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Summary: Very Informative
Review: I liked the book, HH talked about what are the causes of sorrow.. like... anger, sexual misconduct, etc. And we can eventually control out inner enemy.. by just adhering to his advice. You know sometimes we cannot control thoughts... as to thoughts control us... I found the 4th chapter very informative..and Appendix chapter.. which says Compassion is Key to everything.. It was basically juice for the book for me. I have to confess that I didn't understand the concept of emptiness.. and how that compares to Liberation..maybe in down the line I will.. And sometimes vocabulary for me for little out there.. but Hey that is how we learn. =)
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Summary: An introduction to buddhism from its compassionate source.
Review: In reading this book I gained a deep appreciation for the Buddha's teachings on the four noble truths, and now pursue learning about Buddhism with excited impatience. This desire produced from its reading encompases the best of what can be expected from a reader, particularly when seeking spiritual development. However, what makes me recommend this book so highly is the feeling of joy produced by the manner in which it is written. The Dalai Lama speeks with compassion and empathetic reason while imparting complex knowledge of Buddhism to a general reader. I love the Dalai Lama.
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Summary: DALAI LAMA'S WISDOM SHINES
Review: In this series of audio tapes His Holiness brings home the principles of emptiness and our journey through samsara in a way that is clear and precise. Even listening to the Dalai Lama's teachings in Tibetan (translated into English by his interpreter) sparks a great peace in one's heart through the joy and wisdom with which he shares these great truths. I have listened to the entire series a number of times and find myself excited about the day at hand each time I listen to one tape or part of one. The compassion with which The Teacher shares the idea of what causes suffering and how to be liberated from the cycle of suffering causes one to understand how the life dedicated to bodhichitta can result in the attainment of buddhahood and the desire to share with dharma with others...this is a series that is worth eternally more than monatery considerations.....
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Summary: Inspiring, comprehensive, easy to understand
Review: In this small book His Holiness the Dalai Lama presents a completely comprehensive, easy to understand explanation and discussion on The Four Noble Truths, which are the foundation of the Buddhist teaching. Yet the book transcends religious beliefs and is actually a book on living happily and peacefully no matter what one's beliefs are. This book, therefore, is for anyone and everyone who is interested in living a more peaceful life. His Holiness explains the most complex issues of human existence in a form that is so simple anyone can understand. He readily gives examples and compassionately faces all alternative arguments to the issues. Everything makes sense. He includes a complete glossary and recommendations for further reading. The last chapter focuses on compassion, complementing the teaching on The Four Noble Truths, and beautifully illustrates how the teachings can be applied to daily life. One completes the reading with no unanswered questions and a profound feeling of peace. It is an inspiring, uplifting, informative little book that will be read over and over again. PS: Great for gift giving too.
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Summary: ---- A Response from the director
Review: Just a brief response to the previous review: From time to time in the editing of the video I had to weigh the ability of an english speaking audience to tolerate long periods of Tibetan. Consequently, a FEW of His Holiness' lenghty explications were contracted - but never to mere seconds. Indeed, Thubten Jimpa, the translator, often expanded on His Holiness' words, adding elaborations for the English speaking audience. I might add that I find it interesting that these minor contractions, that the vast majority of people will never notice, would produce impatience in Mr. Wong - the precise opposite effect that was their intention - instead of a contemplation on the subject of the Video - the Four Noble Truths.
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Summary: Best overview of Buddhist thought per page.
Review: The most concrete, coherent, and complete "overview" of Buddhist thought as it applies in contemporary life in both the Eastern and Western worldviews. The wonderfully warm personality of His Holiness radiates throughout.
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Summary: Patience Needed In Watching These Videos
Review: The whole videos would be better if the translator had adhered to a near 1:1 ratio of the original words by His Holiness Dalai Lama and the translator's translation. Instead when HHDL talked for short seconds, the translator would talk for long minutes making me wonder if the translator was translating HHDL spoken words or was attempting to read HHDL's mind and unspoken words. Hence watching these videos require enormous patience. However, the best consolation from these videos is the person His Holiness Dalai Lama himself, who brings out a warm and comfortable feeling. END
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Summary: Words From A Master
Review: These videos are a documentary of teachings on The Four Noble Truths presented by H.H. the Dalai Lama at Barbicon Hall in London, with a translator on hand to help act as a go-between in the exchange. The Dalai Lama, as just about all Buddhist masters would agree, feels that The Four Noble Truths are the core of all of Buddhism. They are: 1. We suffer, not only active anguish but wide-ranging dissatisfaction and unease. 2. The origin of this suffer is our clinging, desire and attachments. 3. There is an End to suffering. 4. That pathway out of suffering is the Eightfold Path. Robert Thurman, America's foremost scholar on Tibetan Buddhism at Columbia University, introduces the Four Noble Truths here. The Dalai Lama strikes a chord within all of us on this film with his succinct marking out of the Buddhist path of freedom, self-control, and compassion. I offer you a short review because of course the Dalai Lama will explain it all for you! Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent discourse on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy
Review: These videos provide an excellent insight into both the philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism as well as a great introduction to the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader and as a regular person. I really enjoyed it. Real food for thought!!
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