The Dalai Lama: His Essential Wisdom by Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama: His Essential Wisdom Reviews

• 
  Stacy

  The book starts with a four page introduction, which introduced the the contextual history of this, the 14th Dalai Lama. The last few pages are the chronology of the man through 2006, when the book went to print. The bulk of the book are chapters (compassion, love, kindness & friendship, happiness, environment…) full of his own words taken from his speeches or writings. The first few chapters are about the teachings of Buddhism and his own path to being the leader. Many places in the book he talks about the responsibility he feels for Tibet, his home that he cannot return to because of the Chinese government. There is a lot of wisdom here and I enjoyed it very much. If only enlightenment could be found in a book we’d all be better off, but this is the next best thing. I look forward to picking it up again in the future. Highly recommended.
• 
  Galina Kalvatchev

  Loved it. Quick read and at the same time profound. It offers an important and powerful message as well as practical advice that anyone can benefit from regardless of religious beliefs.
  
• 
  Jennifer Rosener

  Okay read... Small snippet quotes.
  
  
• 
  T Hamboyan Harrison

  A good introduction to the Dalai Lama's teachings; but being an introduction, it lacks the depth of his other writings.
• 
  Donna

  "As a technique to identify the basic nature of the mind, first stop remembering what happened in the past, then stop thinking about what might happen in the future; let the mind flow of its own accord without the overlay of thought...."
  This book is a abundant collection of inspiring and thought provoking quotations of the Dalai Lama. He is an extraordinary charismatic man!
• 
  Tremayne

  I loved reading these excerpts of wisdom from the man himself. Compassion, love, and altruism are all that are needed to facilitate a kinder and gentler world. Not only must we love ourselves first, but once that's done, we can carry it on to others. Buddhism is a religion whose philosophies I can support.
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  Charity

  "Brute force, no matter how strongly applied, can never subdue the basic human desire for freedom and dignity."
• 
  Linh

  It gave more insight on the Dalai Lama's thoughts. Very inspiring and motivating.
• 
  Lisa

  I appreciate this exposure to Buddhist beliefs & the Dalai Lama. I knew very little.
  
  It’s a challenge to relate to the details here since my fundamental belief is in a Higher Power and Buddhism is based on enlightenment. But I respect the exposure. These are my top 3 quotes:
  
  “The ultimate nature of everyone is pure. This belief will calm our mind and will reduce negative feelings.”
  
  “If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then also, there is no need to worry.”
  
  “We are human beings – one of our better qualities is our ability to think and judge. If we lose patience and get angry, we lose our ability to make proper judgments and thereby lose one of the most powerful instruments we have for tackling problems: our wisdom.”
  
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  Janet C-B

  This is a short book that I read on a 2-3 hr flight. The book describes a bit about the life of the Dalai Lama within a historical context and the teachings of Buddhism. It also covers a range of philosophies and beliefs, including the need for compassion, love, forgiveness, kindness and friendship which are generally promoted among many faith traditions. Some of the beliefs, such as belief in reincarnation, are different than my own religious beliefs, but that does not take away from the value of the book. I think the book serves as a good staring point for someone who is not familiar with Buddhism and the Dalai Lama. I have a great respect for the Dalai Lama and understand why he looks so happy, despite his difficult life circumstances.
• 
  Michael Rivas

  I already believed many of the beliefs and have suspected I was Buddhist but never knew until now. My beliefs are align with everything the dalai believes and gives pretty good insight of how to treat people and how it all starts with you. There IS a difference between religious and spiritual and this is a book that covers fundamentals about your own spirituality and it is up to you to decide anything from there.
• 
  Aayla

  I read this for some enlightened thinki
  ng and some positive ideas, since I am also reading Columbine right now. This was a good reminder of the way Buddhists think and the things they strive for, and it helped me feel less depressed.
• 
  Bob

  Nice, simple passages organized by subject. Uplifting quotes that makes me wish to spend some time each day reflecting on his positive philosophy.
• 
  Armando

  great message. quick read. love the Dalai. read it.
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  Anda

  This is a great book to keep on your nightstand and read a bit anytime you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
• 
  Kathy Cramer

  I want to be more like him.