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The Dalai Lama is the most influential person in the world --Time magazine
A symbol of serenity, a spiritual leader second only to the Pope --Independent
He draws crowds that no other spiritual leader or politician could hope to match...he seems to look at life in a different way to everyone else
-- The Times
A symbol of serenity, a spiritual leader second only to the Pope --Independent
He draws crowds that no other spiritual leader or politician could hope to match...he seems to look at life in a different way to everyone else
-- The Times
Book Description
Now available in paperback, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's important and accessible handbook on how to live a meaningful life
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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well-written and inspiring guide to practising Buddhism, with practical steps to take such as meditations, prayer, actions to take or avoid, and things to think about during your day. However, because it is an introduction to more or less all of Buddha's teachings, and all the steps to enlightenment, be prepared for a challenge! The book begins with explanations of Buddhist morality, and how to meditate. Then later chapters of the book focus on Buddhist wisdom, such as the extremely complex concept of 'emptiness'. Furrowed brows are guaranteed. As another reviewer pointed out, Douglas Adams referred to this concept as 'Simultaneous tea and no tea'. I love that analogy, but I still don't understand it really!
Fortunately, the Dalai Lama does not expect us to truly understand these philosophical concepts until we have practised morality and meditation for many years, but they are included so that the book can serve as a complete overview of the Buddhist path to Enlightenment. I recommend this book if you wish to commit yourself to Tibetan Buddhism, and wish to know where you may be going, and the basic steps of how to get there.
Encouragingly, the Dalai Lama regularly assures us that this stuff is not easy, and at the end of the book, he says that we should only do that which we feel would help us, particularly if we are from different faiths. This is an example of the kindness and understanding of the author of the book.
As well as having this book as an encouraging overview and reference, I recommend books by Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a Zen Buddhist monk. Choose a title that appeals to you, as I have yet to read a book by him that is not excellent. They are beautifully and clearly written, and concentrate more on mindfulness. In this way, you can get the benefit of two schools of Buddhist thought. For further explanations of the concepts introduced in 'How to Practise', I would recommend The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
(NB - I would personally avoid books by Kelsang Gyatso, even though they seem to have glowing reviews. Gyatso is the leader of a Buddhist sect, that some have called a cult. Also, his books just aren't very good.)
Fortunately, the Dalai Lama does not expect us to truly understand these philosophical concepts until we have practised morality and meditation for many years, but they are included so that the book can serve as a complete overview of the Buddhist path to Enlightenment. I recommend this book if you wish to commit yourself to Tibetan Buddhism, and wish to know where you may be going, and the basic steps of how to get there.
Encouragingly, the Dalai Lama regularly assures us that this stuff is not easy, and at the end of the book, he says that we should only do that which we feel would help us, particularly if we are from different faiths. This is an example of the kindness and understanding of the author of the book.
As well as having this book as an encouraging overview and reference, I recommend books by Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a Zen Buddhist monk. Choose a title that appeals to you, as I have yet to read a book by him that is not excellent. They are beautifully and clearly written, and concentrate more on mindfulness. In this way, you can get the benefit of two schools of Buddhist thought. For further explanations of the concepts introduced in 'How to Practise', I would recommend The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
(NB - I would personally avoid books by Kelsang Gyatso, even though they seem to have glowing reviews. Gyatso is the leader of a Buddhist sect, that some have called a cult. Also, his books just aren't very good.)
30 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Like most of the books the Dalai Lama has authored, this book serves as an introduction to the buddhist religious path. To really proceed in your quest for enlightenment, you need a living master -in person. However, this is a good substitute because it takes you by the hand and gives you a real nice overview.
This book is an attempt to clarify the sometimes complex Tibetan approach to Buddhism with its wonderfully simple structure, centered around the three tenets held by all Buddhists, morality, meditation and wisdom. In the morality chapter the Dalai Lama explains why a selfish attitude can't bring real satisfaction in life. He speaks about suffering and dying, and then gives a very special meditation on the actual process of dying.
Essential buddhist meditations are explained, and even the tantric deity mediations are not excluded here. In all, a wonderful book, which is not really suited for absolute beginners ("Open Heart" is an option for you), but more for the spiritual seeker who is already on the path but in need of guidance.
This book is an attempt to clarify the sometimes complex Tibetan approach to Buddhism with its wonderfully simple structure, centered around the three tenets held by all Buddhists, morality, meditation and wisdom. In the morality chapter the Dalai Lama explains why a selfish attitude can't bring real satisfaction in life. He speaks about suffering and dying, and then gives a very special meditation on the actual process of dying.
Essential buddhist meditations are explained, and even the tantric deity mediations are not excluded here. In all, a wonderful book, which is not really suited for absolute beginners ("Open Heart" is an option for you), but more for the spiritual seeker who is already on the path but in need of guidance.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A book that is meaningful to anyone, regardless of faith or spiritual beliefs. HH The Dalai Lama is one of the great teachers and anyone can benefit from a study of this book and its techniques. An answer to a stressful world.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Wisdom from the Dalia lama
Very easy to read work from the man. Good insights and useful for any serious student of this philosophy or religion.
Published 11 months ago by Ponums
An excellent read
A lovely book, well written and clearly explaining the Buddhist approach to live and how to live it in a happy manner. Read more
Published 16 months ago by R. W. Burr
Starting the path to enlightenment
This book is very good if (in this life) you are starting your journey to enlightenment, it offers real guidance, especially in the way it's been laid out, begining with the basic... Read more
Published on 5 April 2006 by J. Little
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