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My Spiritual Journey
The world knows the public face of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.
We have read about his near escape from Tibet after the Chinese invasion, his nobel Peace Prize, and his friendships with world leaders, Hollywood actors, and scientists around the world. But what are his inner, personal thoughts on his own spiritual life? For the first time and in his own words, the Dalai Lama c...more
We have read about his near escape from Tibet after the Chinese invasion, his nobel Peace Prize, and his friendships with world leaders, Hollywood actors, and scientists around the world. But what are his inner, personal thoughts on his own spiritual life? For the first time and in his own words, the Dalai Lama c...more
ebook, 304 pages
Published
October 12th 2010
by HarperCollins e-books
(first published 2009)
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“His Holiness the Dalai Lama…shares lessons learned from a remarkable life, in turn showing us how to live our own lives with compassion, non-violence and love.” —Fellow Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu, author of Made for Goodness
In this elegant self-portrait, the world’s most outspoken and influential spiritual leader recounts his epic and engaging life story. The Dalai Lama’s most accessible and intimate book, My Spiritual Journey is an excellent introduction to the larger-than-life
LOVING this book - if you are in tune with your own spiritual journey, I think you will love it too. I am fascinated to learn about how the Dalai Lama found out he was the incarnation of the 13th dalai lama and about his childhood. But it's interspersed with anecdotes about current political situations affecting Tibet and essentially, the whole world. China is really something else. . .I will pray for them. I recommend this book for all spiritually minded individuals.
This is a book which is part biographical, Buddhism teachings, Tibetan history, politics and (even) green activism. The first half of the book touches on the Dalai Lama's childhood years and his identification and confirmation as the 14th Dalai Lama. In the second half of the book, he imparts Buddhist teachings of loving-kindness, compassion and universal responsibility; to exercise brotherly exchanges between religions, and his interest in the interface between science and humanity. In the fina...more
I have a soft spot in my heart for books on this amazing man. This book, however, was an odd collection of thoughts (written by a Frenchwoman)that I hoped would shed more light on his true spiritual "journey." It ends up the book is more a haphazard spin of his general life, most facts of which I already knew... so nothing new learned. Also, it seems as if entire paragraphs were repeated in different sections, a structure I found mildly annoying. I really did enjoy the thoughtful pieces on "taki...more
An insightful account into the mind of a both religious leader and the leader of a country in exile. This personal statement is not only religious or philosophical, but gives a great overview of the condition of Tibet. How China took Tibet over, the atrocities committed against the Tibetan people and what those that left are doing for the next generation.
With regards to the spiritual and philosophical points of view, obviously, the Dalai Lama is a pacifist, but nonetheless, he has great insig...more
With regards to the spiritual and philosophical points of view, obviously, the Dalai Lama is a pacifist, but nonetheless, he has great insig...more
At the age of only 16, the Dalai Lama became the temporal leader of Tibet. This book details the way in which he was chosen as a very young child, which was fascinating. Much of the book is devoted to his teaching and beliefs. The last third discusses the Chinese incursion into Tibet and the genocide that the Chinese have continued to perpetuate in an attempt to wipe out Tibetan culture, to eliminate their religion and to decimate the Tibetan people. Their actions at the time of the recent Olym...more
This unique book written by the Dalai Lama himself was a fantastic read. Full of adventure, and hardships that were endured throughout the life of his holiness. the Dalai Lama has written other books, but this one was the first time that he had written about his personal life and all of his experiences from the man who has seen it all. This book does not only contain stories and information about his time as the Dalai Lama, but the training it took to get to where he is and how well established...more
I have some mixed feelings about this book. The beginning was rather disappointing to me, I'll admit. Talking about compassion, love and spirituality to someone so materialistic like me is pointless. Don't get me wrong, they were all valuable and pretty quotable advices to make the world a better place. But it's always easier to say it rather than actually do it. They came off a little too optimistic and jusy up in the air to me.
The main reason I read this book was to get to know more about the...more
The main reason I read this book was to get to know more about the...more
This is a dynamic book about the Dalai Lama. It is part biography, Tibetan history, politics, spirituality and personal vision. This is a good begining for those interested in Tibet or the current Dalai Lama. It is written with the assistance of Sofia Srtil-Rever. The most fascinating aspects of this book is when the Dalai Lama talks about his childhood in Tibet and his obligations and routines as the Dalai Lama.
This book is not a spiriutal guide or Buddhist teaching tool. It is a great book th...more
This book is not a spiriutal guide or Buddhist teaching tool. It is a great book th...more
Jun 04, 2012
Sara
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
buddhism-spirituality-new-age
I am trying to be objective in this review, as this book was a disappointment for me, but that is because I've read a whole lot about and by the Dalai Lama, and have studied Buddhism for nearly 20 years. A lot of this is cut from previous letters/speeches/books with some explanations thrown in. Originally translated from French, I did notice some minor content differences. If you haven't read a lot of his works, this would be a great book for you. If you've read a lot of his works, skip it, unle...more
I think everyone is impressed by the Dalai Lama. This is a collection of his writings and speeches, put in chronological order so that you can discover his thoughts and the progression of his life. I had only been marginally aware of the awful destruction by the Chinese in Tibet, including the torture, imprisonment and death of many Tibetans as well as the ecological destruction by mining. I like his idea of making Tibet the center of peace in the world through their Buddhist beliefs as well as...more
His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama writes about his experiences gaining his title as well as living it out. In his memoir, My Spiritual Journey, he describes the hardships he has had to face as well as the rewards he has gained. From the beginning when he was chosen as the Dalai Lama, to fleeing Tibet in order to escape the Chinese, he has stayed true to his faith and religion throughout.
My Spiritual Journey takes place in Tibet. He is first chosen as the Dalai Lama by Buddhist monks who f...more
My Spiritual Journey takes place in Tibet. He is first chosen as the Dalai Lama by Buddhist monks who f...more
He’s just this guy, you know?
My Spiritual Journey is a collection of the Dalai Lama’s writings, speeches, and thoughts as they pertain to his life as a human being, as a Buddhist monk, and as the Dalai Lama. This is not a traditional autobiography or memoir. Instead, some of the chapters (passages? sections?) are quite short—even less than a page—but no less meaningful or inspiring. Rather than looking for some kind of chronological theme, it helps to view this book in those three stages outline...more
My Spiritual Journey is a collection of the Dalai Lama’s writings, speeches, and thoughts as they pertain to his life as a human being, as a Buddhist monk, and as the Dalai Lama. This is not a traditional autobiography or memoir. Instead, some of the chapters (passages? sections?) are quite short—even less than a page—but no less meaningful or inspiring. Rather than looking for some kind of chronological theme, it helps to view this book in those three stages outline...more
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Eh, nothing much to it. The message is nice. The 14th Dalai Lama's emphasis on love, freedom, peace, forgiveness and compassion is very noble and positive. I don't think you'll find many who will argue that. But it's nothing new or interesting, not to me at least. All that jazz about humanity and kindness is great and wonderful etcetera etcetera. But I didn't find the thoughts put down in this book to be particularly unique or life changing. Maybe to someone else it would be. In fact, I wouldn't...more
The first part of the book was disappointing. I picked it up thinking it was going to be an autobiography/biography of the Dalai Lama, but the first 2/3s are pretty much just buddhist advice/wisdom... The last part of the book, however, was very interesting because it tells the story of Tibet and what is going on there and what the Dalai Lama has tried to do to get his country back. It shows how ruthless and heartless the Chinese are, only concerned with money, and the true genocide taking place...more
A really heartning account of Tibetan struggle for freedom and how Dalai Lama has played a role of a charismatic leader. One of the most interesting parts of the entire book was how Dalai Lama lays stress on making a distinction between Spirituality and Religion.
Though the discourse becomes repetitive as we move forward, but nonetheless it leaves you on a high note as it usually the case with most of the genuine Spirtual leaders.
Though the discourse becomes repetitive as we move forward, but nonetheless it leaves you on a high note as it usually the case with most of the genuine Spirtual leaders.
It's a great book from a great person. The Dalai Lama talked about his own life experience, his religion and the situation in Tibet. It's really good to see the Tibetan problem from a different perspective. But I think he is biased. I've seen Tibetans and things don't really look that bad. And his solution to the problem changes along the way. It's for the best of everyone. I like him talking about compassion, and that makes him such a great person. But many of the religious talks don't make sen...more
As always, lot of good thoughts and quotes. The Dalai Lama is always an interesting and inspirational read. I learned a lot about the atrocities in Tibet and I find it hard to believe that so little has been done. I like that the Dalai Lama focuses so much on compassion. It's definitely one of things this world could use tons more of. My biggest gripe with this book was that it seemed kind of repetitive. Like each section was approved individually with out consideration to whether most of the in...more
I learned new knowledge about the Dalai Lama and the plight of Tibetans through this book. I'm not sure if I'd be so keen to go to China now, if given the opportunity. There is a lot of repetition and choppiness in the writing but I suppose that's beside the point. I love the cover...a excellent photograph.
The Dalai Lama is one fascinating spiritual leader. This book is easy to read, and contains bits and pieces of things that he's said in papers and speeches. I was most fascinated with his discussions of early life and the process by which he was recognized as the Dalai Lama, and of his views in all sorts of things from the political to religion. The Dalai Lama XIV is an amazingly interesting man, and this book does well to encapsulate a lot of his discussions in a great book.
I really enjoyed the personal reflections by the Dalai Lama on his childhood and young adulthood. He has always seemed very down to earth in interviews. It would be hard to imagine one having such a difficult life and continuing to see the joy in the world - what an inspiration
The first half of the book, wherein HHDL recounts his background and worldview, is quite interesting. However, the rest of the book is pretty much a series of remarks about the history situation in Tibet. Not that this is without merit, but would seem to be better suited to a book on that topic.
I liked the bits of personal history but did not even read all the sermons included. To me, HH The Dalai Lama has a wonderful message: Compassion will change the world. I believe it. But I grew tired fo hearing it said hundreds of different ways using many, many words.
It is inspiring to hear the story of this spiritual leader and his people. The spirit of presence and peace and persistence is truly remarkable. I highly recommend this book and encourage readers to find common ground from their own spiritual experiences.
I thought it was a book well written. I thought the emphasize of the Dalai lama for more compassion in our society reenforces the the opinion of many including myself that this modest budhist monk is a great human being.I definately look forward to reading more about the Dalai lama.
The Dalai Lama reflects on his journey as a Buddhist monk and as an exception human being. Even if you're not a Buddhist, I imagine it would be difficult not to be inspired by his humility, wisdom, and compassion.
Lots of teachings and fun moments told by The Dalai Lama.
This book made me feel so happy, and I don't know... so not alone, as if I were talking to an old friend whom I haven't seen in a long time.
:)
This book made me feel so happy, and I don't know... so not alone, as if I were talking to an old friend whom I haven't seen in a long time.
:)
I got this on a whim, and I'm glad that I did. It made me want to be a kinder person, and so far, I am putting that into practice. Also a good overview of the problems faced by the Tibetan people.
I enjoyed reading about the Dalai Lama. I never realized how he was selected, or more accurately found as the new incarnation. He truly is an ispiring man of peace, compassion, and love for all, not just his people of Tibet.
I really liked this one... would consider purchasing it. I like reading things by thoughtful people, and I really liked how much of his sense of humour shows through in the prose!
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Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub, Tibetan: ལྷ་མོ་དོན་འགྲུབ་), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming fa...more
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Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming fa...more
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“Historically, the East was more concerned with understanding the mind and the West was more involved in understanding matter.”
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Aug 04, 2012 11:02am