Ethics For The New Millennium

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Summary: Ethics for the New Millennium
Review: excellent book, peace of mind.

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Summary: A call to action rather than sedate philosophical agreement
Review: Criticism has been made that most people who most need this book won't read it because they aren't receptive to the message, and I imagine that's true. However, this book's influence goes beyond those who read it and are affected by it, because those people will hopefully be more consistent in behaving ethically, and this will influence many who don't read the book.

Again, this sort of criticism is typical of the type of thinking many have when listening to a sermon or spiritual talk: "Too bad so and so isn't hearing this!" Don't worry about the people not reading it. Read it to get full benefit and allow it to influence your thinking and actions. If you come across a stumbling block, a statement you disagree with, pass over it so that you don't miss more important points.

Of course, this book was written before the events of 9-11-01, and our perspective is bound to have changed since that awful day. Hopefully though, we are still open to respect of political and religious differences. This is the bottom line. We are to use our ability to love so that it extends to all people, even to those who belong to nations who are on bad terms with us.

If you read this book just as a book as philosophy, it will have failed in it's purpose. But if you take the core message to heart and allow yourself to be spurred to resolve and action, it will have succeeded.

Any normal reader will find little loopholes, areas of disagreement, but centering on the larger picture will be more effective by far. Introspection and self examination followed by self discipline are called for along with reaching out to others with love.

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Summary: Use the present well....
Review: In the final chapter of his book, Ethics For the New Millennium, the Dalai Lama encourages all to 'use the present well.' We cannot turn back the clock and fix the past; we cannot predict the future; all we can do is try to live the best and happiest life possible in the here and now.

While not an avid reader of non-fiction, and not overly enthused with supposed 'feel-good,' or 'self-help' books, this was neither. In 'Ethics,' the Dalai Lama has written a fascinating, wonderful, enlightening read. It is neither 'preachy' nor demanding, rather a guiding light of sorts, a hint at how to more easily come by happiness on our own, that we have the power to make our lives of a better quality.

The Dalai Lama is not a healer. He does not possess mystical powers to 'fix' our lives. Neither is he a deity, although a Tibetan Monk living in exile. However, his words of peace and harmony, and a possible method for achieving those in our lives by simply 'using the present well' and 'doing unto others' is a source of inspiration and tranquility.

While occasionally naive in the belief of a deep down desire of all to live a life that is happy and free of suffering, the Dalai Lama's perspective is indeed refreshing. His takes on world events, war, religion, sex, and the daily lives of all people, regardless of race, creed, location, or religious faith, is amazing, perhaps attained in his world travel as a lecturer and provider of spiritual elightenment.

While never pressing the Buddhist belief and way of life, a simple view of it is offered. The suggestion is then made to adapt your own beliefs and values, and religious teachings, into a conscious effort to live your life to its fullest; to treat others around you with dignity and respect, thereby enriching your own life.

Touching upon all aspects of life, how we treat ourselves, how we treat others, and how we treat the earth itself, Ethics For the New Millennium is a wondeful read, and a treatise on happiness that I will draw from for my own peace and serenity for years to come.

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Summary: His Holliness's Best
Review: This is the Dalai Lama at his best. What makes this book remarkable is that Dalai Lama here expresses his views on life in the modern world in secular, stright-forward language, easily accessibly to anyone. This is not a book about Buddhist ethics, but rather a Buddhist monk talking about ethics and spirituality as a human phenomenon, independent of culture or relgious faith. How refreshing it was to hear the Dalai Lama lay out his ethical views without all the esoteric references and abstract commentary (not to downplay the importance of Sutras and their interpretation). Very clear, powerful and cogent. The Dalai Lama's voice shines briliantly off the page. A must read for anybody who gives serious consideration to the most ancient and important question: How shall I behave in this life? No final answers here, but the richness of his thought will bring you closer.

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Summary: Accessible Ethics
Review: There is nothing new in penning an ethical treatise. Bonino, Cobb, Fletcher, Freire, Kung, Niebuhr, Thielicke, Tillich, and seemingly every German theologian with a graduate degree have ruminated on how we ought to live. Their arguments were brilliant, intricate, innovative and often too convoluted to be understood by those who do not hold a theological degree.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given us something new in the field of ethics. He has provided us with a thoroughly accessible system of ethics. More over, His Holiness' writings are as valid for atheists and agnostics as they are for theists. His simple and straight forward system of ethics are as valid for Christians as they are for his co-religionists.

If you long for a better world; if you long for a better self, read His Holiness' offering.

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Summary: best of the best
Review: Most of the books by the Dalai Lama are taped talks. This is a rare book he actually sat down to write. If the criteria is positive change, this is the best book for the greatest audience, ever.

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Summary: Towards an Inner Peace
Review: In April of 2000, I was given the two most precious things in my life, my two chidlren. During the first months of their life, I was able to read this masterpiece and in doing so, it changed my personal and spiritual life forever. As a life long Christian, my views have been dominated by Christ and his teachings. Reading the Dalai Lama's insights have allowed me to explore uncharted waters in terms of my spirituality. While I still hold Christianity dear to me, the ideas of Buddhism have seriously influenced me. The ideas that His Holiness has in terms of peace are so illuminating. After reading this book, I have come to know peace with not only myself, but with the world I live in.

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Summary: One of His Holiness' best
Review: This book was clear and to the point with great advice to people of all faiths (or none at all) on how to live an ethical life full of happiness.

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Summary: Personal, practical and universal
Review: I was pleasantly surprised with this book's honest personal anecdotes, which reveal the Dalai Lama to be a warm human being who admits his flaws. The insights he offers in this book are logical, practical, and universal. They can be applied by people of all walks of life and all religious persuasions - even athiests. If we all were to implement these insights into our lives, the condition of the world would surely improve.

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Summary: Understanding Tibet is to Understnd the Nauture of China
Review: This book is not a religious statement. The Dalai Lama is one of the worlds most pragmatic visionaries. His advice and insights are down to earth, practical and greatly needed. His most important advice may be to never think a problem is to large or that you are to small to help. In short this is a book everyone and anyone should take a look at. It is not about the horrors of Tibet but a simple straight forward world view. Best of all it does not preach and the Dalai Lama counts on his readers being able to think and adapt what he has to say. If you want to know about the terrible problems in Tibet give "Tears of Blood" by Mary Craig or "In Exile From the Land of Snows" by John Avedon a try. Visit www.tibet.com or get a look at the basics on the tibetan situation at www.tibetanphotoproject.com - In Video ask your dealer or get it here: "Windhorse" from New Yorker Video...Finally, once you have the information, get involved and do what you can to help.For starters share what you learn with letters to the editors and your elected representatives.