Live in a Better Way: Reflections on Truth, Love, and Happiness [Paperback]

Dalai Lama (Author)

Book Description

Series: Compass | Publication Date: April 2, 2002

Imbued with a friendly tone and pithy wisdom, this handsome handbook to approaching life "in a better way" includes six of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's most accessible and inspirational public lectures. Following each talk are the original question-and-answer sessions in which His Holiness opens himself up to his listeners and-now- to readers everywhere. His characteristically candid guidance on living fully and responsibly, especially at the start of a new millennium, focuses on specific themes that range from religious tolerance to compassion and nonviolence. The book also includes a practical and highly readable introduction to Buddhism and the Dalai Lama's own spiritual heritage, written by the renowned Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.

Compiled and edited by Renuka Singh.
Introduction by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Occasionally a book comes along that you want to take outside, shove into the hand of every passerby, and say, "Read this and be enlightened." The Dalai Lama's latest collection of lectures is like that. As you read, you begin to think what a wonderful world it would be if everybody thought like the Dalai Lama. Though the highest ranked leader of a world religion, the Dalai Lama insists that some of the most important aspects of Buddhist practice are nonreligious, particularly the training of the mind. This he sees as essential to cultivating basic decency in the day-to-day life of all people. To understand the motivations of others, to rein in negative emotions, to examine one's own motivations--these are the steps to living peacefully and responsibly in the world. On a deeper theoretical level, the Dalai Lama also introduces the importance of seeing through reality to the two levels of truth as well as exploring karma and the nature of existence. Impromptu question-and-answer sessions round out some of the lectures, giving the listeners a chance to pose their own questions. Read this and be enlightened. --Brian Bruya --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

The packaging of talks given by the Dalai Lama has become a publishing staple in the last decade. Here the Dalai Lama's student Singh, a university professor in India, has pulled together six talks delivered in New Delhi from 1988-1997. "In order to practice Buddhism, you have to first know about the mind," begins this labyrinthine journey that is ostensibly aimed at all people, not just Buddhist practitioners. The lectures are good examples of how the Dalai Lama must be supremely accessible in thought and speech, and yet must also articulate the more abstract philosophical underpinnings of Buddhism as a "science of the mind." Within each chapter both aspects are in evidence. For example, in "A Journey to Happiness" we read the clear directive, "Some people feel that compassion, love and forgiveness are religious matters. This is wrong. Love and compassion are imperative. There is no way we can ignore these things, whether one is a believer or not." Near the end of the same chapter the thinking takes one of its abstruse turns: "In Maha-Anuttara Yoga Tantrayana, one unique practice is making a distinction among the gross, subtle, and innermost subtle levels of mind." The book's ultimate message of happiness through compassion is a vital one, but this collection is geared for the adept with a philosophical appetite and a considerable intellect, not for the general reader.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (April 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014219607X
• ISBN-13: 978-0142196076
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet and was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. The world's foremost Buddhist leader, he travels extensively, speaking eloquently in favor of ecumenical understanding, kindness and compassion, respect for the environment, and, above all, world peace.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read!, June 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Live in a Better Way: Reflections on Truth, Love and Happiness (Hardcover)

I came into reading this book with very little knowledge of Buddhism. The book is not really about any religion at all. Its about learning how to deal with problems, anxiety, and becoming a better person. This book is small, but perfect in any way. It is one of the best and most important books that I've ever read.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A warm-hearted and compassionate series of talks., August 6, 2001

By 

Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" (South Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live in a Better Way: Reflections on Truth, Love and Happiness (Audio Cassette)

Losang Gyatso reads the works of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a clear and understandable series of talks that represent a decade's worth of public lectures. The themes are diverse, but are presented in a way that is thoughtful and inspiring. I have listened to these tapes now several times and do not tire of hearing them. They always present me with good thoughts on living fully and responsibly, and focus on non-violence and deep compassion. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, November 20, 2003

By 

Frederick L. Merritt Jr. (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live in a Better Way : Reflections on Truth, Love and Happiness (Audio CD)

I enjoyed this book very much. I am not a student of the Dalai Lama but I did enjoy this work. I thought the lectures gave the novice a good idea about Budahist thought.

I would suggest this book to those of different faiths who are curious but do not want a deep thelogical work. This particular work is more like a set of sermons from a Christian preacher might be. While it does not give you the full picture it does give you enough to have a pretty good idea about what is going on in the faith.

I liked very much the discussions compassion. The idea that compassion not only leads to enlightenment but a happier existence here is something all of us no matter what faith we are could follow.