Simply AmazingAugust 27, 2006 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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 ReadJanuary 16, 2006 1 out of 7 found this review helpful
Book came quick and in wonderful condition. Order it! You will enjoy it.
Wisdom to Act uponDecember 29, 2004 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
A powerful, life-changing book. Beautiful, useful teachings to effectively eliminate negative behavior and thinking. Not just for Buddhists.
Inspired treatment of classic Buddhist textSeptember 20, 2000 14 out of 14 found this review helpful
In this book the Dalai Lama presents an extended commentary on the The Way of the Bodhisattva, a well-known text of Mahayana Buddhism written by Shantideva, an 8th Century Indian Master. The premise of the Bodhisattva Path or Life is to attain enlightenment in order to serve and ultimately "save" others. As applied to everday life, it means living in as conscious and compassionate a way as possible - a life that concentrates on service to and awareness of other's needs.
While perhaps only a few can attain such an ideal state, one of the Dalia Lama's main points is that all of us can at least aspire to it. And regardless of one's feelings about this particular path, there is plenty of value in this book for those curious enough to look into it.
It's hard to pick up any book by the Dalai Lama and not take away something of great value from it, and this book is no different. However, in my opinion this book may be slightly less accessible to the non-Buddhist than some of his more recent books. This book sticks pretty close to doctrinaire Buddhism, and does not go to the lengths that some of the other books do in broadening the message for those of other faiths/practices. The concentration on reincarnation may strke most Western minds as exotic or peculiar, and might perhaps disguise the underlieing message. I would recommend Ethics for the New Millenium or perhaps The Good Heart for those not very familiar with Buddhism.
For those with a reasonable grounding and comfort with Buddhist thought, this is an excellent book.
Inspired treatment of classic Buddhist textSeptember 20, 2000 37 out of 37 found this review helpful
In this book the Dalai Lama presents an extended commentary on the The Way of the Bodhisattva, a well-known text of Mahayana Buddhism written by Shantideva, an 8th Century Indian Master. The premise of the Bodhisattva Path or Life is to attain enlightenment in order to serve and ultimately "save" others. As applied to everday life, it means living in as conscious and compassionate a way as possible - a life that concentrates on service to and awareness of other's needs.
While perhaps only a few can attain such an ideal state, one of the Dalia Lama's main points is that all of us can at least aspire to it. And regardless of one's feelings about this particular path, there is plenty of value in this book for those curious enough to look into it.
It's hard to pick up any book by the Dalai Lama and not take away something of great value from it, and this book is no different. However, in my opinion this book may be slightly less accessible to the non-Buddhist than some of his more recent books. This book sticks pretty close to doctrinaire Buddhism, and does not go to the lengths that some of the other books do in broadening the message for those of other faiths/practices. The concentration on reincarnation may strke most Western minds as exotic or peculiar, and might perhaps disguise the underlieing message. I would recommend Ethics for the Next Century or perhaps The Good Heart for those not very familiar with Buddhism.
For those with a reasonable grounding and comfort with Buddhist thought, this is an excellent book.
