- Paperback: 246 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (6 May 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0316914282
- ISBN-13: 978-0316914284
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.7 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
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- #99 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Dalai Lama
Ancient Wisdom; Modern World
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Amazon.co.uk Review
Is it possible to have a workable ethical system without the underpinning of religion? This is a question the Dalai Lama addresses in this very readable book. The two aims we all have in common, whatever our religion, are the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises that we are not moral islands; we have a responsibility for others. The more we seek to increase the happiness and decrease the suffering of others, the more, ultimately, we will also benefit ourselves. This applies in all areas of life. "Thus when we commit ourselves to truth--and thereby to honesty--we help reduce the level of misunderstanding, doubt and fear throughout society. In a small but significant way, we create the conditions for a happy world."
As might be expected, the Dalai Lama draws illustrations from his own life as the spiritual leader and as a refugee from Tibet, and from the stories of other Tibetan Buddhist monks. But he is at pains to point out that this is not a Buddhist book and that he has no desire to convert anyone else to his faith. His answer to the dichotomy of the unique demands of individual religions in a world of religious pluralism is that for each of us, there is one religion which suits our upbringing or temperament best--or even none at all. The teachings of this book are universal. It's a shame that for this book, by one of the world's foremost spiritual leaders, the publishers clearly didn't bother to proof-read the text, which is quite badly marred by grammatical and punctuation errors. Let's hope they tidy up for the paperback. --David V. Barrett
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'An extraordinary story'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In this book the Dalai Lama has given an answer to all of us who have questioned our motivation in life or ever said, "yep, it's a messed up world but what can you do?" Going out of his way to avoid promoting Buddhism or even looking through Buddhist perspective, he confronts even the most sensitive of issues (genetic science, GM food ect.) with compassion, wisdom and an understanding of what it is to be human, where-ever your from, that is without compare outside Shakespeare. I am not one to rave about a book in this manner without reason, but this is one of those books that upon reading it you feel the need to buy it for everyone you know, in the hope that they too may put their copy down feeling happier, wiser, humble yet full of optimism for the future. I urge you to read this book so strongly I cannot find words to express it.
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although I found this a bit slow to get going, with the opening couple of chapters surely rather obvious to most of us in the Western world these days, this is an excellent book. The Dalai Lama carefully puts forward universal principles that can inspire all humanity in the direction of fundamental personal happiness.
Some Buddhist terms are used (e.g. "nying-je" = the supreme emotion of love and compassion, "chi-sem" = universal consciousness), but the author is far more interested in embracing ALL religious and non-religious perspectives. "Whether or not a person is a religious believer does not matter much. Far more important is that they be a good human being". His approach is practical too. There are countless everyday examples of possible moral and ethical choices, with clear observations and comments on the consequences. An awareness of the fundamental interconnectedness of ourselves and those around us is a major theme.
Through the application of moral principles to a very broad range of human experiences, the Dalai Lama inspires a practical, intelligent, spiritual awareness and sense of responsibility in the reader. The approach is balanced, rational and compassionate. Great words to be absorbed and acted upon.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was an excellent read!!! I had expected a book steeped in religious belief but it is highly readable for everyone from all walks of life and religious backgrounds (or not). The Dalai Lama teaches lessons in just being the type of person we all like to be around, you know the type, they make you feel loved and safe, they are trustworthy and gentle. The poem on the last page sums it up beautifully (you'll have to buy it to read it).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Book Condition
Would like to warn customers that apparently ordering a new book means recieving an obviously used book with awful creases all over. Very very disappointed and annoyed. Read more
Published 10 months ago by JessicaRole
One for all
I have always found it hard to believe in 'A God'. Reading this book talked to me of things we all need in this life, and yet are hard to find reference to without having to climb... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sean Richard Edwards
Life enrichment
A warm basic book of mental guidance and enlightenment refreshingly
free of religious cant and dogma.
free of religious cant and dogma.
Published on 4 May 2010 by adelsman
Finding inner peace and happiness
An excellent and practical book on seeking inner peace and happiness without religion.Perfect for helping with a desperate need of the materialistic 21st century,
which is not... Read more
which is not... Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2010 by Mr. Richard M. Keen
Excellent read
Excellent read for anyone looking to explore the ethics and values of the past and their adaption, application and relevance for the present day.
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by Satpal
AMAZING BOOK
I am not religious at all but I do believe in being in harmony with the world and each other. This book makes so much sence and is very inspiring. Read more
Published on 25 Jan 2005 by Carol Jordan
It really IS so good
Although it seems redundant to add another voice to this chorus of praise I cannot resist doing it: this book really IS so good. Read more
Published on 8 Nov 2003 by "elisabeth1580"
Well presented solutions for the improvement of society.
The Dalai Lama clearly puts forward some solutions to the problems we face in the modern society of the "developed world". Read more
Published on 15 Aug 2001 by jonathan@gilpin.org
An excellent read spirit lifting and encouraging.
What jumps out from this book is the sincerity it is written with. The Dalai Lama writes with a feeling and honesty that is not always evident in modern text. Read more
Published on 19 Dec 2000
A very sincere and thought-provoking book about you.
It takes a great deal of wisdom to write a book about the problems of modern life and culture. It usually ends in most readers shrugging the author off as being too idealistic, or... Read more
Published on 10 May 2000 by l.howse@lancaster.ac.uk
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