Product Description

This work presents the Dalai Lama's prescription for the spiritual expansion of humankind. Addressing what he sees as the spiritual void in modern society, the Dalai Lama calls for the necessity of virtue and greater compassion. Besides discussing ways in which we may care for the environment, he gives guidance in the techniques of contemplation. Written as a form of spiritual handbook, this work is also a complement to "Freedom in Exile", the Dalai Lama's autobiography.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #471647 in Books
• Published on: 2001-01-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 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
The spiritual leader and teacher sets out here his statement to the world. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written a book which is neither religious nor Buddhist but invokes universal principles such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness as the basis for an ethical life. Quietly he calls for a spiritual and ethical revolution, a turning towards our inner dimension, through reorientating our thoughts and emotions, and reordering our behaviour. The central theme is compassion and this book is marked by the Dalai Lama's crystal-like clarity and conviction; what shines through is a heart-breaking concern for others and for humanity at large. If only this book were to become a major sourcebook for thinking and debate on human values. What could not happen if this were followed as a map for life, a handbook for human beings' understanding of themselves and their place in the world? I pray that it reaches its widest possible readership. Review by SOGYAL RINPOCHE, the author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and one of the foremost interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. (Kirkus UK)

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.