The Essential Dalai Lama: His Important Teachings

By Dalai Lama XIV

Book Overview

An invaluable collection that brings together the best of the Dalai Lama's writings on all aspects of life An inspiration to millions of people worldwide, the Dalai Lama has authored more than fifty books. Now, for the first time, The Essential Dalai Lama brings together the best of the Dalai Lama's writings on all aspects of life, from work to meditation. Divided into four sections-The Vision, Buddhist Perspectives, Practice, A World in Harmony- The Essential Dalai Lama contains eloquent applications of the principles of ancient Buddhist thought to contemporary issues, all expressed in the Dalai Lama's uniquely compelling voice. This is the perfect compilation for anyone who wishes to have one source for the Dalai Lama's teachings or who seeks an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Buddhism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143037803
• ISBN13: 9780143037804
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

H.H. the Dalai Lama strikes again

The Essential Dalai Lama His Important Teachings, is a wonderful written and well thought out source of the core not just of Buddhism, but for life. He strikes a cord that transcends religions and opinions to what being a good person really is. What kindness and compassion really are and how by challenging our minds and our energy we can see life for what it really is and in that knowing find peace. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

A great introduction to Buddhism

Before reading this book, I have read his two other phenomenal books by His Holiness - The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living and The Art of Happiness at Work. These two books are very practical books with concepts that we can easily relate to and apply to our day to day lives. I read them in a time of sadness and confusion, and they have really helped to put me on the right track again. The Essential Dalai Lama provided a great introduction of the essential Buddhist concepts to me. The books is actually a collection of chapters from various books by His Holiness. The pace is good for beginners and the ideas are presented in great clarity. From my point of view, most of the teachings from His Holiness are actually religiously neutral. Many of the concepts are simply ancient wisdoms that have been passed through the experience of many generations. These wisdoms can serve as short-cuts to help all of us, regardless of religious and cultural background, to understand our mind better, to live happier and healthier, and to make this world a better place for our fellow human beings. To summarize, I think this book could be a bit theoretical as the first introduction to Buddhism. It's easier to read the two books that I mentioned earlier or other books by Thich Nhat Hanh such as Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life. On the other hand, for someone who wants to learn the key buddhist concepts in a systematic way for the first time, the Essential Dalai Lama offers an excellent choice.