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How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths
In this busy world, our experiences of happiness are fleeting and short-lived, while inner peace eludes us completely. Our negative states of mind, such as uncontrolled desire and anger, create endless problems for ourselves and others, and prevent us from fulfilling our deepest wishes. Geshe Kelsang begins by presenting Buddha's popular teaching on the Four Noble Truths, which offers a clear and simple solution to all our problems, guiding us to an oasis of peace within our hearts. He then focuses in particular on overcoming the problem of anger, learning how to develop and maintain patience when faced with even the most difficult circumstances.
181 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
143 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Kelsang Gyatso
214 books220 followers*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.
He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.
The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.
To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.
He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.
The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.
To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 26, 2016
Although this books subtitle is the Four Noble Truths, the bulk of the book is dedicated to the topic of solving our anger with patience, and is thus invaluable in our world. It is actually a commentary to the Buddhist Master Shantideva's chapter on Patience in his masterpiece "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" and is probably the clearest English language commentary on this topic ever to be written.
July 28, 2020
For those interested in (or already getting into) Kadampa Buddhism, I found this book to be full of great advice and interesting perspectives. Reading it feels like meditation itself, in a way. There's a lot of wisdom crammed into a small space here. Definitely worth it.
May 28, 2013
Excellent, easy to read guidance to live a happy peaceful life, however, easy to read is one thing putting this information into practice seems extremely difficult. Like everything else, you just have to have faith and take it one day at a time.
December 2, 2020
As with all religions Buddhism is based on some flawed assumptions with no evidence behind them. But unlike other religions they seem to have more of a grasp on the human condition and how the mind works. Some interesting suggestions for improving ones mental well-being.
March 23, 2009
Really practical and useful. Buddhism really is a practical way of solving problems.
The first part of the book is the explanation of The Four Noble Truths which are:
"You should know sufferings.
You should abandon origins.
You should attain cessations.
You should practise the path."
The second part is based on the advantages of practising the patience, avoiding anger and accepting suffering.
The appendix include a short explanation of the Mind's Buddhist conception and on meditation.
Very helpful book to bring inner and outer peace.
The first part of the book is the explanation of The Four Noble Truths which are:
"You should know sufferings.
You should abandon origins.
You should attain cessations.
You should practise the path."
The second part is based on the advantages of practising the patience, avoiding anger and accepting suffering.
The appendix include a short explanation of the Mind's Buddhist conception and on meditation.
Very helpful book to bring inner and outer peace.
March 24, 2024
This is one of my favorite books by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It uses Buddha's Four Noble Truths as the basis for helping us solve our human problems. While it may seem very simple it is also very profound. On the very first page it states that our problems do not exist outside our mind. Sounds simple and logical but how can we use that information to create peace and happiness and solve our human problems. Read the book. You won't be disappointed.
May 17, 2023
I visit a Buddhist temple once a month where each class currently focuses on passages from this book. Part One focuses on The Four Noble Truths. Part Two focuses on the delusion of anger and the practicing of patience. Buddhist principles are presented logically and with modern applicability. This book is a practical guide on how to achieve a peaceful mind. If you’re a person who likes rational approaches to solving problems, then this book will appeal.
February 1, 2008
I have learned so much from reading this book. My problems with anger have dramatically decreased since this book has come into my life. I have found ways to calm my mind, and not allow the anger to envelope me and control me as it used to.
THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK for anyone who struggles in life, therefore, it would be perfect for anyone
THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK for anyone who struggles in life, therefore, it would be perfect for anyone
May 17, 2009
I will prob. have to go back and re-read this book from time to time.
August 20, 2012
Read it in conjunction with a dharma class two years ago. It still resonates with me.
July 13, 2013
Very inspiring book.
December 11, 2013
This is truly a great book, that will help anyone deal with the everyday issues that come up to interfere with inner peace.
November 19, 2019
An amazing book about using Buddhist Wisdom to handle anger and develop patience.
June 23, 2020
4.5 - Best book on anger management I've come across.
December 19, 2012
Interesting book.
January 7, 2020
I've been attending mediation classes on and off since I was about 19. The idea of creating inner calm and peace by letting go suffering and anger has been a lifelong journey.
Early on I was resistant to many of the Buddhists idea around suffering being all in the mind, but after years of listening and reading and mediating it makes more sense and is starting to feel like a natural, do-able process.
I'm now at the point, where I only attend meditation classes on a top-up basis. When my mind feels chaotic and my own methods of calming those thoughts isn't working as effectively as it could, I return to class and the teachings of Buddha.
Some of the books are better than others.
Some are quite dull to be honest. The writing is plain and stodgy and they fail to capture or reveal the essence in a way that you can relate to.
This book was not quite as grim as that, but it was close. Thankfully the classes I attend are run by people trained to discuss these ideas in a more relatable, modern way. They are simply there to share their understanding of the basic Buddhist tenets, then lead various meditation sessions that help us let go our suffering and find inner happiness.
It's harder than it sounds.
After 3 months of being ravaged by bushfires in NSW, with friends losing their homes, living with smoke and poor air quality and a truly frightening week when our home was in real danger, my mind was not feeling calm. I returned to classes to top-up and let go.
It also made me finish this book finally.
Reading this book on its own will not enlighten you or inspire you to try meditation. The teachings in this book are best discussed in classes. I suspect that most Buddhist books are best read in conjunction with meditation and yoga classes.
Early on I was resistant to many of the Buddhists idea around suffering being all in the mind, but after years of listening and reading and mediating it makes more sense and is starting to feel like a natural, do-able process.
I'm now at the point, where I only attend meditation classes on a top-up basis. When my mind feels chaotic and my own methods of calming those thoughts isn't working as effectively as it could, I return to class and the teachings of Buddha.
Some of the books are better than others.
Some are quite dull to be honest. The writing is plain and stodgy and they fail to capture or reveal the essence in a way that you can relate to.
This book was not quite as grim as that, but it was close. Thankfully the classes I attend are run by people trained to discuss these ideas in a more relatable, modern way. They are simply there to share their understanding of the basic Buddhist tenets, then lead various meditation sessions that help us let go our suffering and find inner happiness.
It's harder than it sounds.
After 3 months of being ravaged by bushfires in NSW, with friends losing their homes, living with smoke and poor air quality and a truly frightening week when our home was in real danger, my mind was not feeling calm. I returned to classes to top-up and let go.
It also made me finish this book finally.
Reading this book on its own will not enlighten you or inspire you to try meditation. The teachings in this book are best discussed in classes. I suspect that most Buddhist books are best read in conjunction with meditation and yoga classes.
September 6, 2020
The concepts of Dharma are written very shallow and from religious point of view. I like the idea that suffering comes from desire and attachments, but the author cant go outside the 'religious world' explaining this. Alan Watts, for example, does not need religion in order to explain those concepts and he goes beyond that.
For example, the author is writing about subjective experience of death and reincarnation: one person dies and living person next to it quickly finds a parrot (an animal) so the soul of the dead one reincarnates to the parrot. Then the living person tells to the parrot to fly to some place where he will find a recent dead body. The parrot then finds that body and the soul jumps from parrot to that body. And the body becomes living human being again. So we are literally (not metaphorically) talking about zombies.
And one more example: the author states that he found a reincarnated soul of her (dead) mother.
I don't understand or like those ideas. To much for me.
For example, the author is writing about subjective experience of death and reincarnation: one person dies and living person next to it quickly finds a parrot (an animal) so the soul of the dead one reincarnates to the parrot. Then the living person tells to the parrot to fly to some place where he will find a recent dead body. The parrot then finds that body and the soul jumps from parrot to that body. And the body becomes living human being again. So we are literally (not metaphorically) talking about zombies.
And one more example: the author states that he found a reincarnated soul of her (dead) mother.
I don't understand or like those ideas. To much for me.
January 17, 2022
In reality, this is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me.
It definitely provided some insight into a Buddhist mindset, so in that way I got out of it what I was looking for. And it certainly has much practical advice that one can apply to cultivate patience and discourage anger in oneself, regardless of one’s spiritual beliefs in a short text.
That said, I think I’d like it more if I were already Buddhist. I’m left wondering how strong the arguments would still be if you didn’t believe in karma or reincarnation, which the author takes as a given. And the writing, while clear, is a bit dull to follow.
Overall, I’d recommend it to somebody who wants to know more about Buddhism (note: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has a ton of other books for this purpose as well), but if you’re just interested in some practical life advice, maybe learn to meditate with The Mind Illuminated instead.
P.S. If you do read it and don’t know much about Buddhism, I recommend starting with the appendices.
It definitely provided some insight into a Buddhist mindset, so in that way I got out of it what I was looking for. And it certainly has much practical advice that one can apply to cultivate patience and discourage anger in oneself, regardless of one’s spiritual beliefs in a short text.
That said, I think I’d like it more if I were already Buddhist. I’m left wondering how strong the arguments would still be if you didn’t believe in karma or reincarnation, which the author takes as a given. And the writing, while clear, is a bit dull to follow.
Overall, I’d recommend it to somebody who wants to know more about Buddhism (note: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has a ton of other books for this purpose as well), but if you’re just interested in some practical life advice, maybe learn to meditate with The Mind Illuminated instead.
P.S. If you do read it and don’t know much about Buddhism, I recommend starting with the appendices.
April 3, 2020
Also enjoyed this one a lot more then I thought I would. (that's usually how these things work out)
The first 2/3rd of this book was full of constructive lessons about anger and patience that honestly will leave me thinking about it for a really long time.
I'll spare this review my thoughts about Buddhism but as a stand alone on just learning how to be a good human being I'll recommend this to practically everyone and there's always something to learn from this.
Really honestly changed the way I think. That's how you know it's a gone one.
The first 2/3rd of this book was full of constructive lessons about anger and patience that honestly will leave me thinking about it for a really long time.
I'll spare this review my thoughts about Buddhism but as a stand alone on just learning how to be a good human being I'll recommend this to practically everyone and there's always something to learn from this.
Really honestly changed the way I think. That's how you know it's a gone one.
July 7, 2020
Loved this & heavily highlighted it. I picked it up out of a bunch of Buddhist textbooks on a table because the title seemed pretty blatantly made for me - and anyone really. Who doesn't want to solve their human problems!?
I'm new to Buddhism, and this book not only introduces clearly some of the more abstract concepts & ideas of Buddhism, but also offers practical ways to challenge hurtful world views. It's the type of book in which you can find a response to whatever negative feeling or problem you may be having, so I'm sure I'll return to it in the future.
I'm new to Buddhism, and this book not only introduces clearly some of the more abstract concepts & ideas of Buddhism, but also offers practical ways to challenge hurtful world views. It's the type of book in which you can find a response to whatever negative feeling or problem you may be having, so I'm sure I'll return to it in the future.
May 9, 2024
The first book was enjoyable but after that I feel like a lot is repeated. It’s still informative, still adds new things but after reading 3 books of this author I have a sense that I am reading the same things, some books go into more detail than others, yes, but overall I find it harder and harder to focus when it sounds so similar.
The appendix part at the end is pretty much copy-paste from the other books, some including less than others, some new ones showing up, but not much new is added.
The appendix part at the end is pretty much copy-paste from the other books, some including less than others, some new ones showing up, but not much new is added.
August 22, 2019
This was a good book on how to refocus our mind when we tend to get lost in negative thought patterns. I did find that it could have done with detailing more some of the principles. It felt like it was scratching the surface at times but I'm even more eager now to read more on the subject. I'd say it's a good introductory book.
June 4, 2019
There were some beautiful quotes and some very good ideas about how to reframe anger and inconvenience into opportunities to practice patience and acceptance. Some of the ideas presented relied too heavily on a belief in a literal reincarnation/afterlife for me to find them useful.
March 22, 2023
This book! It's like a mirror. It really gave me a whole new way to look at things and an amazing perspective on my problems. I also thought I was a relatively patient person, but now I see I was just not shrieking at people. This book has made such a difference. I will read it again may times.
July 3, 2024
Excelente libro para acercarse por primera vez a la tradición del budismo Kadampa. Corto, contiene conceptos básicos y un glosario y sugerencias de estudio si se desea seguir el camino de estudio Kadampa.
April 13, 2025
Very short and easy to read. simple truths on anger, patience, compassion and not being retaliatory. Goes along with my 4 week cycle of my meditation class- my teacher has been pulling from this book. lots to underline and go back to.
October 23, 2016
After finishing a course based on this book I decided to purchase it. I found the book disappointing and had expected a lot more of it.
January 8, 2023
Imprescindible. Te cambia la vida.
January 20, 2024
Extraordinary
June 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews