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Summary: Helped me get happier about life
Review: This book along with other books from many different people helped my get through tough times easier.
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Summary: To Practice Peace and Kindness
Review: This book by H.H. the Dalai Lama may be read by those wishing an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and by those wishing to begin or develop their practice.The Dalai Lama attempts to answer the basic question: "How can people be happy?" His answer outlines a path of spiritual growth and practice. Although based upon Tibetan Buddhism, there is wisdom in the book for anybody seeking spiritual growth, within or without any specific religious practice. The book consists of six short sections. It begins with a brief discussion of the life of the Buddha which, as the Dalai Lama points out, encompasses the basic teachings of the Buddhist path: morality, concentrated meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama then explains the basis of each teaching in short chapters. It is good that the book gives its focus to moral practice -- curing anger, lust, hatred, and agression and wishing well to oneself and others. Chapter III of the book discusses meditation practices and will introduce the beginner to the value of meditation and to several meditation techniques. The Dalai Lama stresses the need for consistent practice and for patience and for the need of controlling one's expectations. There are several chapters which discuss the difficult but key Buddhist teaching of independent origination. Much of this material the Dalai Lama also covers in an earlier book called "The Meaning of Life." There is a concluding section on Tantra, a uniquely Tibetan practice. I think it is better for the average person to remain with the practices of morality and concentration described earlier in the book. Some of the unique features of this book are the Dalai Lama's anecdotes of his life in Tibet before the Chinese Invasion of 1950 and of his teachers. There is a substantial discussion of sexuality in the book and of how it may be used (and abused) in the search for peace and kindness. (pages 192-196) There is a translation of the Heart Sutra, a key Buddhist text with a commentary by the Dalai Lama. (159-163) I found the Dalai Lama's concluding paragraph captures much of the tenor and the value of this book (page 223): "Though my own knowledge is limited and my experience is also very poor, I have tried my best to help you understand the full breadth of the Buddha's teaching. Please implement whatever in these pages appears to be helpful. If you follow another religion, please adopt whatever might assist you. If you do not think it would be helpful, just leave it alone."
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Summary: Creating Peace of Mind
Review: This book demonstrates how ordinary daily activities can become a form of spiritual practice. It explains there are two basic ways to create happiness: External and internal. By obtaining material goods we find satisfaction externally. Through internal development, we develop even greater happiness. This book teaches that developing peace of mind helps us manifest both types of happiness. I also highly recommend a book of Buddhist wisdom titled 'Open Your Mind, Open Your Life' by Taro Gold, which is a great companion book to the works of the Dalai Lama.
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Summary: A great Introduction
Review: This book is an excellent place to start on your path to enlightenment. It would be really hard to write an entire book comprising of every aspect of Buddhism and H.H. Dalai Lama did not intend to write a comprehensive book upon writing this. I usually look for more comprehensive guides when purchasing books on subjects new/unfamiliar to me, but this book was a great place to start in understanding the mindset of a peaceful and happy Tibetan Buddhist. He shows the way by example in his writing as his joy flows from page to page in clear and easy to understand writing. I highly advise purchasing, 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism", as well as this book to anyone unfamiliar with Buddhism, as, "The Complete ....", describes the different Buddhist sects and ways. "How To Practice," can however be read on its own as well which is what I did prior to dipping into deeper fundamentals of Buddhism.
The best aspect of this book is that the way in which it was written applies to anyone, (I.E.- Christians, Etc). H.H. Dalai Lama writes and even tells readers of different faiths how particular teaching can be applied in their faiths and lives as well.
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Summary: I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ARN'T BUYING THIS BOOK!!!
Review: This is your Bible, guys and gals. The Dali Lama is the most
well-adjusted man since Gandhi. ... He has never created an instruction manual before. This is the instruction manual. Now, for the first time, you don't have to have a teacher. You can help generate world peace now. You do know about the ripple effect. That by being peaceful, it affects the actions of your family. And that in turn affects the actions of your neighborhood. If the Dali Lama created a book for all people to follow.
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Summary: Dalai should spread his message to corporate America
Review: What an interesting man. His ascetic lifestyle should be a lesson to all of us in America, that we are over consumers, we over emphasize material wealth and comparing ourselves to others. We are all the same deep in side, and America's greed for money and power is a little bit too much. The Dalai is refreshing.
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