A Simple Path

by Dalai Lama XIV

The leader of Tibetan Buddhism shares his insights into life and his religion in this colorful gift book designed to introduce Western readers to this warm, spiritual man and the teachings of Buddhism.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), 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 family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.

On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.

After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.

Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.

Reviews

[Literary Chic]

A great, quick overview of Buddhism. Also, the child in me loves the pictures. There are several Thai/monk/mandala pictures included. A very enlightening preview.

[Zachary Paige]

This has become one of my favorite books on Buddhism. It's not an 'overview' book but a focused lecture on the four noble truths. In this regard, however, it was incredibly insightful for me. Each chapter explains in detail what the truth is and what it's place is within the four noble truths. In this way each chapter builds on the chapter before it providing an ever deeper understanding of how to recognize, understand, and through this understanding how to live a life that is in harmony with the four noble truths.

As usual H.H. The Dalai Lama speaks in incredibly concise and simple language making it easy to understand what could otherwise be very difficult philosophical/spiritual ideas. The beautiful full page color photos further break up the text making this a truly delightful read and a great addition to any Buddhist (or non-Buddhist :-) library.

[Shaunesay]

Quite complex for being a simple path. Maybe a little detailed for someone not at all familiar with Buddhism, like myself with an interest but no real knowledge as of yet. beautiful pictures. An interesting discussion, perhaps a book to refer back to at a later time.

[Andrew Sydlik]

Collection of lectures from the Dalai Lama interspersed with beautiful pictures of Buddhist monasteries, figures, and art.
The text is mostly accessible, as he attempts to boil down complex concepts into simple language for the everyday reader. Focuses on the Four Noble Truths, which is the core of Buddhism. After reading this, I felt for the first time I really began to *grasp* what Buddhism is all about, though I have much to learn.

[Melanie]

i learned that i will not be becoming a Buddist but that the Dalai Lama is an amazining man. I plan to read more of what he has written because I think his thoughts can help all of us lead a better life

[James Spencer]

A bit difficult to try to correctly pronounce all the Tibetan and Indian names, but when you look beyond who taught what, the Dalai Lama presents the basics of Buddhism simply and with conviction. I really enjoyed the book, felt compelled to take notes, and will definitely be reading it again.

[Amandapanda1]

I have only read parts of this book but it makes me calm.

[Jessica]

This is a beautiful book. Some sections are hard to follow.

[Ivan Trujillo]

I would like to see number one this book is actually pretty good introduction to the Buddhism religion/practice itself. Also, this is my first time reading about the Dalai Lama and overall he’s a pretty chill dude, so yeah I recommend this book if you wanna pretty simple introduction to the religion.

[Ruby]

Beautiful pictures and a nice overview.

[Caleb Baber]

Way more dense and concise than expected

[Jessica Fyffe]

A good introduction to Buddhism and the four noble truths

[Ann Tracy]

the only dalai lama book that i've read was "the art of happiness" and i loved that book. i read it when it first came out, so it's been a long time. right now in my life, i felt i needed an inspirational book, unfortunately this one didn't do it for me. didn't finish it, it's certainly not as good as "happiness."

[Bonnie]

everyone should read at least one book on buddhism, so that it can stop being used as some kind of cultural shorthand for "happy" or "enlightened."

[Ying]

Buddhism is more a "way of life", rather than a "religion"...more philosophy than theology.
The book is filled with fantastic pictures, with more than a few "ah ha" moments.

[Tracy]

Well written, and great pics to enjoy.

[Heather]

I have been reading this book a little bit each day now. It is truly inspiring and gives great insight to the thoughts of the Dalai Lama

[Philip]

This is a coffee table book somewhere in my house, I pick it up when I need some positive energy. I've enjoyed reading some of the Dalai Lama's writing and have found this book to be a nice read.

[Tara Turner]

Wonderful book by HH DL that exquisitely describes the four noble truths.

[Dorothy Hynous]

I found it very difficult to understand. I rated it high because of 3 very special insights

[suzy]

You can't go wrong with the the Dalai Lama!