners to more experienced students.

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