Product Description

At a time and in a culture where science and technology have taken over from religious belief, when ethics are understood primarily in terms of aesthetic choice or legality, how are we to formulate moral principles to guide us in our daily lives? Though religion can certainly help in this, the Dalai Lama demonstrates that there are universal principles we can draw on which transcend the dilemma of belief or unbelief. And whilst many have been content to speak of spiritual matters as something mysterious or evanescent, the Dalai Lama explains his approach in terms that are as clear and concise as they are compelling. With wit, gentle good sense and with penetrating insight, the Dalai Lama shows how the truths that have stood the test of generations of practise can provide us with the tools to live happy, fulfilled and meaningful lives. In the process, it becomes apparent that he does not merely espouse the 'feelgood' religiosity some accuse him of. The reader is left admiring not just the wisdom of the author, but the wisdom of the culture he represents.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7877 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Is it possible to have a workable ethical system without the underpinning of religion? This is a question the Dalai Lama addresses in this very readable book. The two aims we all have in common, whatever our religion, are the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises that we are not moral islands; we have a responsibility for others. The more we seek to increase the happiness and decrease the suffering of others, the more, ultimately, we will also benefit ourselves. This applies in all areas of life. "Thus when we commit ourselves to truth--and thereby to honesty--we help reduce the level of misunderstanding, doubt and fear throughout society. In a small but significant way, we create the conditions for a happy world."

As might be expected, the Dalai Lama draws illustrations from his own life as the spiritual leader and as a refugee from Tibet, and from the stories of other Tibetan Buddhist monks. But he is at pains to point out that this is not a Buddhist book and that he has no desire to convert anyone else to his faith. His answer to the dichotomy of the unique demands of individual religions in a world of religious pluralism is that for each of us, there is one religion which suits our upbringing or temperament best--or even none at all. The teachings of this book are universal. It's a shame that for this book, by one of the world's foremost spiritual leaders, the publishers clearly didn't bother to proof-read the text, which is quite badly marred by grammatical and punctuation errors. Let's hope they tidy up for the paperback. --David V. Barrett

Review
'Invaluable ... A blueprint for an ethical way of life' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'This is a book for our time' IRELAND ON SUNDAY 'All the qualities he proposes are achievable and are things we could practice daily by showing just a little thought ... A clearly written and straightforward book which, I think, achieves its purpose of approaching ethics based on universal rather than religious principles' SPECTATOR 'A clearly written and straightforward book... If we could only follow the Dalai Lama's advice to the world for a new millenium and cultivate a commitment to the principle of universal responsibility and experiment with unconditional love, not only would we as individuals become happier and more compassionate but we would at the same time be making a significant contribution to the welfare of society. It was encouraging to feel, after reading the book, that any positive or compassionate action, however small, can and does make a difference and is therefore worth the effort.' SPECTATOR 'He skillfully uses parables and comic vignettes from his extraordinary life to illustrate his ideas for a universal set of ethics in order to attain happiness. This is a singular, but well-informed, insight into Western attitudes.' THE TIMES 'The Dalai Lama's great skill is to make simple the potentially complext teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. His true religion, he maintains "is human kindness"- a sentiment which seems hardly to do justice to the profound and deeply inspiring teachings here.' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'This is a book for our time.' IRELAND ON SUNDAY 'Quietly inspiring ... the Dalai Lama eloquently underscores the importance of patience, compassion and the spiritual dimension in human affairs' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Is it possible to have a workable ethical system without the underpinning of religion? This is a question the Dalai Lama addresses in this very readable book. The two aims we all have in common, whatever our religion, are the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises that we are not moral islands; we have a responsibility for others. The more we seek to increase the happiness and decrease the suffering of others, the more, ultimately, we will also benefit ourselves. This applies in all areas of life. "Thus when we commit ourselves to truth--and thereby to honesty--we help reduce the level of misunderstanding, doubt and fear throughout society. In a small but significant way, we create the conditions for a happy world." As might be expected, the Dalai Lama draws illustrations from his own life as the spiritual leader and as a refugee from Tibet, and from the stories of other Tibetan Buddhist monks. But he is at pains to point out that this is not a Buddhist book and that he has no desire to convert anyone else to his faith. His answer to the dichotomy of the unique demands of individual religions in a world of religious pluralism is that for each of us, there is one religion which suits our upbringing or temperament best--or even none at all. The teachings of this book are universal. It's a shame that for this book, by one of the world's foremost spiritual leaders, the publishers clearly didn't bother to proof-read the text, which is quite badly marred by grammatical and punctuation errors. Let's hope they tidy up for the paperback.' David V. Barrett, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW

IRELAND ON SUNDAY
'This is a book for our time'

Customer Reviews

Breathtaking eloquence, infinite wisdom
In this book the Dalai Lama has given an answer to all of us who have questioned our motivation in life or ever said, "yep, it's a messed up world but what can you do?" Going out of his way to avoid promoting Buddhism or even looking through Buddhist perspective, he confronts even the most sensitive of issues (genetic science, GM food ect.) with compassion, wisdom and an understanding of what it is to be human, where-ever your from, that is without compare outside Shakespeare. I am not one to rave about a book in this manner without reason, but this is one of those books that upon reading it you feel the need to buy it for everyone you know, in the hope that they too may put their copy down feeling happier, wiser, humble yet full of optimism for the future. I urge you to read this book so strongly I cannot find words to express it.

Excellent Book for Everyone, Religious or Not!
This book was an excellent read!!! I had expected a book steeped in religious belief but it is highly readable for everyone from all walks of life and religious backgrounds (or not). The Dalai Lama teaches lessons in just being the type of person we all like to be around, you know the type, they make you feel loved and safe, they are trustworthy and gentle. The poem on the last page sums it up beautifully (you'll have to buy it to read it).

Practical wisdom for a spiritual revolution!
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.