Two leading thinkers engage in a landmark conversation about human emotions and the pursuit of psychological fulfillment
At their... read full description
reviews
May 24, 2010
Nick
rated it: 
Two of my heroes, the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman, hit it off and decide to have a conversation that they turn into a book. All respect to these two extraordinary gentleman, but the book is not a success. The problem lies in the gulf between Ekman the scientist concerned about observable phenomena, and the Dalai Lama, concerned about human suffering. They don't really talk the same language, so most of the book is spent with these two giants circling each other trying to figure out a way to con
More...
Jul 10, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
I often struggled with the ratio of Paul Ekman's speech to the Dalai Lama's. I felt that Ekman had a bunch of ideas he wanted to promote, rather than have an actual evolving dialogue. I wish there had been more information from the other side about Buddhist psychology and how it could help people in conjunction with Western Science. This book wasn't nearly as moving or as helpful to me as Destructive Emotions, one of the earlier Mind & Life conferences.
The side notes by Buddhist scho More...
The side notes by Buddhist scho More...
Apr 07, 2009
Tahleen
rated it: 
I really enjoyed this book, it helped me to see how I deal with my own emotions and gives not only a scientific reason but a Buddhist perspective on emotions like anger, compassion, etc. I would recommend reading this if you want to get a better sense of your own emotions and how you handle them, and also if you'd like to learn about ways to handle your emotions better (i.e. with less destructive results, mostly with anger). Plus the Dalai Lama is fantastic.
Nov 26, 2008
Jeremy
rated it:
I am adapting part of this book for publication in Greater Good. I wouldn't read this on my own time, but I'm glad that work is making me do it. The Dalai Lama is a fascinating figure in his own right, Buddhism is intellectually interesting to non-Buddhists, and Paul Ekman (whom I had the pleasure of recently meeting) is simply a great talker and psychologist. This book is turning out to be a very good primer on emotion and spirituality.
Apr 21, 2011
Will
rated it: 
I enjoyed listening to this program. I discovered it by watching Paul Ekman's "Lie to Me" TV episodes - and did some research on him. I came across this recording and truly enjoyed soaking up the information. Richard Gere, the famous actor, is also on this recording. Lots of information to absorb - to must to list here for the viewers. Please listen and enjoy.
Sep 15, 2010
Mike
rated it:
Most interesting concept I got from this book is Paul Ekman's hypothesis that while emotions are an obvious Darwinian tool for survival, moods are likely a harmful byproduct of evolution that we as a species, would be better off without. Emotions stir us into action that promotes survival whereas moods, which can be triggered by emotions,...
Jun 14, 2009
Karen
rated it:
I enjoyed the perspective of listening in on the conversation between two serious thinkers. That also made it more challenging to read. I was especially taken with the Dalai Lama and his take on life and the living of it.
Jul 30, 2009
reed
rated it:
This is a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Dr Ekman, a scientist. You could tell they were having a great time discussing buddhism from a scientific perspective. I really enjoyed it.
May 12, 2009
A transcription of a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman (who wrote Emotions Revealed), the book is sometimes difficult to follow, and also quite interesting in parts.
Jun 10, 2011
Ineke
rated it:
De boeddhisten hebben veel meer kennis van emotioneel bewustzijn dan wij in het Westen. The first person method levert meer op dan het waarnemersperspectief (second person).
Aug 02, 2011
Kasia
rated it:
What a wonderful insight into human emotions from western psychology and Buddhist perspectives. Interesting format: a conversation transcript with interwoven short articles on pertinent issues discussed by the two gentlemen. Good stuff. It is so very obvious that these two guys like and respect each other very much. It was interesting to discover how much of an inquisitive scientist and scholar the Dalai Lama is; I don't necessarily think of religious figures in these categories. Best of all,
More...
Jan 16, 2010
Carol
rated it:
Highly accessible conversation between The Dalai Lama and psycologist Paul Ekman (the real microexpression "Lie to Me" guy). Science meets mindfulness.
Jan 22, 2011
Wil
rated it: 
Between the very poor quality audio and the Dalia Lama's English I gave up on trying to understand what he was trying to say.
Aug 02, 2011
Adam
rated it:
An excellent discussion on emotional awareness from the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman, the scientist well-known for his discovery of micro-expressions. Great bringing a critical scientific basis to Buddhism - both sides benefit.
Jan 26, 2010
Loricious
rated it:
Completely. Sucked. In.
I listened to it vs. reading it, so that may have played a part... but very engaging.
I listened to it vs. reading it, so that may have played a part... but very engaging.
Oct 13, 2009
Michael
rated it:
A fascinating discussion of universally important topics: Paul Ekman and the Dalai Lama come to terms about emotion, feelings, compassion, science, and self-awareness. The final chapter is especially worthwhile.
Nov 27, 2011
Bridgette
rated it:
I love everything Paul Ekman and Everything Dali Lama, so put the two together and I can't resist.
Mar 16, 2009
Mercedes
rated it:
lots of aha moments in this book. Very interesting. Highly recommended.
Mar 28, 2009
Eric
rated it:
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't easy to listen to as an audiobook. There's a lot to digest.
Jul 02, 2009
Jaime
rated it:
This book is really fantastic- science meets Buddhism. However with all of these books, it's easier to read them than to put them into everyday practice.
And apparently it gets hard to read them, as well. Finally finished this one last night. Dig it.
And apparently it gets hard to read them, as well. Finally finished this one last night. Dig it.
Sep 09, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Seems like a great book, I'm on chapter 1 and find it fascinating. It seemed to have petered out after chapter one. I was disapointed to find it is a conglomeration of communications between the author and the dalai lama.
Aug 20, 2009
Anastasia
rated it:
The premier researcher into the biology of emotions, Paul Ekman, meets with the Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama. They talk about the different views of human emotion.
After reading this book I have more optimism about where the human race is going. Science and religion CAN come together to help the human race mature and accept itself! I reccomend this book for those interested in philosophy, psychology, and serious reading. It isn't the easiest read ever, because there are so many More...
After reading this book I have more optimism about where the human race is going. Science and religion CAN come together to help the human race mature and accept itself! I reccomend this book for those interested in philosophy, psychology, and serious reading. It isn't the easiest read ever, because there are so many More...
Feb 09, 2012
