Rating: 
Summary: AWE INSPIRING
Review: I have for a while been looking to make some positive changes in my life and this was the book that helped me do it. It has changed my entire outlook on life, the way I see other people as well as myself. The methods the Dalai Lama presents at first seem simple, too simple, then when you go out and try them you find that not only are they simple, but right on the money. It's good to finally read a book that teaches love, compassion, empathy, gentleness, and kindness. I would recommend this book to anybody.
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Summary: Cross Culture
Review: I have spent much of the last two years completely enveloping myself in study of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Culture. I was a little unsure at first of how I would feel about His Holiness' words being filtered through a psychologist. In the end, I was delighted with the outcome of the book. The Dalai Lama feels it is so important to cross cultural boundaries and promote understanding and peace between cultures and religions. I believe this book does just what the Dalai Lama strives to do. It opens a window into Tibetan Buddhism and Culture and finds a way to cross the boundary into Western skeptical society. I loved that Cutler was so honest about his original views about some of the things the Dalai Lama had to say and how seeing those ideals put into practice, and actually finding psychological study to corroborate these practices, changed his view of what might be considered sentimental idealism. It's a perfect way to bring Tibetan Buddhism out of the esoteric and into the mainstream.
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Summary: A RAY OF SUNSHINE
Review: There is much to savor in the Dalai Lama's words, especially those concering difficulties. He states "it is more sensible to spend energy focusing on the solution rather than worrying about the problem." Another book with words I relish is "WORKING ON YOURSELF DOESN'T WORK" by Ariel and Shya Kane. Their simple, painless approach to enlightenment has opened my eyes and heart to the wonders of my world. I also enjoy the Kanes' audio tapes very much, which I have listened to again and again. Those who read His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's book will find it to be a work of art from cover to cover.
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Summary: Views of the Dalai Lama as seen by American Pop Psychology
Review: When I purchased this book, I was unprepared for the enormous amount of filler provided by Cutler. I get the impression that, were this book truly about the beliefs of the Dalai Lama as gleaned from Cutler's interviews, the book would only be 10-20 pages long. Writen for sale to the mass market, not necessarily out of Cutler's intrinsic interest in the underlying complexity in the Dalai Lama's views per se.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for those on a quest
Review: This was a great intro into concepts of Buddhism. I particularly liked the passages on compassion, shifting perspective and empathy. If you're seeking a way that is not based on rigid doctrine or one that is not riddled with fear/guilt producing reasons to behave a certain way, this may be a good first stop. This path definitely requires a paradigm shift.
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Summary: Rethink your idea of happiness in terms of Tibetan Buddhism
Review: Buddhism has always interested me, however I am not a buddhist. I like to read buddhism books for the philosophies they offer, and this book was certainly an excellent perspective on happiness. While reading this, I continually went 'Oh!' and 'Ah!', and then tried to think from a new perspective. Mind you, it's not the same as changing your beliefs. It's just a new and different way of looking at things. And when i realized that what the Dalai Lama was offering were basic truths, but just the ones that we put away in a closet in our mind to explore when we later have some time in life, I was very happy. Because this book made me realize that I (and I'm sure everyone) has known these things, but never been able to implement them in their lives. Having the Dalai Lama's life as an example certainly helps. His voice in the book is awesome. Not condescending or patronizing. Merely a statement of joy. I'd definitely read this book, if I wanted happiness as a goal in my life. :) Love, peace, light, and laughter.
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Summary: Life Changing
Review: I needed a spiritual boost. I am enjoying the audio book and the teachings of the Dalai Lama is just what I needed. I am experiencing more happiness than I have for a long time. The teaching focus you on what is really important in life as well as key factors to making oneself happy. A must read or listen.
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Summary: Being Happy is Possible!
Review: I enjoyed this book; a little long. I wanted to thank the online reviewer for recommeding this book as well as "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work by Ariel & Shya Kane."I found the Kanes' book to be excellent and easy to read. I have noticed amazing levels of Happiness in my life as a result of reading Working On Yourself Doesn't Work. Being Happy is Possible especially when you don't "work on yourself"!THANKS to the Online Reviewers Again!
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Summary: Un-Happy with deception
Review: I have been unable to finish reading this book; I came to the Amazon reviews thinking "is it me?" and found there are some others who feel as I do. I couldn't read without a troubling thought constantly nagging me. 'Why is this book sold as the Dalai Lama's?' It [appears to be} a fraud - it is prominently Cutler's book. As you read your mind is distracted in figuring out whose words are whose. They are not well indicated by simple things like quotation marks. One can tell, to some degree - the rambling repetitive restatements are Cutler's. Sadly disappointed.
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Summary: Need to enhance your "Tilted, Hectic,Draining Lifestyle"...?
Review: Is it really ALL how we view what is happening to us? The Dalai Lama shows it is. Is that too simplistic, try living it. Simple dosen't apply as much as UNDERSTANDING, Sense of Self, Worth & Our places in the Universe. Is this easy, some parts more than others. Since I truly believe, I have control of How I perceive & react to things happening to me & around me, this book was a confirmation of THE POWER we have. Fear & feeling of being Powerless colors every thing we do. Here is a way to break with those chains, that make us impotent in our lives. One doesn't need to be Buddhist to use the Dalai Lama's words, this work does not interfer with any other doctrine. I think this book will only add to ones life, for every small change adds a slight ripple(improvement)to our ponds. LIFE IS NOT MEANT TO BE STATIC. Blessed be.
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