Rating: 
Summary: I prefer the Dalai Lama in person.
Review: I have always followed the Dalai Lama - movies, tapes, live appearances etc. I have always enjoyed his teachings, so I thought I'd try a book. However, I found this book to be too intellectual. I felt it was work to read it. I prefer the Dalai Lama in person.At the same time I ordered a book on amazon called "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work" by Ariel & Shya Kane. It was fun and easy to read. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 
Summary: Practical wisdom for a spiritual revolution!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling and sincere
Review: Despite being a book by the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, this is not a religious work. Nor is it spiritual or a plea to act against the miserable state of Tibet. It is as void of pretence as a scientific book on ethics. Well, which is what it is: a scientific, sociologic book on ethics. But the Dalai Lama manages to make more from it. He is teaching the reader on his subject, not by preaching or swaying, but purely by illustrating and logic. He doesn't use easy language the entire time, nor does he put everything in metaphor or make a thrilling story of it. Yet, there is something between the lines of exposition with which he manages to instil on the reader that he speaks words of wisdom and truth. I could find only one word that describes this text accurately: convincing. This is the sort of book that, upon finishing, needs to be read again - purely out of angst that the lesson you have just received, might dissipate with time. It leaves you feeling that with a little patience and devotion, you will be a happier, warmer person. This book needs no preaching or swaying, this book will make you stand up and act out of own impulse. And get this: it will work too. This book gets five stars. Bram Janssen,
The Netherlands
Rating: 
Summary: Wise advice
Review: How can we be happy in today's materialistic, competitive world? Not by amassing more wealth and possessions, according to the Dalai Lama. He recommends that we focus on internal, spiritual issues: we need to recognize our connectedness with all human beings, learn to restrain anger and other negative thoughts and emotions, and develop patience and compassion for others. For the way to be happy is by being a good, ethical person. This is useful advice that can help anyone who takes it seriously. But self-change is difficult; considerable effort is required. Getting ahead by pulling other people down is widely accepted in our society, and I'm afraid those who most need the Dalai Lama's advice may be the least likely to read this book and follow his teachings. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold.
Rating:
Summary: A book for the ages; One of the most insighful works of all
Review: Mere words cannot describe the influence this book will have on our society. Simply because it already has had a positive effect with me. If the Dalai Lama hoped for at least one reader to listen and understand, he has. I have been a student of philosophy, psyhcology, religion, history, current events, and any other body of knowledge that is stimulating. This book discusses all of those bodies. He is not imposing his moral values on the reader. He is not trying to convert the reader to Buddhism. His goal, I believe, is that humanity, or at least a few people, will become Aware of the path societies are headed. We are all part of the whole. We all have a universal responsibility. The Dalai Lama's ideas for a better world, idealistic by his own admission, make sense. I believe it is possible. Perhaps, humanity needs a wakeup call for this to happen, but the potential is there. The Dalai Lama is one of the most straight-forward, empathic, tolerant, loving human beings. Let us all at least listen to what this fellow human has to say. It will get you thinking, that is for sure- about yourself and the world around you.
Rating:
Summary: The tradition continues
Review: Simple, straight forward argument for compassion and tolerance, the christian protestant or catholic, the atheist, the jew or gentile can or rather shouldn't have any problem with this. Lovely and uplifting read.
Rating:
Summary: A Potentially Life and World Changing Experience
Review: This is in the top 5 of my favorite books. The Dalai Lama masterfully articulates some of the most important principals that are set forth by the Buddhist religion into understandable everyday language. When these principals are applied to one's life the effects are dramatic and carry incredible impact. He makes a point of the fact that this life is a journey and that we must continually be mindful of these principals. He quite skillfully is able to breakdown what can sometimes seem like a hectic and empty existance into very simply understood terms. Pointing out that all humans have two main desires; to acheive happiness and avoid suffering. He goes on to give seemingly simplistic, but often overlooked guidelines in order to acheive these two main desires. He links many of these thoughts with superb logical reasoning. Empathy is a main theme and the book does a wonderfull job stressing this eternally important principle. You will not regret reading this book!
Rating:
Summary: A Simple and Persuasive Discourse on How to Live
Review: Honestly, who's going to give the Dalai Lama less than five stars? Few people in history have been more admired or deserved more respect. This man has been forcibly removed from his homeland and stood helplessly by as it has been systematically raped by China. Through it all, he has never wavered from the fundamental precepts of Buddhist teaching. He has shown nothing but compassion and respect to his oppressors and is rightly venerated by a world community in awe of his forbearance and strength of character. The Dalai Lama is a remarkable example and when he speaks about ethics, people listen. Fortunately, I can give him five stars and maintain my intellectual integrity, because this is an excellent book. It is a simple and open discourse about how to develop and follow a moral compass in the modern world. With lucid and earnest language, the Dalai Lama outlines the fundamental ideas of a system of ethics based on compassion and the cultivation of constructive emotions. The ideas in this book are not new. They amount to a principle that has become so time-worn that it has almost (unfortunately) cliché. To make the world and more peaceful and loving place, start with yourself. No magic here. But from a Nobel Peace laureate with such stature, the cliché is transformed. These principles, coming from the pen of this man, demand to be listened to. This book is an excellent guide to the "right" way to live, as well as a meaningful non-sectarian introduction to the tenets of Buddhist morality. It is also a persuasive appeal for each and every one of us to foster moral discipline, compassion and respect within ourselves. If you have not been exposed to the Dalai Lama's writings, this book good place to start. If you have, this book is among the most commendable of his works.
Rating:
Summary: Non-technical but non-trivial
Review: According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama - Ethics for the New Millennium is not a spiritual book. However, what is clear is that his conclusions and recommendations come from a long history of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana is one of the two main vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism. In this sense, his message is a universal rather than a personal one. In this book, His Holiness speaks to larger social and moral issues. "My aim has been to appeal for an approach to ethics based on universal rather religious principles (xiii)." The Dalai Lama has used this approach for this book because as far as his powers of observation tell him, humanity has turned their back on traditional religions (the classical mode for ethical considerations) but nonetheless seek happiness in a world gone out of control. Despite the book not being a drastic departure from any of his previous work, it does cover issue that he has not dealt with prior to this one - issues of bioethics and excessive materialism. In this book, he is open and comes across, as folk - just folk with everyday concerns and human needs - like his thoughts about his mundane attachment to his watch. The whole book is written in a simple and almost conversational tone is clearly aimed at a large audience. A far cry from the more technical books such as Path to Bliss, The Art of Happiness, The Meaning of Life form a Buddhist Perspective and even Kindness, Clarity and Insight on religion and meditation and more in tune with his autobiographical pieces like Freedom in Exile and My Land and My People, this book shines as a testament to a man who truly love humanity. As a point of method, the almost step-by-step approach lends itself to a friendly guru, of which is perhaps one of the more visible of his many personae to the western world. What is really important to take away from this book is his use of Tibetan roots and his transforming then into everyday language - making the issues and possible solutions accessible to the ordinary (as in non-technical) reader. Miguel Llora
Rating:
Summary: A Call to Spiritual Awakening
Review: This book was written at the time of the change from the 20th to the 21st Century. The Dalai Lama used the change to the new Millenium as a call to ethical and spiritual reflection and to an awakening to a new, informed inner life. The book is eloquent and compelling. The Dalai Lama's command of English is somewhat limited, and the text undoubtedly was subject to substantial editing. But the sincerity and power of the book shines through, as does the Dalai Lama's modesty. It is something of a rarity for a book to sound the call to spiritual renewal while refusing to proselytize or to promote a specific creed. The Dalai Lama promises repeatedly that his book is concerned with ethics and spirituality rather than with Buddhist tenents. There is nothing in this book, for example, that even suggests the reader take up a meditiation practice. Although there is a substantial treatment of the difficult Buddhist teaching of Dependent Origination, the Dalai Lama makes good on his word. The book can be read and appreciated by people who are secular -- without a religious faith -- and by those who are committed to a faith tradition other than Buddhism. The Dalai Lama's basic message here, I think, is that all people strive to be happy. In the West, we tend to equate the pursuit of happiness with materialistic success. This goes part of the way to happiness but has difficulties in terms of the anxiety, competitiveness, and insenitiveness to ourselves and others that it creates. The Dalai Lama's answer, in common with much religious and spiritual writing, is to look inward. What is important is how the Dalai Lama elaborates his teaching in this book. The Dalai Lama insists that spiritual renewal requires a commitment to ethical behavior. There are two levels to this. The first, more basic level, is to act in a way that doesn't bring harm. This is a seemingly simple teaching, but one difficult to put in practice in specific situations. The second level is to aim to be other-directed rather than self-directed in one's actions. This means acting with patience, generosity, compassion, nonviolence, empathy, thought for the other person, rather than for oneself. For the Dalai Lama this second level underlies all spirituality and religious traditions and is more fundamental than any metaphysical or faith issues. People can disagree on the latter or not hold any religious position at all. After developing the foundations of what he sees as ethical and spiritual behavior, the Dalai Lama offers suggestions for the individual's redirection of him or herself in terms of restraint, virtue, compassion, and the relief of suffering. Again, I was struck by the modesty of the teaching and by the Dalai Lama's claim that spiritual redirection can be independent of the individual's commitment or lack of commitment to a religous creed. The Dalai Lama emphasizes at one point that "we are not talking about Buddahood here" but rather about how any individual can aim for ethical and spiritual redirection. A chapter in the final section of the book discusses "the role of religion in modern society." The Dalai Lama explains his own commitment to Tibetan Buddhism but insists again that such commitment is unnecessary for the individual to redirect energy to the ethical/spiritual life. In fact, in this book the Dalai Lama discourages religious conversion but urges the reader to remain in his or her own faith and work within it. He maintains that all religions teach the same basic ethical and spiritual precepts while their metaphysical or faith commitments differ. He offers a plea that people from different faith traditions learn that they can learn much from each other while maintaining their own belief system. He reiterates that people shouldn't force themselves to have a religion at all if they are committed to a secular worldview. There is a great deal of wisdom and simplicity in this book. It may be valuable to those who want to consider redirecting or better understanding themselves.
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