Product Description
The bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence offers a front-row seat at a groundbreaking meeting between the Dalai Lama and some of the foremost scientists and philosophers in the world.

Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating, as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency: Why do seemingly rational people commit acts of cruelty and violence? What are the root causes of destructive behavior? Can we learn to control the emotions that drive these impulses?

Organized by the Mind and Life Institute, this rich encounter of science and spirit, East and West, brings together cutting-edge research in neuroscience, education, and psychology with the most sophisticated Buddhist practices for transforming negative emotions. Goleman, as scientific coordinator and narrator, also reveals the personalities behind the debates as the participants develop ideas for further collaboration and research.
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Customer Reviews (7)

Destructive Emotions
This is not what I expected.I would not recommend. Slow pace, boring voice and long.

the reasons why and the ways to overcome the emotions
this was a different approach to the subject than i had thought.it was more clinical than expected, however not too many minutes into the CD i was happy with the style and learned a great deal.the thoughtfulness of the questions and the way they were worded, no one could mistake the meanings of both the answer and the subsequent question thereafter.
i really enjoyed the marriage between science and spirituality, the dalai lama's comments about both.
i will listen to this many times and it was well worth each penny spent.

Not for everyone
The audio is a bit dry, difficult to follow at times. It is a narrative of a conference.

Neuroscience meets Buddhism with fascinating results!
Destructive Emotions is a fascinating look at the human mind from the perspectives of both leading Western scientists and Buddhist scholars.Modern neuro-science and psychology meet Buddhism in a world wide scientific conference, with the goal of decreasing destructive emotions in the mind, and in society at large.The book gives interesting background information on the Dalai Lama's scientific life, which is fascinating and informative.The book provides an excellent and accessible overview of the very new discovery in neuroscience dubbed "plasticity of the brain" - the finding that neural connections in the brain are not fixed but rather changing throughout a lifetime.Buddhist meditation masters are examined with technological tools such as EKG's and MRI's.The results are truly astounding.It appears that meditation actually changes the structure of the brain, increasing neural connections and activity in the parts of the brain that experience happiness, contentment and positive emotions.This group of scholars sets out to examine how these practices could be applied to society at large to help mitigate the destructive emotions which plague humans on this planet.While the book starts of strong and extremely engaging, it does eventually devolve, much like the meeting it is describing, into a more disorganized group of questions and brainstorming that goes beyond the scope of one conference, or one book.By the second third of the book the more interesting ideas are rehashed to the point of redundancy and it is hard to hold interest.I have read this book in print form, and would recommend that over the audiobook.There is a lot of information useful to reference, which is hard to do in audiobook format without the aid of an index.

Very helpful--relief from toxic emotions
The Dalai Lama is a hero of mine, whom I hope to become more like, along with Mother Teresa and other humanitarians. He recognizes that destructive emotions are at the root of so much suffering.He and a group of psychologists and scientists met in a dialogue to discuss destructive emotions, their impact on our lives, and to question if they are necessary or if they can be eliminated to a significant degree.The Dalai Lama and Western scientists/psychologists spell out different types of destructive emotions according to the Buddhist and Western perspectives.There's a lot of overlap between the two perspectives, yet Buddhism categorizes destructive emotions into three main categories: hatred, delusion, and craving; other toxic emotions are derivatives of these three.

The scientists ask: are destructive emotions the trade-off in our evolutionary history?Or can we bypass them?The Dalai Lama and the scientists were delighted to discover the brain's plasticity: new neural pathways can be formed throughout the course of a person's life.Even hardened criminals can improve with intervention and empathy training.(I remember watching a special on TV where inmates were responsible for taking care of cats.I was surprised and delighted to learn that these men grew to love these animals and took pride in caring for them.)

The Dalai Lama talks about the antidotes to toxic emotions and spells out ways we can nurture them.For example, compassion is the obvious antidote to hatred and anger. He talks about the important bond between a mother andchild and other close family members. We can practice feeling similar compassion towards non-relations and love them as though they were a close family member.

The Dalai Lama and scientists discuss the very important difference between hating what a person did and hating the actual person.We can hate a person's mistakes, especially if they are far-reaching, but it is better to abstain from hating the actual person.Although I hate what Hitler did and how deluded he was, I can feel compassion for the fact that he was an abused child whose parents were related (his mother was his father's niece--it would be hard to be normal and well-adjusted under those circumstances). Although I love my dad and dementia has softened his personality, I understand firsthand what it's like to live with someone who has a volatile temperament--Alois Hitler was extremely short-tempered and would blow up without any provocation. Even Alois's friends would comment on how cruelly he treated his wife and children; even when guests were present, he was said to treat them in an undervaluing, humiliating fashion. I'm sure that Adolf grew up listening to his unpleasant, short-fused father rant and rave against Jewish people and other European scapegoats (yet you can even feel compassion for Alois--he was illegitimate in a time when that was a big deal and a defining characteristic, and he was passed around to be raised by different relations, never quite sure who his father was; that must have really dogged him, made him feel unwanted, and contributed to his unpleasantness).Bear in mind that Adolf Hitler was on some serious, mind-altering steroids that would have made even Mother Teresa (an earth angel if ever there was) somewhat aggressive and irritable. These circumstances don't excuse the man's cruelty and delusions, but it does help put his far-reaching mistakes into a more compassionate context. He could not have been more wrong, yet it is better to hate what he did and his mindset than to hate the man himself. Also, it's pretty obvious from a psychological standpoint that all the anti-semitic (anti-slavic, anti-gypsy, etc.) things he said had nothing to do with the Eurpean Jewish people and his other targets and had everything to do with how badly Hitler felt about himself (the consequence and combination of being part of a sick, anti-semitic culture and domestic violence).He was picking on easy scapegoats/targets to deflect his own self-hatred and feelings of inadequacy. I think that it's very telling that he never actually visited a death camp--that seems to indicate that on some level he knew that what he had implemented was completely wrong and didn't want to witness the suffering firsthand.And as my mother says, he didn't do it alone; he had lots of sociopathic, deluded people who went along with him. Anyrate, enough about one of history's most misguided persons.But the Dalai Lama does help us to see the important difference between hating someone's mistakes versus hating the person.

The Dalai Lama wants everyone to have the tools to overhaul destructive emotions, but he especially feels that school age children need guidance from well-trained teachers. Some of the scientists wrongfully assumed that teacher's training programs don't include courses in child psychology, particularly socioemotional development. This is the point where I wanted to say teachers take lots of classes in child development, from cognitive, physical, to emotional development. Teachers also take classes in classroom management where they are taught to "sandwich" criticism.That is, a teacher will point out something specific that a child is doing well, tactfully suggest an area that needs to be improved, and then say another positive thing that the child is doing.Teachers also are encouraged to make it sound like the area of weakness is well within the child's ability to correct. Love & Logic is a classroom management technique that really involves diplomacy and consideration for the child's feelings (Jim Fay is the creator of Love & Logic).

Of course, teachers can always improve and do things better---but I think these scientists should have checked their facts b/f making blanket statements about teacher's training programs.But I do agree that schools can help foster empathy and emotional skills in school age children.

Overall, I found this to be an enlightening dialogue, initiated and led by a great guru of compassion, the Dalai Lama.


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Product Description
In this landmark book of interreligious dialogue, the Dalai Lama provides an extraordinary Buddhist perspective on the teachings of Jesus, commenting on well-known passages from the four Christian Gospels including the Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the mustard seed, the Resurrection, and others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A meaningful and successful exchange
This book does not aim at giving a thorough treatment in comparing Christianity and Buddhism, or presenting how a Buddhist monk views Christianity.It is a documented proceedings of a seminar sponsored by the World Community for Christian Meditation, in memory of John Main, the Irish Benedictine monk who taught and spread meditation in the Christian community.And John Main learned his meditation technique from an Indian monk when he was serving with the British Force in Malaysia.Since the agenda was set by the sponsor and the audience were primarily Christians (and probably practicing meditation as taught by the sponsor), this seminar, and comments/teachings of the Dalai Lama, should thus be construed as focusing on areas of Christianity that the sponsor believed the Dalai Lama (DL) can contribute.

Number one area of interest is meditation as taught by DL.DL didn't fail the sponsor, on his first teaching, he spoke about meditation before he commented on the first passage from the Scriptures (as selected by the sponsor): his practice of analytical meditation followed by single-pointed meditation.A reaffirmation of the sponsor's practice of meditation as similar to classic Buddhist meditation method (of course, tantric meditation of Deity Yoga will not be compatible with the beliefs of Christianity, and the DL didn't mention it in his comment).

Morality is the second point of common interest.And the DL showed his intelligence and insight in commenting and giving insightful interpretations to a number of important passages of the Scripture as provided by the sponsor (e.g. Love your enemy and Sermons on the Mount).The interesting point is that DL first commented on the passages from the point of view of Christianity (and I think did it better than average sermons done by Christian priests!), and only after that supplement it with appropriate passages from Buddhist Sutras.

The final area of interest, I believe, is an interpretation towards certain mythical experience as written in the Gospels.The first one is Transfiguration (Luke 9.28-26) in which Peter, James and John saw prophets and heard the voice of God during sleep (or half-sleep or in meditation).DL commented of this being a not uncommon phenomenon for some religious people in India, meeting their gurus during deep meditations, but said that he hadn't met one himself (A psychological explanation using archetypes in Unconscious can be found in Jungian psychology).

All-in-all, I think DL had led an excellent seminar fulfilling the expectations of the sponsor and the audience.

I found it lacking
I like what a reviewer below said, that this book is written with a you are holier than thou attitude. It's very accurate. My problem with the book is that there was little substance to it. Everyone was so excited about the Dahli Lama (sp?) speaking on Christianity that they missed the fact that he taught little in his speaking. And there was so much extraneous commentary that I found it distracting. I'd like to see his Holiness do a serious book on Buddhism and Christianity since I see that the two have much in common. I'm sure Christ achieved Buddhahood.

Fresh eyes on becoming like Jesus
How does Jesus look to a Buddhist master? In this series of talks with Christian monastics, the Dalai Lama reads the Gospels with fresh eyes. He aims to sense the qualities of heart behind Jesus' words and deeds. As a Buddhist, he is concerned with how people change - how they grow in compassion, cultivate peace, and become what our greatest teachers showed we can be:

"If someone tells you that you should not be hostile toward your enemy or that you should love your enemy, that statement alone is not going to move you to change ... It is a natural human feeling, so we must have effective techniques to help us make the transition from these inherently biased feelings toward a state of greater equanimity." (p. 49)

-author of Correcting Jesus

An Introduction to Buddhism
this is a very special book, that is why i have given it three stars. i believe that all christians should aquire some knowledge and experience of buddhism, this would clearly make the world a more peaceful place.

the first meditation that i ever tried was through hhdl's (his holiness the dalai lama's) guidance in this book. it was also the first time that i have experienced something of what the mind is capable of... remarkable.

i was given this book by a close family friend. a very special person named fiona. my experiments with buddhism have certainly deepened my experience of our universe. we would do well to branch out in our approach towards faith. i am so grateful to fiona for the gift of this book. before reading it i had little or no understanding of any aspect of buddhism.

it seems that most traditions have something wonderful and unique to teach us about our universe. i believe that jesus with his message of love for all is saying "read this book it is special, though through it you may not learn much about what you perceive as your own faith... it will open a new door to an unexplored room in my household."

both the buddha and jesus (though not modern christians so much) believed that the kingdom of god is within one. it is like a small seed, the tiniest of all seeds, but if we are 'patient' and do a little self cultivating this little seed of love, knowledge and experience will grow into a mighty tree. self development comes the seed of the kingdom within us. hidden under layers of dust is the image of god. seek to polish this mirror and it will begin to clear. (but patience is needed with seeds, they grow slowly) all humans have the image of god - 'indestructible', gods own very image hidden away amidst the clutter and dust of our lives and distracting dogmas and beliefs. in reality we all have super nature. everyone at heart, deep down, is absolutely perfect... the true image of god. different people will come at this truth in different ways. some will say "wipe the mirror clean", "water the seed and plant it in good soil", others will say, no need to clean, no need to water. just as it is... perfect. my position is:
yes we are all deep down perfect, but it is beneficial to polish a mirror
in order to get the best out of it. to bring the deep to the surface. in this matter i differ from Hui Neng. instant enlightenment, yes, but also a little work is needed, in order to realize and refine what one already has!

i would also say that christians searching for truth outside their own tradition should not ditch their trust in jesus simply because truth can be found in other traditions, rather use any experience gained,to deepen their love for our lord and friend.

may buddhists learn more about jesus, may christians learn more about themselves and may whomsoever reads these words be blessed. amen.

More insights re: The Dalai Lama
This year I've been learning more about Buddhism and have enjoyed reading the teachings of the Dalai Lama in several texts.The Good Heart offered interesting comparisons of the Christian and Buddhist perspectives, reflecting on specific Christian Gospel teachings. As a Christian who wants to learn more about the breadth of God's world and the people in it, I found the commentaries thought-provoking.Christians can learn much from the Dalai Lama about respecting others' points of view, and about what it means to be kind and compassionate toward others.
Be advised the book is the commentary and dialogue from the 1994 John Main Seminar, "an annual international spiritual event held in honor of the Benedictine monk John Main,whom Father Bede Griffiths once called the most important spiritual guide in the church today." pg 1
"In his opening remards, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of all the different forms of dialogue being practiced today between religions. He affirmed the importance of scholarly dialogue. But he also said that he felt the most important and--to use a characteristic term for a Buddhist--the most effective dialogue was not intellectual exchange, but a conversation between sincere practitioners from the position of their own faiths, a conversation that arises from a sharing of their respective practices." p5 ... Read more

Product Description
How does one actually become a compassionate person? What are the mechanisms by which a selfish heart is transformed into a generous heart? The Dalai Lama's teachings on this essential subject, drawn from talks he delivered during his epochal visit to America in 1999, form the basis of this universally appealing book.Amazon.com Review
In the summer of 1999, the Dalai Lama addressed an audience of over 40,000 in Central Park on how to live a better life. Open Heart isderived from this and other popular lectures given in New York. Here, theDalai Lama progresses beyond his bestsellers The Art of Happiness andEthics for the New Millennium by introducing specific practices thatcan engender happiness. Spiritual practice, according to the Dalai Lama, isa matter of taming unwanted emotions, which means becoming aware of how themind works. Through the methods of analytical and settledmeditation, the Dalai Lama shows how we can cultivate helpful states of mindand eliminate harmful states, leading us to develop compassion for othersand happiness for ourselves. But there is no preaching of a single, rightmethod. This revered but humble monk merely invites the reader to understandthe causes of one's suffering and consider how best to alleviate it. OpenHeart should draw crowds to the bookstores and lead us all to moresatisfactory living. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

A master of compassionate mindfulness practice
An open heart and an open mind are characteristics of the Buddhist way of mindfulness. This opens us to the unconditioned spaciousness that is pure buddha consciousness. When we cultivate this within then we create the right conditions for peace and happiness without. This is the central teaching of this great man. If you would like to read more about the power of mindfulness, I also recommend 'The Path of Mindfulness Meditation', available through Amazon.

Read it, love it, live it.
A wonderful and poignant expression of the need for compassion and how to achieve it in your own life.Highly recommended for everyone; from young to old. One of my favorite books.

Buddhism in a nutshell
This book is a general introduction to Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.It covers a whole range of topics including the three jewel of refuge, karma, equanimity, loving-kindness (the wish that all may enjoy happiness), bodhicitta (the motivation to serve all people), emptiness and more. The book describes the different levels a student of Buddhism proceeds through as he achieves greater and greater enlightenment.These levels range from the beginners task of conquering personal faults, such as anger, all the way up to Buddhahood (the highest form of understanding of reality combined with the desire to benefit all sentient beings).All this is achieved through the practical methods of analytical meditation and settled meditation.In analytical meditation rational thought is applied in order to generate a specific quality, such as patience.In settled meditation the practitioner remains fixed on a feeling, or object of contemplation, without thought.

is in fact a summary of Kanalasha's , Togmay Sangpo's and Langri Tangpa's .These are the central texts of Tibetan Buddhism.

As I have tried to indicate above, despite the subtitle of the book, this work is not exclusively on compassion (the desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings).Compassion is a very important part of Buddhism and indeed chapters seven to ten concentrate specifically on that subject.There are fifteen chapters in all.

The Dalai Lama is a very clear speaker who has set as his task the aim of introducing the world to Buddhism.As a result this book is very easy to follow and would be ideal for someone seeking a first time encounter with Buddhism.I would have to note, however, that so much material is cover in such a brief way that the book could be said to lack substance.It does not contain meaty discussions.The reader is left with a desire to follow up his new-found interests by reading other books probably written by other authors.I should also note that while the two methods of meditation are discussed very few practical suggestions are included.The book does not contain a step by step guide or how-to section.

Buddhism in a nutshell
This book is a general introduction to Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.It covers a whole range of topics including the three jewel of refuge, karma, equanimity, loving-kindness (the wish that all may enjoy happiness), bodhicitta (the motivation to serve all people), emptiness and more. The book describes the different levels a student of Buddhism proceeds through as he achieves greater and greater enlightenment.These levels range from the beginners task of conquering personal faults, such as anger, all the way up to Buddhahood (the highest form of understanding of reality combined with the desire to benefit all sentient beings).All this is achieved through the practical methods of analytical meditation and settled meditation.In analytical meditation rational thought is applied in order to generate a specific quality, such as patience.In settled meditation the practitioner remains fixed on a feeling, or object of contemplation, without thought.

is in fact a summary of Kanalasha's , Togmay Sangpo's and Langri Tangpa's .These are the central texts of Tibetan Buddhism.

As I have tried to indicate above, despite the subtitle of the book, this work is not exclusively on compassion (the desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings).Compassion is a very important part of Buddhism and indeed chapters seven to ten concentrate specifically on that subject.There are fifteen chapters in all.

The Dalai Lama is a very clear speaker who has set as his task the aim of introducing the world to Buddhism.As a result this book is very easy to follow and would be ideal for someone seeking a first time encounter with Buddhism.I would have to note, however, that so much material is cover in such a brief way that the book could be said to lack substance.It does not contain meaty discussions.The reader is left with a desire to follow up his new-found interests by reading other books probably written by other authors.I should also note that while the two methods of meditation are discussed very few practical suggestions are included.The book does not contain a step by step guide or how-to section.

Buddhism in a nutshell
This book is a general introduction to Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.It covers a whole range of topics including the three jewel of refuge, karma, equanimity, loving-kindness (the wish that all may enjoy happiness), bodhicitta (the motivation to serve all people), emptiness and more. The book describes the different levels a student of Buddhism proceeds through as he achieves greater and greater enlightenment.These levels range from the beginners task of conquering personal faults, such as anger, all the way up to Buddhahood (the highest form of understanding of reality combined with the desire to benefit all sentient beings).All this is achieved through the practical methods of analytical meditation and settled meditation.In analytical meditation rational thought is applied in order to generate a specific quality, such as patience.In settled meditation the practitioner remains fixed on a feeling, or object of contemplation, without thought.

is in fact a summary of Kanalasha's , Togmay Sangpo's and Langri Tangpa's .These are the central texts of Tibetan Buddhism.

As I have tried to indicate above, despite the subtitle of the book, this work is not exclusively on compassion (the desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings).Compassion is a very important part of Buddhism and indeed chapters seven to ten concentrate specifically on that subject.There are fifteen chapters in all.

The Dalai Lama is a very clear speaker who has set as his task the aim of introducing the world to Buddhism.As a result this book is very easy to follow and would be ideal for someone seeking a first time encounter with Buddhism.I would have to note, however, that so much material is cover in such a brief way that the book could be said to lack substance.It does not contain meaty discussions.The reader is left with a desire to follow up his new-found interests by reading other books probably written by other authors.I should also note that while the two methods of meditation are discussed very few practical suggestions are included.The book does not contain a step by step guide or how-to section.


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Product Description
Behind Tibet's Potala Palace--seat of the Dalai Lamas since 1649--lies a sacred pond said to be inhabited by serpentlike deities called Lu. There, on a willow-covered island in the middle of the lake, is a pagoda-roofed Khang, or temple. During the brief reign of the Sixth Dalai Lama, who built the temple in the eighteenth century, unknown artists created a series of mysterious paintings on the walls of the temple's private chapel. Comparable in quality and ambition to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, these masterpieces of Tibetan art are reproduced for the first time in this extraordinary publication. The chapel was reserved exclusively for the Dalai Lamas as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. For centuries the Lukhang murals, which illustrate the path to spiritual liberation, guided the Dalai Lamas in a form of mystical contemplation called Dzogchen--the most secret practice in Tibet's Tantric tradition. Beyond their Tibetan origins, the murals display a universal spiritual vision. Merely to contemplate them, Tibetans believe, can open the mind to timeless spiritual truth. At the heart of this book are more than 150 color photographs of the murals and their temple, taken in the most difficult conditions by the American explorer-photographer Thomas Laird. Ian Baker's text, which places these remarkable works within their historical and cultural perspective, is augmented by accounts from other Tibetan sources. A special feature of the book is an introduction and quotations by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet, as well as additional drawings from Buddhist texts. This treasure of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality is presented in a magnificent large-format edition. The vivid detail, rich color, and awe-inspiring impact of this path to spiritual liberation can at last be experienced outside the Lukhang chapel. Introduction by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.

200 illustrations, 151 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

How to become a siddha
In Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, just below the Potala Palace where the Dalai Lamas used to dwell, there is a small temple known as the Lukhang. It's built on a lake island and is used for worship of nagas (a kind of snake-spirits).

The temple also has a secret top floor...

The upper room of the Lukhang temple is decorated with mysterious mural paintings. These paintings were used by the Dalai Lamas as objects of meditation and contemplation. However, they were kept secret from ordinary believers. The temple was erected during the 17th century, but nobody knows exactly when the paintings were made. The present Dalai Lama never had the opportunity to see them in person, but he's familiar with their symbolism.

"The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple" by Ian Baker and Thomas Laird is a colourful book showing and analyzing the wall paintings in some detail. The two authors are obviously supportive of Tibetan Buddhism, and it's not clear how they convinced the Chinese authorities to grant them access to the temple. The Dalai Lama himself has written the foreword to their book, and much of the interpretation is presumably based on his teachings.

In many ways, the book is thus propaganda for Tibetan Buddhism, and it has a typically Western tendency to interpret the more mythological parts figuratively. Thus, nagas are said to symbolize the forces of nature, while (of course) Buddhists and Hindus tend to see them as real, supernatural beings. Even "the rainbow body", a supernatural and luminous body attained by accomplished masters after their physical death, is interpreted symbolically.

Despite this, "The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple" is nevertheless quite interesting, and gives a glimpse of Tibetan religion usually not talked about in Western media. The upper room of the Lukhang temple was apparently use for a secret practice known as Dzogchen, a kind of meditation supposedly leading to instant Buddhahood. The practice seems to have included meditation on hallucinatory visions induced by sensory deprivation, and was considered extremely dangerous. The authors point out that Dzogchen was associated with the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which was persecuted by the dominant Geluk sect of the Dalai Lamas. Yet, an inner group of Geluk-pas nevertheless practiced Dzogchen in secret, including some of the Dalai Lamas themselves! Other secret practices included ritual sex with a female consort. The aim was to become a siddha, a perfected master who has reached complete enlightenment and attained supernatural powers. The siddhas are said to be masters of compassion, leading other creatures to liberation. At their deaths, they attain the previously mentioned "rainbow body".

The various stages in this esoteric process to enlightenment are pictured on the temple walls. My initial reaction on seeing the mural paintings was that they are truly bizarre. The characters (mostly men, by the way) all look "stoned" or "high". Perhaps they are meant to look that way. The most humorous part of the book is a statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, laughingly denying that he ever had ritual sex!

I guess he'll never be a siddha, then.

"The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple" is interesting both as a (admittedly partisan) look at Tibetan religion, and as a travelogue about the distant land of Tibet. One star off for the allegorizing of the nagas, though.

outstanding
The only criticism I have of this book is the title:calling it "the secret temple" is a marketing ploy, as this temple is a major tourist attraction in china (formerly in part of tibet).But, the essays are enlightening on tibetan buddhist art.I'm not sure that the comparisons to Bosch and Breughal hold up to anyone who knows anything about european art, but that aside, it gives a fascinating overview of the history of the dali lamas and their relaitonship to art.i'd recommend this to anyone interested in art, buddhism or tibet.also, excellent page stock, photographs and binding.

Glimpse into Tibet's Whispered Lineage
In a visionary landscape worthy of Hieronymus Bosch, the murals at Lukhang depict spiritual adepts engaged in contemplative practices which were traditionally concealed even from ordained Tibetan monks. The murals' surreal, dream-like settings and esoteric symbolism defy easy access even to initiates. A visual analogue of the "twilight language" in which much Tantric literature is encoded, the paintings are often obscure and suggestive, urging the viewer beyond literal interpretations. Sections of the murals are accompanied by inscriptions which, quoting from various Tantric texts, illuminate the meaning behind specific images and serve as instructions in meditation and Tantric yoga. More than an illustrated treatise on mystical technique, however, the murals directly invoke Tibetan Buddhism's highest meditative experiences in visions that seem to anticipate the abstract art of the early 20th century. The murals fulfill a ritual function in that they seek "to bring about new relationships between persons and the sacred, to be a means for the transformation of the self."

The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple
Beautifuly done! Great pictures and explanations. Very useful for meditators and practioners of channels and winds.

The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple--a must have!
This book is a valuable asset to anyone desiring an illustrated view of tantic Buddhism. With gorgeous pictures of the walls of the Lukhang Palace, and plenty of supporting documentation, the reader can truly appreciate the spiritual value of this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The autobiography of the mother of one of the world's most revered spiritual leaders and an intimate portrait of his beginnings....

On the birth of His Holiness: "He was different from my other children right from the start. He was a somber child who liked to stay indoors by himself. He was always packing his clothes and his little belongings. When I would ask what he was doing, he would reply that he was packing to go to Lhasa, and that he would take all of us with him."

On traditions: "I am proud to be, despite my resilience and ability to change, a very traditional woman. Does this make me archaic and anachronistic? I don't think so. My traditions, my roots as a Tibetan, have fortified me. Traditions cannot be denied or forgotten. They are the creators of your spirit and your pride, and are the backbone of your sensibilities. They make you what you are and define what you want to be."

In 1999, forty thousand people stood in the blazing heat of Central Park to hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak. Some sixty-four years earlier, in the warmth of the huge stove that dominated their simple Tibetan home, one woman recognized the special blessing of his birth. Dalai Lama, My Son is the story of this remarkable woman as she recounts in her own words what it was like to realize her son was being received as a living Buddha, to watch him grow physically and spiritually, and finally to see him become one of the most recognized faces in the world.

Known now as the Grandmother of Tibet, Diki Tsering was born to a peasant family in 1901, the Year of the Ox, and married at sixteen. In Dalai Lama, My Son, she tells her own amazing story and that of her son in his formative years. She recalls His Holiness's unfolding personality and Buddhist upbringing; the visitors who came to her town seeking the new Dalai Lama; the move to Lhasa; and the years there until the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the family's escape and ultimate exile. Beautifully packaged and illustrated with family photographs and a map of Tibet, this glimpse into the origins of the Dalai Lama personalizes the history of the Tibetan people, the magic of their culture, the role of their women, and their ancient ideals of compassion, faith, and equanimity.Amazon.com Review
The Dalai Lama's mother was illiterate but was a naturalstoryteller. When her granddaughter asked her to talk about her life,the stories began to roll out. She told of her wedding at the age of16, her state of virtual servitude as a married woman, murderousghosts, and her two dead sons left for the birds. Then, after athree-year drought and other strange events preceding the birth of herfifth child, the lamas came from Lhasa, and her Cinderella future wascinched. With her son the Dalai Lama ensconced in his palace, thisnondescript peasant woman whose 16 children yielded three incarnatelamas, strolled her garden estate and hobnobbed with thearistocracy. And yet the intrigue, the perils of domestic andinternational politics, would soon take her husband's life, drive herremaining children into exile, and have her yearning for the quietdrudgery of her former life. Diki Tsering speaks with the unadornedsimplicity of an ordinary country girl about a life that was anythingbut ordinary. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Long Ago and Far Away
This book relates some of the details of the life of Diki Tsering, the mother of the Dalai Lama.It begins with her childhood in early Twentieth Century Tibet, where she was born into a peasant family.She tells stories of her life as a child, explaining the special relationship she had with her grandparents, and describing the festivals in great detail.She describes her wedding ceremony as a 17-year-old bride, and her new life as stranger and household worker in her husband's family home.As a peasant, Diki Tsering was not rich, but she also was not from the bottom rungs of society, since her family always had a few servants or paid laborers working for them.When one of her children, Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, her life changed dramatically.The family was moved to Lhasa, were they became acquainted with aristocratic society and were given large land holdings and servants.As the mother of the Dalai Lama, she was then able to live the life of an aristocrat and travel widely.However, she was also subject to the dangers of Tibetan and international politics, which eventually led to her flight from Tibet in 1958.

The beginning of the book is quite fascinating, with its descriptions of customs and peasant practices in rural Tibet.Her later descriptions of life in Lhasa and travels are not quite as detailed or engaging, but they do provide interesting documentation of Tibetan history at a crucial point in time.

Dalai Lama, My Son
A serious, yet interesting audio book about the story of the Dalai Lama as told from his mother's perspective. Only 4 cassettes long, this unabridged version of the book drew me into the unique culture of Tibet in the early 20th century. The music was peaceful as well as the voice of the reader. In addition, I recommend the breath-taking video "Kandu"; also about the upbringing of the Dalai Lama.

...
I beleave this book was insightful. It was fairly simple to read, and was worded well. however, reading this, and several other books for an honors project, i must say that it takes a different reader to enjoy. i also read invading tibet, which i thought was much more fun to read. Dalai lama my son is a good book, but to me it seemed flat.

Tibet in a Different Light
This is a magnificent autobigraphy.Also, a very upsetting one. The "Tibet in Exile" website claims that Tibet had women's rights. This book by the Dalai Lama's mother claims otherwise. In Amdo, which is Eastern Tibet, they had a customthat seemed to work for adultery. But not for women. The family of the woman who was the offender were required to kill her. Dike Tsering goes into more detail. Also, if a man died leaving his wife alone, she was required not to marry for three years. Then the family would conduct "secret negotiations" for profit. This caused many Tibetan women to commit suicide. The book also displays the tremendous impact of astrology. How you got married, who you married, and so forth. The astrologer was consulted on all matters of importance in the family. And there were ghosts. One ghost was resposible for the deaths of four of her children. In Lhasa, there were tremendous class distinctions! And Diki Tsering displays them simply as horrible snobs. This applys to the aristocrats who lived off their "bonded laborers". And wouldn't even call them by name. They also acted like Diki Tsering was nothing but "a farm hand". The two regents who controlled Tibet while the Dalai Lama was growing up were Reting Rinpoche and Taktra Rinpoche. Reting was the first regent, until he was supposedly assasinated by Taktra Rinpoche. The author also believes, as did the people of Tibet, that Taktra Rinpoche poinsoned her husband, the father of the Dalai Lama, because he was friends with Reting Rinpoche. Nevertheless, Reting Rinpoche was not without violence. A Tsipan Lungshar led amovemovement for reform. Reting Rinpoche had his eyes goughed out as punishment. I find the testimony of Diki Tsering very good. She is really strong and seems to speak with great truth. I believe her about the ghosts and the astrology. But about the other issues, and as a follower of Tibetan Buddhism, I am more depressed than usual! But I do feel that this is a must read for people who do want to save Tibet. We have to know our "weakspots" so that they don't come back later to haunt us. And I don't mean ghosts! Please buy and read the book. Thank you very much.

An interesting and honest (except title) account.
If you're looking for an in-depth portrait of the Dalai Lama as a child, you will probably be disappointed here.This is not the story of "Dalai Lama, My Son," but of the mother.The first almost half of the book tells of her youth and married life in Ambo, or Qinghai Province.A few pages in the middle do describe the Dalai Lama's early character leading to his selection.From there on, his mother refers to him as "His Holiness" and says little about him, but tells her personal and family story after fate plunged them into politics.

I did enjoy the book, though, especially the first part.I've lived and traveled in the Himilayan foothills of southern China.Reading the author's description of her familie's life style -- celebrations, marriage, story telling, being snowed in during winter -- made me want to go back and see more.

A famous missionary doctor, Dr. Paul Brand, once said his ideal lifestyle, apart from a need for modern medicine, would be that of an Indian villager.This account of the Tibetan lifestyle, and my own travels through the minority areas of Yunnan Province, confirm how much that is human and natural we lose in our surrender to technology: rhythms of the seasons, traditions, the hard pleasure of sowing and reaping, and what it means to depend on family and community.

The later part of the book is interesting sometimes, but is a bit like the story of a pawn who wanders onto a chessboard by mistake and gets moved around by both sides without quite knowing what is going on.

Despite the quarrel below, there is little about what Westerners call Buddhism in this book.What most Asians call Buddhism is a mixture of polytheism, various superstitions, practical concern about evil spirits, and a cycle of annual festivals, with priests occupying a respected but mostly ceremonial position.One of the most surprising things about this very open and simple account is that the Dalai Lama's mother is allowed to speak as a typical Asian in this respect.

In fact, there may be more about ghosts here than about the author's most famous son.Tsering blamed them for the loss of four of her children (out of sixteen), and did not seem embarrassed by the odd character of the stories she told.Her stories set me thinking.One of the foundational myths of Tibetan Buddhism is the tale of how the monk Phadmasambhava conquered the demons of Tibet, and having conquered them, put them to work for the forces of good.Tsering's experiences with ghosts might cause some to reconsider the relative merits of the "tolerant" Buddhist approach and the more confrontational Christian approach to powers and principalities.One also wonders, of course, what relationship these spirits bare to the diseases that marred the lifestyle of such peasants.

Author, Jesus and the Religions of Man

d.marshall@sun.ac.jp ... Read more

Product Description
The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited for Westerners.Amazon.com Review
Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a raretext by ninth-century Indian Buddhistscholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinesemisinterpretations of Buddhism that wereinfluential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely knowntoday, but according to the Dalai Lama,it is a most important text, and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism,because "on the basis of thisknowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without greatdifficulty. This text can be like a keythat opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."

Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of logicalanalysis of scriptures, even if theyare in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not betaken literally, but needinterpretation." And this is what he does in this clear and readablecommentary, originally given in 1989 and now translated and published for the first time. Its 10short chapters are on such familiarBuddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature ofSuffering, and The Practice ofCalm Abiding.

"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in sucha way that negative qualities areabandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those whopractice meditation, whetherBuddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, writtenwith the Dalai Lama's characteristicwarmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A difficult but possible path
This book captures the Dalai Lama in his classical role, explaining an ancient Buddhist text to monks in Northern India. The exposition is simply translated from Tibetan, and it shows us the subtlety of an advanced class for committed practitioners. Where our sound-bite world commonly simplifies religion to some "main point", the Dalai Lama's careful reflections always maintain a balancing act. The terse root text by Kamalashila is expanded on, the way a seasoned mountain guide explains a map through highly variable terrain. The path to unwavering attention and compassion looks hard, but possible. The teacher evokes a desire to make it.

Great Read
This is a great book to read for both beginning and advanced meditators. The Dalai Lama has a very beautiful way of expressing the route to true inner happiness. People that found this book insightful should check out "The Revolution of the Dialectic" for similiar subject matters and practical techniques for meditators.

An Excellent Book, but not for Beginners
The other reviews of this book have done an admirable job of describing the different aspects of this work, but I would like to add a couple of thoughts.First, this is a wonderful book for those with a background in meditative practice, but a beginner could get lost in some unfamiliar territory.Second, although the book is 210 pages, the last 40 are comprised of the original Tibetan text, which will be of limited use to those of us who are not Tibetan scholars.Otherwise, this is a great book with solid, practical advice (which is to be expected of the Dalai Lama).

Useful Guide for Experienced Meditators
I'm a WASP born and raised in the United Statesand a very long term meditator who has mostly practiced inside Hindu and Theravadin traditions. I've seen the Dalai Lama speak twice, read some of his books, and watched a few of his videos, so I'm not entirely unfamiliar with his work, but still I'm not a follower of his branch of Buddhism.

I downloaded this book from Audible several years ago, and listened to it through in bits and pieces several times while commuting. There were passages I wanted to linger over, so I bought the hardback. It sat on my shelf unread for quite some time, until I finally picked it up about a week ago and read it through in a short series of evening sessions.

I find this book to be extremely useful. In it, the Dalai Lama talks about two different types of meditation:

1) Calm Abiding
2) Special Insight

Calm abiding meditation usually involves some form of single pointed concentration, and in my experience can lead to the pleasant or - on rare occasions - the blissful experiences that dominate popular perceptions of meditation. The second type of meditation I think of as Insight meditation. It is often associated with the goal of attaining wisdom.The Diamond Sutra, and many branches of Buddhism, emphasize that wisdom involves compassion, selflessness, and learning to treat this "fleeting world" as "a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, a flash of lightning in a summer cloud, a flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream." Finding the right words to help westerners understand Buddhist wisdom is one of the books strengths.

Many schools of meditation present you with the option of choosing either special insight or calm abiding. In this book, and in others of his that I have read, the Dalai Lama insists that both techniques are essential for those who want to make spiritual progress. In this book the Dalai Lama gets quite specific about what is involved in each form of meditation, and provides numerous techniques that practitioners of meditation can use to enhance their practice. For instance, I found his discussion of the antidotes to torpor or over-excitement to be particularly useful.

I'll echo what others have said about this book not being a good text for beginners. It is not particularly difficult to understand, but it is unlikely that most practitioners will have the practical background in meditation necessary to understand the significance of some of the points made by the Dalai Lama in this text.

I disagree, however, with those who find the book dry. The Dalai Lama was trained from early childhood in the arcana of Buddhist thought, and his discussions of this topic are often detailed and highly technical. In this text, however, he is less rigid, and delves immediately and continuously into the most telling and important points in Buddhist thought. If this book finds the right audience, as it did with me, it becomes something of a page turner. I found myself thinking about this book often during the day, and looking forward to immersing myself in its beauty when I finally had free time in the evening. It is a little disappointing to know that I have finished reading it.

Insightful and warm.An absolute pleasure to read
Essentially a study of Mahayanan Buddhism, this book is also excellent choice for those interested in refining their mindfulness meditation practice.There are full chapters describing calm abiding and actualizing special insight.Both are discussed in great detail with vivid examples.I would consider it to be a must-have for anyone interested in the practice of mindfulness meditation. ... Read more

Product Description
*Why do seemingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?

*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?

*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?

*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?

Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, provides the illuminating commentary—and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.

Destructive Emotions

Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the “three poisons”:craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psychological sophistication--which are now being confirmed by modern neuroscience. With new high-tech devices, scientists can peer inside the brain centers that calm the inner storms of rage and fear. They also can demonstrate that awareness-training strategies such as meditation strengthen emotional stability—and greatly enhance our positive moods.

The distinguished panel members report these recent findings and debate an exhilarating range of other topics: What role do destructive emotions play in human evolution? Are they “hardwired” in our bodies? Are they universal, or does culture determine how we feel? How can we nurture the compassion that is also our birthright? We learn how practices that reduce negativity have also been shown to bolster the immune system. Here, too, is an enlightened proposal for a school-based program of social and emotional learning that can help our children increase self-awareness, manage their anger, and become more empathetic.

Throughout, these provocative ideas are brought to life by the play of personalities, by the Dalai Lama’s probing questions, and by his surprising sense of humor. Although there are no easy answers, the dialogues, which are part of a series sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute, chart an ultimately hopeful course. They are sure to spark discussion among educators, religious and political leaders, parents—and all people who seek peace for themselves and the world.


The Mind and Life Institute sponsors cross-cultural dialogues that bring together the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist scholars with Western scientists and philosophers. Mind and Life VIII, on which this book is based, took place in Dharamsala, India, in March 2000.Amazon.com Review
Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them? A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama forcefully puts to rest the misconception that the realms of science and spirituality are at odds. In this extraordinary book, Daniel Goleman presents dialogues between the Dalai Lama and a small groupof eminent psychologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers that probe thechallenging questions: Can the worlds of science and philosophy work togetherto recognize destructive emotions such as hatred, craving, and delusion? Ifso, can they transform those feelings for the ultimate improvement of humanity? As the Dalai Lama explains, "With the ever-growing impact of scienceon our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play inreminding us of our humanity."

The book's subject marks the eighth round in a series of ongoing meetings of the Mind Life Institute. The varied perspectives of science, philosophy, and Eastern and Western thought beautifully illustrate the symbiosis among the views, which are readily accessible despite their complexity. Among the book's many strengths is its organization, which allows readers to enjoy the entirefive-day seminar or choose sections that are most relevant to theirinterests, such as "Cultivating Emotional Balance," "The Neuroscience ofEmotion," "Encouraging Compassion," or "The Scientific Study ofConsciousness." But the real joy is in gaining an insider's view of theseextraordinary minds at work, especially that of the Dalai Lama, whosecuriosity, Socratic questioning, and humor ultimately serve as the linchpinfor the book's soaring intellectual discussion. --Silvana Tropea ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

What should have been a great book...
turned out to be dumbed-down propaganda in the inept hands of Daniel Goleman. I find it hard to believe this guy was nominated for the Pulitzer... twice! Three fourths of the book is pointless introductions to everyone involved and constant a**kissing praise ofthe Dalai Lama for being such a great guy. What substance there is to be found gets mired down in vague generalizations and tragically unpursued ideas. This book reads like a 400 page fluff piece for People magazine. The subject material deserves better.

For mindless Lamaphiles and fans of magazine "quality" science writing only.

Emotions and what they do
I love this book. The dialog between the Dalai Lama and Daniel Goleman is insightfull as to the human emotions that we have impact ourselves and our bodies. Whe I first saw this book I was hesitant to buy it, but after fliping through a few pages it was clear that I had to read it.
After reading the book the question of "where does this emotion hurt me?" has made me aware of the emotional experiences that were hurting me. A must read.

Desire, hatred, confusion, pride and jealousy- a debate on how to overcome these emotions!
The week-long discussion between the Dalai Lama and
a panel of scientists about human behaviour is both
entertaining and informative.
Certainly you get small insides on life in Dharamsala,
where the Dalai Lama has his office and and a simple home,
which he shares with his favorite cat.
But mostly the book is about how to have a good and decent life.
Seen both from a Buddhist point of view and from
a western scientific point of view.
How we should handle destructive emotions like hatred, desire,
confusion, pride and jealousy - both as individuals and
as a society.
With both a western point of view and a buddhist view
always present in the debate, the book becomes alive,
and never becomes just a dull presentation of one particular
understanding.
E.g. when destructive emotions are described both as "what harms self and others"
(western view) and "what disturbs the calm of the mind" (buddhist) -
you as a reader are eager to learn more about what
both sides are actually saying. Likewise, it is interesting to
learn more about what the western side means with "the mind
is the brain" vs. the buddhist sides "the sublest
state of mind have no neural correlate" etc.
An interesting read.

-Simon

Simon Laub

compassion heals
This is a very clearly written summary of a remarkable conference explaining Western and Eastern (Buddhist) understandings of destructive emotions.Both the similarities and the differences elucidate.Most hopeful is the idea that we can alter our emotional balance through practical techniques that can reduce anger and increase compassion, for the good health of both individuals and society.

Interesting interdisciplinary discussion on negative emotions
An interesting cross disciplinary discussion of afflictive emotions and "negative mental states" between buddhists and scientists. Not a "how to" but a work that puts in perspective what is a negative state of mind. ... Read more

Product Description
In this book, the Dalai Lama gives personal, heartfelt advice for all people from all walks of life.He shows how anyone and everyone can adopt a sane and healthy attitude, and transform suffering into serenity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not My Favorite
I love the Dalai Lama's writing, have read quite a few of his books. I think that there are some insights here, but didn't come away from it as inspired from other writings.

The chapters are organized into subject categories. So, if you use it as a meditation guide you'll be meditating on "living a life of plenty" or "prison and prisoners" for a few days at least.

I didn't find this as useful as 365 Tao (which I've used regularly) by Deng Ming-Dao. I felt 365 Tao provided different ways to approach each topic, you could choose your meditation.

365 Dalai Lama is something that you can read through, and think about the topics. I wasn't motivated to meditate on them. The one thing that I didn't like about it was the fact that some topics went on for days and days. I didn't necessarily feel I wanted to meditate on pessimism for 13 days, a day of thought about a topic provides me conscious investigation. Revisiting it helps bring up subconscious learning later.

But banging my head against a topic for days and days wasn't an enjoyable task. For a monk maybe, eating rice every day. I rather enjoy the variety of reflection on different topics daily however. That quality made the book spartan, somewhat bland.

Maybe it was just me, but I'd probably get his lectures, or expanded treatises on topics (i.e. The Art of Happiness) instead - I think this is where his thought processes, reasoning, and ability to convince you about quality of life choices shine.

Top-notch, if you are into this sort of thing
This book is a compilation of quotations from the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of Tibet).It is not an essay or story, though the quotes are loosely grouped by category.

The quotations are written simply and directly, and contain a great degree of insight into the human emotions and the human spirit.

It serves as an excellent daily inspiration for living or meditation. ... Read more

Product Description
The fourteenth Dalai Lama, a living embodiment of the bodhisattva ideal, presents here detailed practical guidance based on sections of The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva, the best-known text of Mahayana Buddhism. The Dalai Lama explains this classic and beloved work, showing how anyone can develop a truly "good heart" and the aspiration for the enlightenment of all beings. In this book, the Dalai Lama's profound knowledge is evident—the result of extensive training. Here he shares his extraordinary insight into the human condition and what it means to be a responsible and caring person. This book was previously published under the title A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night.  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Read, and re-read
This book is a study of concepts and behaviors. It takes several reads to comprehend and practice. Well worth the time invested.

A Flash of Lightning
A fascinating text.I am no fan of Tibetian Buddhism.True Buddhism seems to have gotten lost in the primitive Tibetian shamanism, but what this book reveals about the Dhali Lama is remarkable.He is truly a great humanitarian.This fact alone makes the book well worth your time.

Simply Amazing
This book is great for people interested in practicing Buddhism and for those who just want to live a happier life. From the centuries-old wisdom of Shantideva, His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama not only translates Shantideva's words he adds to them explaining the text and making it relevant to today's reader. The book concentrates mainly on ethical behavior and our relationships with others.

Great Read
Book came quick and in wonderful condition.Order it! You will enjoy it.

Wisdom to Act upon
A powerful, life-changing book. Beautiful, useful teachings to effectively eliminate negative behavior and thinking. Not just for Buddhists. ... Read more

Product Description
This gem, the sequel to The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Inner Peace, contains the essence of the Dalai Lama's teachings on life and death. Think of this as the essential guide to both living and dying well from one of the most important spiritual teachers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Among the topics covered are:


• Contentment, Joy and Living Well


• Facing Death and Dying


• Dealing with Anger and Emotion


• Compassion--the Basis for Human Happiness


• Giving and Receiving

This charming packaged is designed for the busy person who is always on the go: a small format, flapped paperback that will easily fit in a purse, backpack, or briefcase. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Life, Happiness, Awareness
This is a simple review. I fit this philosophy. I've grown-up in my own world. No exposure to religen, no use for it. The Dalai Lams's book simply fits me. I do wish people would read or listen to other thought forms. This book is truly wonderful.

Excellent and thought-provoking reference
I found this book to be an uplifting and informative read.I gave it to my daughter as a birthday gift.She is studying Buddhism.I found some interesting parallels to Eckhard Tolle.Delivery from Amazon was very fast. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time since their revolutionary book, The Art of Happiness, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard Cutler reunite to explore ways in which work and careers can become a meaningful part of our lives. Using common sense and modern psychiatry, this illuminating book applies 2,500 years of Buddhist tradition to the contemporary struggles faced in finding a calling. The Dalai Lama answers the questions everyone wants answered about the nature of work and finding fulfillment.Amazon.com Review
In their 1998 book The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and co-author Howard C. Cutler, M.D., explored how inner development contributes to overall happiness. In their second collaboration, the authors considered how they could best follow their highly successful first book. They chose a subject that affects millions of people around the world and produced. In this very readable, useful book, the authors attempt to discover the following: "Where does work fit in to our overall quest for happiness?" and "To what degree does work satisfaction affect our overall life satisfaction and happiness?"

Customer Reviews (39)

Inspiring
This book was inspiring, so much so that I read it twice. The comments of the Dalai Lama on happiness at work are relevant and based on common sense and spirituality. One idea is that you have freedom to choose how you approach your career and your co-workers, although other aspects may be beyond your control.. Attitude and balance are also key along with finding your purpose at work. It can be as simple as smiling at people and offering encouragement. Lastly, look at problems both job and life related as opportunities to be pro-active in a positive way.

Disappointing
I was really looking forward to this book, but it turned out to be terribly disappointing. Throughout the text, Cutler keeps asking questions that the Dalai Lama is obviously not particularly interested in addressing. He is polite enough to come up with some answers, but it's clear that he finds most of the questions either irrelevant or too general. Most of the content turns out to be a tired repetition of the most obvious cliches ("don't let $ determine your worth", etc.) Cutler and the Dalai Lama seem to be on completely different wavelengths and their interaction comes across (at least on the page) as forced and not particularly stimulating. Even the attempts at humor fall painfully short. I was very much anticipating the Dalai Lama's insights on happiness in the face of challenging circumstances, but what I got instead is Cutler's confused prose and little else.

Work issues
This helped me tremendously in dealing with management at my work.They started paying attention to my suggestions due to a change in my attitude, which I applied from this book!

who doesn't love this guy?
peace and happiness in every word. even the most cynical of us can appreciate the Dalai Lama. narration is tedious at times but thoughtful

Save your money
Poorly written.
While the book does contain flashes of insight from the Dalai Lama, it is connected by randomly written, meandering, pointless, drivel.
This book is a pathetic waste of time. ... Read more

Product Description
The Dalai Lama provides simple advice on the importance of compassion and forgiveness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Pocket Wisdom
I'm never without this book - it is what I can thumb through anytime, anywhere, and get inspiration about life and it's up's and downs, and how to put them into perspetive. It is torn and tatterd, traveling through life in my purse, but it's always there when I need it! How many books can you say that about? How many people?

A pleasant surprise
I never bought a Buddhist book before.I just found this while perusing in a book store.It contains brief passages that fit on tiny pages.They made so much sense as I began reading them on my feet that I felt compelled to buy it.Later I felt a touch of "buyer's remorse" until I began reading it again today.It is indeed a simple, practical guide to dealing with day-to-day vicissitudes (get out your dictionary) that does not conflict with my beliefs.It only conflicts with my own preconceptions of what the book was when I first saw it on the shelf.

Teaser book for the Power of Compassion
This litle book of wisdom is a compilation of extracts from the "Power of Compassion". I give it a 3 stars because I thought it was a compilation of selected sayings from all the books and/or interviews. However, every Dalai Lama's book to me is a precious fountain of wisdom and I love all of them but I am just dissapointed with this one in terms of publication.

Useful advice!
An excellent little book filled with advice from the Lama'sbest writings. Good insight for persons from any religion or any situation. Highly recommended!

The BEST book!
I read this book daily. Easy to use, portable, and full of helpful insights. Always helps me put things in the right perspective. I give this as gifts just because I love this book so much! ... Read more

Product Description
For more than 2,000 years, the Heart Sutra has been of central importance to millions of Buddhists. Whether memorized, chanted, or studied, this sacred text is often looked to for inspiration. Based on talks the Dalai Lama gave in the spring of 2001, Essence of the Heart Sutra is a masterful translation of the Dalai Lama's teachings and reflections on the Heart Sutra, teachings that provide fresh insights on a mainstay of Buddhist practice. In addition to providing the words of the Dalai Lama, this book also brings together an overview of Buddhism, background material, and complete commentaries to elucidate the teachings and place them in their proper context. These bonus materials make Essence of the Heart Sutra a book that can be valued by beginners as well as one that provides seasoned Buddhists with many delightful new facts and ideas. A deeply profound and powerful book, Essence of the Heart Sutra provides precious thoughts on how to appreciate life's endeavor.Amazon.com Review
In Essence of the Heart Sutra, the Dalai Lama translates and interprets a central teaching of Buddhism with his trademark precision and straight talk. In the Heart Sutra, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara describes how to train in the perfection of wisdom by seeing through the illusions of all things. The Dalai Lama goes through the text passage by passage, after an extensive introduction to the basics of Buddhism and the Mahayana tradition's emphasis on emptiness. This doesn't take long, as the entire sutra covers all of three pages, but the Dalai Lama shows how understanding emptiness is a key to happiness and liberation from suffering. Although Essence of the Heart Sutra does not differ significantly in overall message from previous offerings such as The Meaning of Life and An Open Heart, in this book the Dalai Lama stays focused on the relevance of the Heart Sutra, and who better to explain it than the man reported to be the present-day incarnation of Avalokiteshvara himself. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

No, it isn't Nihilism!
The Heart Sutra can be a bit of a shock to someone extending an inquiring toe into Buddhism for the first time.The book should be read slowly, with many pauses.It is a challenging read.It has become the center for my studies, but I have been a Zen Buddhist for seven years.The book is a translation, with editing, of discourses given by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

For anyone interested in Buddhism as either religion or philosophy, or in the study of the great religions, it is a valuable buy.

Simply marvelous!
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's book on Heart Sutra is a piece of interesting teaching/analysis for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.As THE Dalai Lama, His Holiness on the one hand speaks with classic Buddhist fluency (in method as well as when referring to important Buddhist classics).On the other hand, as a person who has been well connected to and well versed with Western religions and many of their respected leaders, he can communicate well with western audience that consists predominately of Christians

The gist of Heart Sutra is on Essence and Form (The Essence being nothingness but not emptiness).

Some preliminary understanding related to Chapter two is important for a better understanding of the whole book, as I analysed below:

In Chapter two, DL did a comparative analysis of Buddhism vis-à-vis other religions in terms of morality and metaphysics (as well as some practical comparisons, like he said Buddhist monasteries should learn from Christian Chapters to contribute more socially like building schools and hospitals; and that some Christians having been using more meditations in pursue of their spirituality).Basically he said all religions are at one in terms of morality (like he said he agreed with fellow Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu that religious leaders should come together to help in time of natural disasters).

Again on Chapter two, on the area of Buddhist's analysis of Essence and Form, he explained that this is the great dividing line between Buddhism and most other religions that believe in the existence of an absolute Being or Beings (normally referred to as God (s)).In the final Buddhist's analysis (of metaphysical in nature), God as an Essence will be analyzed away, i.e. that is no God.As a corollary, DL compared such an in-depth analysis of this fundamental Buddhist concept as like going to graduate school, and shall be attempted only by Buddhists during further pursue of their spirituality.What DL meant is that one cannot BOTH believe in God(s) and believe in the emptiness of Essence (in the final analysis, God as an absolute Essence does not exist), a fundamental conflict of two belief systems.

With the above in perspective, we can understand why the book was organized into three sections.The first section is called Buddhism in Context, give a short comparison on religions (as per above) together with a framework of Buddhist practice and metaphysical system. Putting his Buddhists and non-Buddhists (assuming Christians) readers into different receptive modes.

The second section deals directly with Heart Sutra and is directly relevant to devoted Buddhists. And here DL did a great job in teaching us a comprehensible metaphysical system of Buddhism built upon the Heart Sutra with Essence = Nothingness as its core construct.It is interesting to note that logically (or scientifically) speaking the Heart Sutra is very simple: Behind every Form (including concrete Buddhist practices, as examples of Form), there is its Essence and which is Nothingness (not emptiness).DL also noticed this simple Negation (negation of form and unchanging essence).He explained that this Negation hides the greatest wisdom.But as with all metaphysics, one cannot arrive at a definite proof of one's initial metaphysical propositions.For religions that believe in the existence of absolute Being (or Beings), FAITH fills the missing gap.Buddhism is in an interesting situation, without the authority of a God, a Buddhist has to seek his own Enlightenment.Here, the path to seek a solution for a Buddhist is meditation (assuming that the Buddhist has already practiced Buddhist morality and exercised his logical (conscious) faculty to understand the supporting metaphysical arguments behind).Through deep meditation, a Buddhist can experience by himself (or herself) the meaning of Form, Essence and Nothingness.DL explored the important of meditation in other books of his.Interested readers can refer to How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life.

Look at it from the light of the above, from another perspective of analysis, it seems that the very common Buddhist practice of recitation of the Heart Sutra around the Buddhist world serves as an act of reminder of an important Buddhist teaching (because the Heart Sutra is devoid of metaphysical arguments), though I won't go so far as to say that it is a reaffirmation of one's Buddhist FAITH.

The final section "The way of Bodhisattva", DL teaches that the next step in a Buddhist's spiritual development is to become a Bodhisattva.The Sutra path towards which however has not been discussed in depth here.Needless to say the Tantric path of Deity Yoga will be another story, subject to study or practice to pursue, depending on one's religious affiliation and/or devotion.

Essence of the Heart Sutra
Often referred to by its short title, the Heart Sutra, the interpretations of the subtle meaning of the various passages of this sacred text has produced numerous commentarial treatises over the centuries. In His Holiness' discourse, we are brought face to face with the rich history of textual interpretation that exists in a great spiritual tradition like Buddhism. So richly textured is the Dalai Lama's discourse presented here that this book effectively serves as a comprehensive introduction to the central teachings of Mahayana Buddhism.

The central issue is that much of what we perceive as obstacles actually stem from the deeply ingrained clinging to our own existence and to our self-centeredness this produces. By reflecting deeply upon the essentially empty nature of all things, we undercut any basis for the so-called obstacles to take root within us. This reflection on emptiness, undertaken often on the basis of reciting the Heart Sutra, is considered a powerful method for overcoming obstacles.

Tiny book, a universe of information
This book, like the Heart Sutra itself, looks short, but inside is a world of information.This is a book to be read over and over, as its wisdom will apply in different ways at different times.Beyond that, there is more to religion than reading about it.Here, His Holiness gives wonderful guidance about actually walking in the path of the Buddha and thereby gaining salvation.

The Closest to its Original
I have been studying , the Chinese version of the Heart Sutra, for years.This book is the best and closest to its original.This book seems simplest but yet very in-depth study of The Heart Sutra. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by the Dalai Lama as a young man in exile, this dignified testament re-creates the miraculous search that identified him as the reincarnated leader of his country. It paints a rare, intimate portrait of Tibetan Buddhism-a way of life that would end with a terrifying foreign invasion surpassing sanity and reason. And it reveals the evolution of a man from gentle monk to a world leader, one struggling to this day to free his country...one able to touch our hearts with the goodness that makes him one of the most beloved men of our time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Delivered as Promised
I ordered this book for my son's college class, and I was surprised at how quickly it arrived! The book was in good shape, too. All in all, delivered as promised.

A Simple and Informative Read
This book is a wonderful, simple, and quick read. Of course the subject matter does get unpleasant, but it's good to know the facts from the perspective of His Holiness at the time that he wrote it in 1962.

The book tells the story which everyone knows: how the Chinese invaded Tibet and the Dalai Lama was forced to feel to India. But this book goes in to detail and as a reader, it was great to finally get the "real" details of that story, again from his perspective. Prior to reading this, I only knew the story based on films and summaries in guide books, etc.

I highly recommend this book, and I would suggest reading this one prior to reading his second autobiography, "Freedom in Exile" from the early 1990's.

Inspiring
Even if you already know the life story of His Holiness, this is a great read. Written in the Dalai Lama's usual clear and forthright style, the story is deeply moving. Recommended for students of both Buddhism and history.

An Amazing Story
Having long been a fan of the Dalai Lama and his other books, I was anxious to read his autobiography.It is an amazing story that he has to tell.We should hope that our world had evolved beyond invasions after World War II, but that proved not to be true when China invaded Tibet and eventually ousted the ruling party in 1959.

Having been previously familiar with the story of the exile of the Dalai Lama to some degree, I was anxious to learn about it in more detail.Truly the people of Tibet are and continue to be victims of China.China crept into Tibet saying only that it would help to modernize the "backwards" people of Tibet.After numerous broken promises the Dalai Lama exited just ahead of the first morter blasts that rocked his palace.China's only real goal was to take possession of the land at any cost.

Few religions place a greater emphasis on peace than the Tibetan form of Buddism.While the author gives readers some of the basic principles of the faith, the language should not be confusing to those not familiar with Buddism.This amazing story, though it ends with the Dalai Lama's arrival in India, is still fresh and eye-opening today.

Tibet never belonged to China
I enjoyed this narrative, my first experience with the writing of H.H. Dalai Lama.He writes so well.It's clear, descriptive, and engaging from the first sentence to the last.Suitable for all ages, the earlier the better.It has really sparked my interest in this country,, or at least how it once was.It has been almost two generations since this tragedy and I doubt things will ever be the same.Well, at least the chinese have thier railroad at the expense of an entire nation.Oh, but the writing isn't bitter at all.Just me. ... Read more

Product Description
Tensions over the political status of Tibet areescalating every day. The Dalai Lama has gained broad internationalsympathy in his appeals for autonomy from China, yet the Chinesegovernment maintains a hard-line position against it. What is thehistory of the conflict? Can the two sides come to an acceptablecompromise? In this thoughtful analysis, distinguished professor andlongtime Tibet analyst Melvyn C.Goldstein presents a balanced viewof the conflict as well as a proposal for the future.Clearly writtenand carefully argued, this book will become the definitive source foranyone seeking to understand the "Tibet Question" during thisdangerous turning point in its turbulent history.Amazon.com Review
Just the facts, Ma'am. Wouldn't it be nice if we could simplyinspect the historical record and resolve the question of whether ornot Tibet has traditionally been a part of China?Melvyn Goldstein,anthropologist and Tibet specialist, takes us in that direction inThe Snow Lion and the Dragon.

The results?Not so fast.Like a scientist analyzing experimental data, Goldstein walks usthrough centuries of unending political struggle and battles ofconquest. He shows us that Tibet first came under Chinese suzeraintyduring the Mongolian era and then for almost 300 years during the Manchuera. For the most part, The Snow Lion and the Dragon succeedsas chronicle of the power plays of two governments vying for controlof Tibet.

But when Goldstein speaks of the Chinese government, whatdoes he mean by "Chinese"?Does he mean the Mongols whenthey controlled the territory we call China and the Manchus when theydid?Were these legitimate Chinese governments?

AlthoughGoldstein is sincere in his objective methods, many questions such asthese lurk behind the illusion objectivity. Ultimately, history isinterpretation, and without admitting this, Goldstein lures the readerinto a false sense of complacency.

The Snow Lion and theDragon is a helpful historical summary for anyone who wonders howthe Tibet Question has played itself out from the beginning up until1997, but for an adequate examination of historical subtletiessurrounding the issue, we must continue to wait. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Visa approved.
After having written this book on Tibet's history, Goldstein is still able to easily get visas to conduct research inside Tibet by the Chinese authorities. This tells you how his books and research conclusions are viewed by the CCP.

A quick and relatively balanced overview of 1000 year of sino-tibet history
I am not an expert in this area, and just want a quick but balanced overview of the history between Tibet and China to form the basis of my own view of the situation.This book provides exactly that.Any one who read this book will appreciate the complexity of the relationship between the two.Interestingly, it also helps one to understand why UK and US are so interested or dis-interested in Tibet issue during different time in the history.The book made another strong impression on me, that is: how much history is really about the power struggle of the rulers/elite classes in the name of religion/culture/nationalism and so rarely (almost never) is about the people's interest.

Good introduction by preeminant Tibet scholar
If you're looking to start diving into the mire of the Tibet Question, then this is the place to start. Don't rely on obviously biased materials from people with vested interests like the PRC or even the FREE TIBET campaign. They have agendas. Goldstein, however, is one of the best western scholars on Tibet. He knows Tibetan language and culture well, and this book is a very concise (read: incomplete) intro to the historical realities of the political dimension of Tibet today.

The book is short enough to not be daunting, and written well enough to hold one's attention and be understood thoroughly. No blathering about useless tangents and side points. I read it long ago, and it was a great jumping-off point to further research.

Further reading on the subject would include some of Goldstein's other books like "A History of Modern Tibet", as well as Tsering Shakya's "Dragon in the Land of Snows" and Barry Suatman's collected volume "Contemporary Tibet" which contains some good chapters by folks like Robert Barnett and other Tibetan and Chinese scholars.

This is where the real information is. Don't start with biased material. By all means read that stuff, but start with something that will give you a relatively neutral picture first, then judge for yourself.

below expectations
Probably Melvyn Goldstein could not write something irrelevant about Tibet even if he wanted to, but here he comes unexpectedly close. This booklet is based on an "occasional paper" and it feels. This said, it still worth reading, but some distracted and vaguely cynical remarks leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Seems a balanced presentation on a sensitive subject
Bear in mind that my background in Chinese and Tibetan history and politics is negligible. And that the fate of the Tibetan people is being considered. That said, this seemed at least a very readable account. I assume the historical facts in this book can be cross-checked for accuracy. As to Goldstein's analysis (done before 1998) of the future, he explored possibilities for compromise that, to date, seem not to have occurred. He also expresses concern about the possibility of further violence if an adequate compromise is not reached.

When looking into the Tibetan problem, I found primarily decidedly pro-Chinese or pro-Tibetan positions. Compromise may seem unreasonable. Since Goldstein appears to be trying to find a middle position, this book may be useful for anyone trying to get a less biased view of this issue. The presentation seemed clear enough that it could serve as an introduction to this issue, although it may well also be of use to readers with a more advanced background in this area. Goldstein seems to be primarily offering input and not conclusions, so whatever your position on the Tibet issue, this book may be informative. ... Read more

Product Description
"If any individual is compassionate and altruistic, wherever that person moves, he or she will immediately make friends."

This gorgeous book by the Dalai Lama brings together profound, accessible teachings by His Holiness on living a joyful life with extraordinary images that offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Learn how to live peacefully with all people and with our planet. Master the skills to deal with anger and negative emotions. Cultivate techniques to nurture open-heartedness and compassion.

Photographer Ian Cumming's images of landscapes, monasteries, and Tibetan people, both the monastic community and lay practitioners, take the reader on a spectacular photographic journey into the heart of Buddhist practice. These photographs help us to deepen our appreciation of the context in which Tibetan Buddhism developed and to see how it is now practiced by those in Tibet as well as those in exile.

Ian Cumming is a travel photographer specializing in Tibet and the Caribbean and is the leading photographer with the London-based agency Tibet Images. His photographs appear in A Simple Path, another book by His Holiness.Amazon.com Review
The Dalai Lama is one of the world's most loved and respected religious leaders. Exiled from his native Tibet since the 1950s, he has probably done more to introduce the West to Buddhism than any other figure, not just through his teachings but through the example of his life, his quiet dignity, humility, calmness, and obvious love for mankind.These are the qualities that shine through in The Art of Living.Subtitled "A Guide to Contentment, Joy and Fulfillment", this book is the text of a series of lectures the Dalai Lama gave at Wembley, London, in 1993. The talks deal with the problems of suffering, living, and dying with straightforward language, common sense, and compassion. You don't have to be a Buddhist to find the teachings valuable. For example, the Dalai Lama quotes the Indian scholar Shantideva: "If there is a way to overcome the suffering, then there is no need to worry; if there is no way to overcome the suffering, then there is no use in worrying." The talks in this book cover such areas as "Dealing with Anger and Emotion", and "Giving and Receiving: A Practical Way of Directing Love and Compassion." In the final short chapter, "The Challenge for Humanity: An Interfaith Address", the wisdom of the Dalai Lama is clear in his plea for mutual understanding between the plurality of the world's religions. The text of this book has been published before, both in The Power of Compassion and in The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching. What makes this edition different, as with the Dalai Lama's A Simple Path, is Ian Cumming's breathtakingly beautiful color photographs of mountains, monasteries, and monks in Tibet and India. --David V. Barrett, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Beautiful thoughts
While I was reading The Art of Living, many of the passages seemed genuinely thought-provoking and peaceful.I went back and forth about four or five stars for this book.The only reason I hesitated was because I think a lot of people might find some of the writing to be too "deep" as far as regular awareness.Coming from a spiritual approach to life myself, they are intriguing and uplifting.The photographs are worth the purchase alone.This book is filled with ways to make you step past the complexity that the physical world can seem to have."Simplicity" is the way of peaceful living, which is reiterated many different ways in the Dali Lama's messages.

If you are looking for ways to improve the condition of your life and attitude, then this book should be read by you.Jim Fargiano, author of: The Spoken Words of Spirit: Lessons From The Other Side

Simple and life changing
Simple and short read. Excellent for anyone who has ever wonder how to change their life.

Wonderful book.
I started studying Buddhism recently and this book was a lovely introduction to the basic teachings. I truly enjoyed every page of it. The photographs and quotes are amazing... ... Read more

Product Description
The four noble truths are these: life involves suffering; desire is the source of our suffering; there is a way to put an end to our desire; the way out of desire is to live one's life according to eight basic principles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Book Review
Speedy delivery, good condition. Every thing Amazon stated was correct so I'm very happy with the service.

H H the Dalai Lama's energy comes through - surprising!
I haven't finished the DVD set yet but I find it very worthwhile. I'm choosing to watch it as mindfully as I can. Having seen HH years ago in Honolulu up close in person, I was wary at a DVD. Glad to say it is very good and while nothing like being there, its far more accessible. The intro is very dry and forgettable but you can fast forward through it. Much of the talk is through his interpreter but that doesn't seem to detract much. HH's english is actually quite good but he can be difficult to understand to the western ear. I feel anyone attentive to HH's presence and work will enjoy this DVD set. It seemed quite pricy but considering the content and the possibility for real insight and transformation, the cost could end up being the best money one ever spent.

Not an introduction to Buddhism!
In 1997 the Dalai Lama was invited by a consortium of Buddhist organizations to give a talk in London on the four noble truths. This book contains the edited transcripts of that conference. In the introduction he discourages proselitism, urging people to remain in their religion: all religions contribute to create a "good heart" in people, and are therefore useful. But if you need more, than study the Dharma. He makes it clear that the idea of a Creator God is nonsense to Buddhists.
Also he talked about the Two Truths Theory (conventional and ultimate):
Samvharah satya: relative truth; and Paramatha satya: ultimate truth
He expounds the Four Noble Truths from the perspective of Madhyamaka School (first expounded by Nagarjuna, I, II cent. A.D.), emphasizing Dependent Origination and Emptiness.
Laughter broke out when Dalai Lama commented on the fact that Westerns often ask him the quickest, most effective and cheapest way to enlightenment. He said that it was a sign of failure: NO PAIN NO GAIN!!! We need serious, methodical practice and sustained effort in order to achieve results. Laughter also erupted when someone in the audience asked him to explain the difference between self-realization and God-realization. After a back and forth between him and his translator for a few seconds, he blurted out: "I don't know..." provoking his audience's hilarity.
Main figures discussed:
Nagarjuna (I a.d., master)
Aryaveda (his disciple)
Buddhapalita (IV a.d.., founder of Madhyamaka-Prasangika)
Chandrakirti (IV a.d., greatest member of that school)
Bhavaviveka (key figure in development of Madhyamaka-Svatantrika, and critic of Buddhapalita)
Asanga and Vasubandhu (IV a.d., half brothers, proponents of Chittamatra school)
Dharmakirti (VII a.d. Master)
Shantiveda (VII a.d., Indian poet)

First truth: dhukka
All beings are under the control of delusion and afflictive emotions (kilesas). Ignorance and confusion are at the root of our existences. Paradoxically, the harder we try to be happy, and the more we move around, here and there, the more we suffer and grow disappointed.
In order to make more sense of our lives we need to trace our steps back to consciousness which is not to be identified with the brain.

Second truth: Origin of suffering
Role of karma.

Third truth: Nirodha (Cessation of suffering)
Nature of emptiness. Four views of no-self: traditional, Chittamatra (radical mentalism: all is thought), Madhyamka-Svatantrika (there is a certain intrinsic reality to things and events, even though not in themselves but in our perception), Madhyamaka-Prasangika (goes even further, in that it negates the intrinsic existence and identity of things and events).
Middle Way avoids extremes of both nihilism and absolutism. Dalai Lama combines chapters 23, 18 and 24 of Mulamadhamakakarika (Emptiness: A Study in Religious Meaning): Emptiness is NOT nothingness, or non-existence. Emptiness means void, lacking, empty of independent existence). Madhyamaka is divided in Prasangika (which emphasizes reductio ad absurdum, showing the internal inconsistencies of opponent's views) and Svatantrika (which uses syllogisms to establish its positions).

Fouth truth: Liberation or moksha
Shravaka yana: emphasizes shamatha (calming the mind, in order to rest free of disturbances of thought) and vipassana (clear insight meditation)
Maha yana: emphasizes compassion and the bodhisattva path
Vajra yana: the Tantric Path.

Great Reference
This is a good source of information for understanding the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism and certainly does not require a pre-existing knowledge of Buddism.It is very thorough being 6 hours long. The interpreter speaks clearly and is easy to follow. I already had the video version which I have watched about 3 times. I especially like the DVD version because it has a detailed outline of each lecture by topic. This makes it easy to find a particular part of the lecture for reference or review. The DVD version provides the additional feature of a Series Transcript that may be accessed on your PC.

hearing his voice
I love hearing the astounding kindness of his voice, even if I do not understand before Dr. Jinpa intelligently translates. ... Read more

Product Description

Their meeting captured headlines; the waiting list for tickets was nearly 2000 names long. If you were unable to attend, this book will take you there. Including both the papers given at the conference, and the animated discussion and debate that followed, The Dalai Lama at MIT reveals scientists and monks reaching across a cultural divide, to share insights, studies, and enduring questions.

Is there any substance to monks’ claims that meditation can provide astonishing memories for words and images? Is there any neuroscientific evidence that meditation will help you pay attention, think better, control and even eliminate negative emotions? Are Buddhists right to make compassion a fundamental human emotion, and Western scientists wrong to have neglected it?

The Dalai Lama at MIT shows scientists finding startling support for some Buddhist claims, Buddhists eager to participate in neuroscientific experiments, as well as misunderstandings and laughter. Those in white coats and those in orange robes agree that joining forces could bring new light to the study of human minds.

Customer Reviews (2)

Fascinating Dialogue -- No Deception
Contrary to what the previous reviewer has to say, the Dalai Lama is actually a significant contributor to this book. He participates in numerous panel discussions that are included in the text, and as always he has a number of extraordinarily insightful things to say. Thankfully, the Dalai Lama has opened this dialogue between Tibetan philosophy, with its sophisticated understanding of the interdependent relationship between subject and object, and contemporary Western cognitive science. The resulting discussion is likely to yield advances in our understanding of consciousness and the role that desire and self-awareness play in governing our ethical choices. Highly recommended.

Deceptive title
This title is deceptive because the book contains no contribution whatsoever by the Dalaï Lama himself. The contributors are all scholars but the most authentic and closest to the Dalaï Lama is probably his French interpreter, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard. ... Read more

Product Description
The second volume in the landmark Library of Tibet series, Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart examines the next step of the Path: Compassion. Based on a classic fourteenth-century Tibetan poem famous for its ability to awaken compassion in the human heart, this elegant primer combines the mind training and stages of the path traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with enduring simplicity and illuminating prose.

Customer Reviews (4)

Volume Two of Three
Core Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.I can't recommend this series high enough.

words cannot describe the power of this book
The title of this book, 'Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart' is, in essence, the core topic of this book.This book is entirely dedicated on teaching us how to awaken our minds and lighten our hearts.

His Holiness's eloquence and understanding of compassion are great and vast as an ocean.I realized this while reading the book.It took me over two months' time to get to page 30, because I was determined on completely understanding and grasping the meanings of each page before I moved onto the next.I was also determined to apply each page's teachings into my life before I'd move onto the next.How wrong I was to think I would finish this book in a timely fashion.

I would read a few pages, then set the book aside and contemplate on the teachings.I'd carry His Holiness's words in my heart and my mind as I went about my day's events.I'd go back to read the book, thinking I'd pick up where I left off.While skimming through the pages I had already read, I'd stop and notice that I realized something about a paragraph.How curious, I had already read it, but suddenly it was as if I were reading it again with fresh eyes, and I'd learn yet something else.Doing this again and again, it took me two months before finishing page 30.Then I'd look back on the past few months and realize I had basically changed into a much more patient and caring person.

I started on this book a long while back, and I'm still discovering and rediscovering truths and revelations in His Holiness's simple words.

The reason I provided the small anecdote is because this book can last you a lifetime if you apply His Holiness's teachings into your life.There is a lifetime's worth of lessons to be learned from the seemingly simple exterior of his teachings.

This book basically starts us at the basics and teaches us the fundamentals of Buddhism.What is suffering?What is the cause of suffering?How do we overcome suffering?The Dalai Lama goes over the Four Noble Truths and the Three Poisons (ignorance, greed, hatred) in such a friendly, warm, simple and engaging manner that we can't help but sit there and listen.I felt as if I were a preschooler listening to my favorite teacher while reading this book, and truly, when reading this book with an open, receptive mind, you'll feel as if you're re-learning all the basics about everything.It's as if we've walked all our lives in a manner that has caused us to trip and fall constantly, and here His Holiness is giving us a guide that teaches us why we were walking incorrectly, why our previous way of walking would cause us to fall, and finally, how to practice walking correctly in a manner that won't cause us to fall and hurt ourselves.

Usually, I review books and items pretty harshly.I'll point out descrepancies, things I didn't like, etc.I'm at a loss with this book.I've been a Buddhist for my entire life and after reading this book, I realized just how far from understanding I was.Don't be fooled by the deceptive simplicity of this book.It's one thing to read something and understand it, but in trying to apply it, this book will provide a lifetime's worth of lessons, knowledge, and understanding.It's as if the closer you come to accepting what the Dalai Lama always teaches -- compassion -- the more understanding you gain from the book that perhaps you never saw there before.

This is a book, I feel, that anybody can read.All it does is offer insight into suffering, what causes us to suffer, and how we overcome suffering.It's not about His Holiness preaching on and on about the Dharma.It's about him taking the best of the Dharma and bringing it to you in a very reader-friendly format, coupled with his own explanations.

I couldn't think of anything better.

Gentle Teachings
I have been reading the book each day,it has become so well worn I decided to buy another.The concise step-by-step information appealed to me. The book is well written, illustrating a clear path to enlightenment throughwisdom and compassion. The simple steps guide the reader to an easyunderstanding of the peace and beauty ofa compassionate life.I wasdrawn to discovering more about Tibetan Buddhism after reading "someof the dharma" by Jack Kerouac. In contrast, this book by the DalaiLama compelling in its advice about the importance of disciplining themind. Kerouac struggled with these issues, and may have found some measureof comfort had he had this book available to him.

empowered; plan to read it again
The teachings and the wisdom written by His Holiness is incredible.Iregret not knowing his teachings during childhood.The book is an easyread and quite powerful.I shall meditate each day in hopes of followingHis teachings. I have passed it along to a good friend and am lookingforward to reading it again. ... Read more

Product Description
The great leader as we've never seen him before.

This is the extraordinary documentation of the evolving friendship between the Dalai Lama and the man who followed him across Ireland and Eastern Europe, on a pilgrimage to India's holy sites, and through the Dalai Lama's near fatal illness. On this remarkable journey Victor Chan was awarded an insight into His Holiness-his life, his fears, his faith, his compassion, his day-to-day practice-that no one has reported before. We've heard the public voice of His Holiness--now we are invited to listen in on his personal explorations, and to take instruction on the Tibetan art of living. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

The blessings of a holy life
Much though one recites the sacred texts, but acts not accordingly, that heedless one is like a cowherd who only counts the cows of others -- one does not partake of the blessings of the holy life.

Dhammapada 1.19

This book is very important especially now as security has made is very difficult to see the Dalai Lama the human being, the man who embodies what he teaches.
It is notable in that Victor who is clearly part of the stories makes sure we know the story is about the Dalai Lama, not about himself. (Unlike other biographers)
I have been a student of the Dalai Lama now for over 15 years. In the early days he would wade into crowds to meet people, find the one person in the crowd who would truly both need and benefit from the greatness of his compassion and give them both,answer spontaneous questions, direct obnoxious questioners to Buddhist texts for answers, and generally respond to the ignorance of us, the ordinary impoverished student, seeker or curious observer, spontaneously laugh at his own mistakes and admit his own ignorance(he still does), but the opportunity to see and know The Dalai Lama, the man, has been stifled especially in the West by the overbearing security that interferes with his mobility and puts shivers of Big Brother up one's spine.

This book very much reveals to us the man behind the curtain who insists on transparency.The man who is curious and enchanting, the man who is one of the preeminent Buddhist scholars alive who can explain a difficult concept and point out a simple fact. But perhaps more than anything else Victor reveals the man who walks the walk and talks the talk and helps us understand what love and compassion really are. After reading this book for just a moment we are happy and at peace, just knowing what it truly means to be human.It gives us a glimmer, that perhaps we too can find peace in openness, love and compassion.

Captivating, wonderful and rare gift
This book will not let you put it down, so perhaps choose to read it when you have a few hours ahead of you and you can devote yourself entirely.

Victor Chan takes us on an intimate journey, shoulder to shoulder, with one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all times, all while gifting us with a very personal and courageous insights of the past events, some of historical proportions. (Even when talking about past, you will have a feeling it's happening right now and you are right there.) The writing is skilfully smooth and refreshingly authentic. Often some very difficult for westerners to grasp concepts, like emptiness, or interconnectedness, are presented in a very imaginative and nurturing way, that is easy to understand.
To me, one of the most wonderful features of this material is not just the intimacy with His Holiness you will feel, but a true companionship and closeness with your fallow traveler, the writer himself. I have given away numerous copies to my friends, and they all loved it! Go Victor, I can not wait to be blessed with another book of yours, I hope it's coming our way soon!

A wonderful mix of journalism and Buddhist insights
Not only do you learn a great deal about the Dalai Lama, you learn about how he sees the world--through compassion, emptiness, and most importantly forgiveness. The book is filled with interesting stories and anecdotes about HHDL that could only come from a source intimately close to him. Perhaps the most interesting parts of the book, however, are the insights the Dalai Lama gives to the reader about his own spiritual achievements. It's a fascinating book on many levels. Very enjoyable for those interested in Buddhism in general, and in the Dalai Lama in particular.

The Dalai Lama:Emptiness+Compassion=Happiness
This book speaks to me strongly, clearly, and as simply as possible. It is filled with the insights of the Dalai Lama brilliantly communicated with the help of his friend, Victor Chan. All the true essentials of Buddhism are here, shared with love and humor. Myself having first been introduced to Buddhism at the age of 15, now 40 years later I find the Dalai Lama to be a most inspirational practitioner. I am grateful to Victor Chan for helping the sweet light of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to shine through to me through this book.

Misleading Title, Interesting Stories
The title of this book implies that the book is an in-depth look at the issue of forgiveness - a spiritual step that many people struggle with, and an area where you might want to seek out the Dalai Lama's specific advice.This is not a "how-to" book, however.It is a very interesting, personal history of co-author Victor Chan's friendship with the Dalai Lama, a narrative which spans many years.

Chan accompanies HH the DL on a number of trips, including a trip to Northern Ireland, where the issue of forgiveness is addressed.In terms of technique, the book offers the standard Tibetan "giving and taking" meditation (where the meditator "receives" other peoples' sufferings, and then "gives" them joy and happiness), as well as discussions on emptiness and compassion. He also spends time with HH the DL in Dharamsala and in Delhi.

There are better "how-to" books out there. However, if you would like to read about how HH the DL handles everything from dental care (he brushes after every meal) to personal medical emergencies (he considers the worse-off condition of sick street beggars whom his car passes on the way to a hospital in Delhii), then this would be a good book for you. It gives a lot of day-to-day insight into HH the DL's life, shows his sense of humor and personality, and is an easy read. It would probably be a good book to take on a three-hour plane trip.

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