Rating: 
Summary: Ever Suckers
Review: Rather like dancing in a new club to strange music you've always avoided, there is always a bit of shame involved in coming to terms with yourself. And it's almost a cliche that this is what Eastern Philosophy does to us out here in the West. Nevertheless, within 30 pages, the Dalai Lama has created with precise and accessible language, a framework for understanding those things that seem ever to torment us: the divide between religion and spirituality, the mystery of causation and existence, the quandries of material progress and scientific achievement amid depression, stress and anxiety. You'd hardly believe such things could be negotiated so quickly and effortlessly, but that is a Western sucker's bet, and this genius of a man has done that and so much more. I hesitate to give any further clues as to what he writes so clearly. Yet I can assure you that upon completing this book you will feel so much more a part of the world of humanity, that you might even be ashamed at your previous distance. That sounds hokey, for sure. But then isn't there always something reassuring about the hokey? I loved this book. Now I feel like going out and dancing with strangers.
Rating: 
Summary: The discipline of a practical spirituality
Review: The Dalai Lama proposes a spiritual revolution. This I found interesting. I found even more interesting his definition of spiritual: "Thus spiritual practice involves, on the one hand, acting out of concern for others' well-being. On the other, it entails transforming ourselves so that we become more readily disposed to do so." The Dalai Lama points to a neglect of our "inner dimension" as the fundamental cause of the disharmony of our societies. And so this book, and his call for a spiritual revolution, is a "call for a radical reorientation away from our habitual preoccupation with self. It is a call to turn toward the wider community of beings with whom we are connected, and for conduct which recognises others' interests alongside our own." He is not claiming that all we need to do is to cultivate spiritual values and then these societal problems will automatically disappear. He acknowledges the need for specific solutions to each of our problems, but "when this spiritual dimension is neglected, we have no hope of achieving a lasting solution" Reading his wisdom and his clarity on matters that I intuit, but can't speak of with such certainty, brought a sense of relief and peace. It is an easy read, in the sense that his language is simple and clear, but it is tough in that he reminds us of the discipline and commitment it takes to develop our character and disposition to act out of concern for others, and make the rest of our life as meaningful as possible.
Rating:
Summary: A Most Timely Book
Review: These days when we've got Christian fundamentalists trying to convert us to their way of thinking or taking control via the election system, it is so incredibly refreshing to read the Dalai Lama's words of compassion and love and tolerance for others. He does not wish to convert. That is not his agenda. He is considered the 14th incarnation of the BUDDHA OF COMPASSION and that tells one a whole lot right there. His agenda, if he has one, is to help his persecuted people in Tibet and maybe help the rest of us find a way to lead better lives despite all of our surface differences. Just imagine what the evening news would be like if we all adopted those principles and really tried to live each day by them, regardless of our religious or non-religious affiliations?
Rating:
Summary: An extremely important book that should be widely read
Review: Those familiar with the Dalai Lama's writings will see much that is familiar here. The concept and practice of compassion is presented as the foundation of ethics, and there is a great deal of discussion of how to implement a compassionate (and therefore ethical) lifestyle. However, this book should be very carefully read because there is a lot more to it than that. It is easy, given the Dalai Lama's easy, conversational style of writing, to miss some very, very important concepts. Nearly every page of this book offers a startling insight - but you have to take your time, slow down, and notice what is being said. It is well worth the time. One critical point is raised in the book that I wish had been explored in greater detail. The Dalai Lama expresses the opinion that the dominant culture of "unlimited economic growth" is a serious problem for all of us, both on a personal and societal level. Unfortunately, the unlimited economic growth model is something that is rarely, if ever, questioned today. Companies make money, and so do their shareholders, by growing - by selling more cars, more oil, more land, more whatever than they did last quarter. If they don't, the stock price goes down and heads roll. The problems with this economic model are so obvious in terms of the damage it inflicts on the planet and us as its inhabitants - yet we seem unable to even recognize it as a problem. This book deals with serious problems. It forces us to look at our assumptions and behaviors as individuals and as a society. Yet it does so in a way that is ultimately hopeful - the Dalai Lama is apparently a born optimist. And I would feel a lot more optimistic myself if only there was more than one of him.
Rating:
Summary: Looking for some inner peace?
Review: I love the way the Dalai Lama writes. "Ethics for a New Millennium" reads beautifully and quite accessibly. I did have to put the book down once in a while though to fully take in the implications of what the Dalai Lama has written. This book is about ethics which the Dalai Lama thinks are important for all humans in our wish and quest to be happy and to avoid suffering. The book is not about magical solutions or about Buddhism (no magic, no mystery, as he puts it). However, a number of Buddhist concepts are explained in the book, because it seems the Dalai Lama cannot find their exact equivalents in Western thought. In the first chapter, the Dalai Lama critiques Western civilisation in the most lucid and convincing ways. He speaks of the anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration that plague Western people's minds and causes them to suffer mentally and emotionally even though they live in relative comfort and technological advance. To his mind, this gap between outer appearance and inner reality implies confusion regarding morality and what it constitutes. The Dalai Lama does not dispute the importance of Scientific enquiry but if we were to go to a nuclear physicist, he says, and say: "I am facing a moral dilemma, what should I do?", he or she would suggest we look elsewhere for an answer. Science is unable to tell us how we ought to act in a moral sense. The Dalai Lama calls for a spiritual revolution. The essence of this spiritual call is acting out of concern for the well-being of others. But it also entails changing ourselves so that we become more readily disposed to do so. Thus, in essence, he calls for compassion, a lot of it. But why? Why should I become compassionate? Because by becoming so, I become more at peace with myself, happier, less prone to suffering. However, it is not easy to become compassionate overnight. So, he recommends a number of ethics that can help us so that we become more readily disposed to show compassion. The first ethic is Restraint; and to put this quite vividly, I shall use an example he gave: the undisciplined mind is like an elephant! If left to blunder around without control, it will wreak havoc. But the best description was that if we do not restrain our selfish, negative thoughts, we effectively alienate ourselves from ourselves! The second ethic is Virtue; this is quite simply really. Just give lots of love, be patient and tolerant, forgive, and be humble! That's all. No seriously, there are a couple of tips to help you do that. The third ethic is Compassion. This is a kind of motivational goal; a higher spiritual state in which compassion arises without any effort, is unconditional, undifferentiated, and universal in scope. The book extends to beyond these three ethics to societal ethics, and it also contains a chapter on Peace and Disarmament. Also, the early part of the book dwells on the nature of our consciousness. This is the first book I have read by the Dalai Lama and is probably not going to be the last. If you're searching for some inner peace, I certainly don't think this book would harm it. But try not to read it all in one go!
Rating:
Summary: A beacon of hope for a better world
Review: This is the latest of books written for the general public by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Forced to flee his homeland in 1959 when China invaded Tibet, he has lived in exile in India ever since, and has been exposed to other religions and the modern world. This book has one simple message: compassion for others is the key to saving the world. A person doesn't have to be religious to do this. Indeed, there have been many abuses in history by people professing to follow one religion or other. The message he brings, however, is directly to individuals and it is call to move away from self-centeredness and care about others. The book is a beacon of hope because it makes the reader feel that a better world is possible. He recognizes also that we are not perfect, but holds up the concept as these ethical values as a goal to aspire to. Its all about basic human goodness and striving to be a better person. The way to enjoy this book is just to get into the flow of it. It's not an easy book to read because it lacks a lot of anecdotes. There is no dialog. And the paragraphs all seem the same size and say essentially the same thing. It is easy to be bored. But the message is so important that is it is worthwhile pushing on, feeling the tone of his words, and his message which, essentially, is the way to save the world.
Rating:
Summary: An uplifting, intellectual work
Review: This is only the second book I have read by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and I could not put this one down! While it is recognized that what is being discussed in this book is really nothing new, the Dalai Lama has presented the ideas in such a way as to make them seem new. And yes, while the book does contain a Buddhist flavor despite the attempt to stay away from any particular religious thought, one still should applaud the effort. And that is another item that makes this book so refreshing - the ability to discuss spiritual (not religious) and/or ethical concepts without the narrow-minded approach of My-Way-Is-The-Only-Way. I think that this presentation is especially important for US culture. We need to get away from the self-centered "Me" way of thinking, and move towards "We." To stop being so selfish and start taking other people into account. You don't need a bible or someone shouting from a pulpit to tell you how to be kind and giving. It's a part of our human nature, and it's a bit of common sense thinking.
Rating:
Summary: Compassion is all we need
Review: Ethics for the New Millennium calls for a conscious revolution in order to bring about world peace. The Dalai Lama's wonderful optimism shines forth as he paints a picture of civilization of compassion and true love for our fellow humans. But this is not a hollow sermon with only the hope of peace held out in front of us. It is instead a prescription for beginning the long journey toward converting ourselves to fuller, happier human beings. Through personal stories and experiences the Dalai Lama shows us the way to re-think our position in the world. Despite protestations to the contrary though, the Buddhist philosophy and teaching is pervasive throughout. Yet there is never a lack of respect for other spiritual paths. A path is set before us with definitions for Ethics of: Restraint, Virtue, Compassion, and Suffering. We are given a clear understanding of the role ethics plays in society. World religions are taken to task for providing yet another reason for propagating hate and/or separating ourselves from others. We are also left with an appeal for - "Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are: ultimately these are all we need."
Rating:
Summary: Are we not our brother /sister¿s keeper?
Review: The Dalai Lama challenges us to be loving and compassionate to all persons. To live life daily without judging one another. To live simply, so that one does not need to feel anxious about many things. To let go of pettiness and look at the bigger picture. In the movie "Casablanca" (set during WWII) in the last scene, Humphrey Bogart says to Ingrid Bergman's husband, Paul Henreid, I will paraphrase: "Our lives that encompasses the three of us is small compared to the needs of the world". St. Francis of Asissi also leaves us with his legacy, of love and peace. "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me". Even though we are a small voice in a loud world, every one of us can make a difference by following these universal truths that the Dalai Lama and other prophets have practiced.
Rating:
Summary: The road to happiness
Review: Put the needs of others before yourself. This is the key point that is stressed in this book. For the past five years or so, I've put myself through tremendous mental and emotional stress - trying to be overly competitive in the workplace, focused on making as much money as possible, and achieving numerous material possessions such as a nice house and car. While I've been successful at achieving these things, I've also been incredibly unhappy. In the first chapter of this book, the Dalai Lama describes his perception of Western Life - that the pursuit of selfish material gains often leads to mental and emotional stress (precisely my predicament). Although many of the concepts in this book are both simple and obvious, I believe anyone can learn to become a better person by following the guidelines presented in the text - and hopefully become happier as well.
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