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: Thinking that could change the world
Review: In these days of blame-mongers, moral relativity and self-interest, the humble message of this book resonates. The Dalai Lama presents a real-world message; not some kind of ivory towered fantasy of shiny happy people that I was half expecting. The Dalai Lama does not pretend that humans are naturally benevolent and philanthropic. His thesis focuses upon the age-old "pursuit of pleasure/avoidance of pain" incentive embedded in our psyche. The needs of a healthy society, he postulates, are dependent upon all of us living our lives with others in mind. That, and the fact that living ethically satisfies our personal values system of basic morality. I found the concept of divorcing spirituality from religiousity to be exceptionally refreshing. He does mention his Buddist beliefs, but maintains that all religions have merit; a concept frequently missed by a great number of religious writers. The book is sparked with wry humor and anecdotes that made me feel like I was listening to a kindly old grandpa telling parables to children. Not exactly the voice one might expect from a spiritual and political leader. The pace of the book does meander, but in a charming kind of way, like a nice scenic drive. I think this book should be required reading for high school kids, world leaders, teachers, parents, CEOs and well, OK - every literate person on the face of the earth. I plan to buy a couple more copies and send them to my friends and family!
Rating:
Summary: Honesty and simplicity to calm the racing mind.
Review: Don't let the simplicity of this book overshadow the power of its message: "When the driving force of our actions is wholesome, our actions will tend automatically to contribute to others' well-being. They will thus automatically be ethical." With the courage to point out that religion is not a requirement for ethical behavior, the Dalai Dama discusses virtue, compassion, and our spiritual connection to the world. He does so as a simple and honest man without holding himself as holier than anyone else. Describing how humans can make a constructive difference on the planet, he appeals to people to tap their highest potential and to go for their personal goodness, despite the social currents that discourage one from doing so. This is a book about discovering your ethics rather than just acting out cultural norms. If you appreciate simplicity of style and communication based on real substance, allow me to also recommend "WORKING ON YOURSELF DOESN'T WORK" by Ariel and Shya Kane. In an age of widespread doubt, these two books are refreshing reminders that the principles underlying a fulfilling life are both simple and practical.
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.
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