The Middle Way . . . . . . . .July 19, 2005 11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Is never, ever the "easy" way. For anyone who thinks it is just stay in the middle for awhile and you will know what I mean. This book is awesome.
If we admit it we always wonder about our spiritual leaders. How many Hail Mary's does the Pope actually do? Did Baal Shem Tov really glow in the dark? etc.
In this book many of the practices of Tibetan Buddhism are explained in simple, easy to understand language. For people practicing this path is is very illuminating to read about the practice of the leaders.
He states that he sometimes has problems with the principle of 'emptieness'. To those of us that find the principle a headbanger that is a relief to hear.
His explanation of Tantra is wonderful. Tantra is an Indian and Tibetan practice. It is a far deeper and more spiritual practice than the internet versions would have you believe. His explanation of it is wonderful and makes it understandable why a teacher is required.
It is simple enough to start a beginner and yet has enough information to help those along with more advanced practices.
I would recommend it for anyone.
W.W.T.D.L.D.?March 3, 2005 13 out of 21 found this review helpful
It doesn't seem like critiquing a book by the Dalai Lama is the best idea ever - but at least Buddhist don't believe in hell so I don't have to worry about being sent there for it.
Actually there is only one real thing to be critical of here... which I will get to in a roundabout way. Since I am not a Buddhist and all I wouldn't have usually picked up this book but since I received this book along with two others of the Dalai Lama's for free I figured why not. I was encouraged by the introduction in which the book was described as having value for Buddhists and non-Buddhist alike... this was not exactly my experience.
While I certainty wouldn't say that this book was of my value at all to read it's value was limited only into the insights it provided into Buddhism and not in any more general way since all of these practices are so deeply founded in Buddhist philosophy and worldview there can be no secular extraction for them that preserves there nature.
Also, while yes I did learn much about Buddhism from this book having not been exposed to any of it before it was confusing at times trying to learn from this book which seems to assume much on the part of its readers - if you are looking for a primer text on the religion I would not recommend this one.
Having said that thought I was very impressed thought with many Buddhist approaches to issues and problems that the mainstream Christian culture in America handles so poorly. A very becoming humility was characteristic of the Dalai Lama's views on subject such as the potential problems that frozen embryos leftover from in vitro fertilization poses with the idea of reincarnation and when life begins. This humility allowed him to admit that he doesn't have all the answers - Christians (especially those of a political nature) too often seem to view such an admission as a sign of weakness and would rather take a firm position (any position!) rather than have any shred of ambiguity left. Far from being a sign of weakness though this humble admitting of what he doesn't feel like he knows for such was such a sign of strength and integrity to me.
Likewise his openness to science stands in contrast to those same percussion-complex ridden Christians. Instead of viewing research data from research involving the likes of cat scans and genetic sequencing as an assault on his values the Dalai Lama (correctly I believe) asserts that there is much that Buddhism can learn from such sciences and that there is much science can learn in return.
While the continued captivity of Tibet doesn't exactly seem to be a ringing endorsement for passivism I think I am better off for having read this book, not exactly in a spiritual way but in that I, even as a secularist, now have a greater appreciation and understanding of Buddhism than before. Yes, I think that that specific goal could have been accomplished better through other books since this one was largely focused on the spiritual side but still its hard not to have enjoyed reading the words of someone who comes off as so genuine and so humble as the Dalai Lama does.
Helped me get happier about lifeFebruary 1, 2005 5 out of 17 found this review helpful
This book along with other books from many different people helped my get through tough times easier.
A great IntroductionJanuary 11, 2005 5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book is an excellent place to start on your path to enlightenment. It would be really hard to write an entire book comprising of every aspect of Buddhism and H.H. Dalai Lama did not intend to write a comprehensive book upon writing this. I usually look for more comprehensive guides when purchasing books on subjects new/unfamiliar to me, but this book was a great place to start in understanding the mindset of a peaceful and happy Tibetan Buddhist. He shows the way by example in his writing as his joy flows from page to page in clear and easy to understand writing. I highly advise purchasing, 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism", as well as this book to anyone unfamiliar with Buddhism, as, "The Complete ....", describes the different Buddhist sects and ways. "How To Practice," can however be read on its own as well which is what I did prior to dipping into deeper fundamentals of Buddhism.
The best aspect of this book is that the way in which it was written applies to anyone, (I.E.- Christians, Etc). H.H. Dalai Lama writes and even tells readers of different faiths how particular teaching can be applied in their faiths and lives as well.
The Greatest guide to BuddhismOctober 24, 2004 11 out of 13 found this review helpful
I am simpithetic to the previous two readers. They obviously did not want to learn of the religion. if they had they would have learned much more as I did learn. The first thing to note is that this book is on of the Dalai Lama's books. In it he incorporates experiences of his own life to portray that even if you don't become an oficial Buddhist you can still incorporate these pratices into your own life. The book give you fully detailed explainations on each step of the path. At the end of every section is a Summary of Daily Practice which simplifies the section so you don't fall behind or get lost. The book also explains how to use the religion in daily life and how to treat Buddhism properly. This book Inspired me to become a Buddhist, I only hope that it inspires you.
