The Pocket Dalai Lama (Shambhala Pocket Classics) [Paperback]

M. Craig (Author)

Book Description

Series: Shambhala Pocket Classics | Publication Date: October 8, 2002

This collection of wisdom on a wide range of topics is a pocket-sized inspirational companion for anyone—and the perfect short introduction to the Dalai Lama for the beginner. It includes short gems from many of his teachings made popular in such books as The Art of Happiness and Ethics for the New Millennium, as well as on subjects such as religion, politics, peacework, and human rights.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 in the province of Amdo in eastern Tibet. When he was two years old he was recognized as the fourteenth in the line of Dalai Lamas, the spiritual masters who for three centuries had governed the country. After China invaded Tibet, the Dalai Lama took refuge in Northern India, where he has led and inspired the Tibetan community in exile.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st Shambhala ed edition (October 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590300017
• ISBN-13: 978-1590300015
• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 0.3 x 4.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bite-sized morsels of radiant wisdom, April 28, 2005

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pocket Dalai Lama (Shambhala Pocket Classics) (Paperback)

"The Pocket Dalai Lama" is compiled and edited by Mary Craig. This is an anthology of short excerpts from the teachings of the fourteenth Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. A note on the copyright page of this Shambhala Pocket Edition notes that this book is an abridged edition of "The Dalai Lama: In My Own Words," first published in the UK.

The excerpts are grouped together in several sections which are titled as follows: "Looking for Happiness in a Secular Society"; "The Real Troublemakers"; "Religion, Religions, and No Religion At All"; "Wanted: A Spiritual Revolution"; "Ethics and the Good Society"; "Democracy and Human Rights"; "Oneness: Taking Responsibility for the World"; "Tibet and Non-Violence"; "Forgiving the Enemy"; "Suffering, Impermanence, and Death"; "World Peace"; and finally, "Invitation to Action." Also included are an introduction by Craig, a postscript about the Dalai Lama's life and exile, and a bibliography.

Many of the passages are followed by a note showing the source of that particular passage. These sources are quite varied: a 1959 letter to U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold; a 1985 address at Westminster Abbey; a 1992 address to a summit in Rio de Janeiro; a 1993 article from the "Times of India"; a 2000 talk at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC; and much more. These sources give an indication of the Dalai Lama's global travels and diverse interests.

In her introduction editor Craig describes the Dalai Lama as "the most human human being" she has ever met. The Dalai Lama offers a truly global vision that embraces all of the world's people. These passages indicate that he's not trying either to convert people to his faith or to create some new religion; rather, he invites practitioners of any religion (or of no religion) to focus on common values and engage in a meaningful dialogue. Although he speaks with pride and love of his own Tibetan people and culture, he also celebrates the essential "oneness of humanity." He champions the dignity and worth of each human life, and looks to the potential for joy, love, and compassion in our interrelationships. I recommend this inspiring and challenging book to all seekers of wisdom.

4.0 out of 5 stars words of wisdon, May 14, 2011

By 

Pp Wilson (Branchville, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Pocket Dalai Lama (Shambhala Pocket Classics) (Paperback)

Pleased with my purchase. It is a handy size to just pull out of purse while I am waiting. I do have something to say about the irresponsible packaging that it arrived in. The books are about 3"X3" and the box it was shipped in was about 8"X10"X4" and stuffed with paper. This cost around $7! What is the matter with putting it in a small padded envelope and the charges would be about a third of that. Very disappointed in that respect.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful little book!, January 20, 2011

By 

C Nolan - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Pocket Dalai Lama (Shambhala Pocket Classics) (Paperback)

I have 5 of these little books, all on Buddhism, and I love them all! I take one with me wherever I go, and if I get stuck waiting for someone or something, I pull it out of my pocket and pass the time by reading. This book is a great introduction to H.H. the Dalai Lama. The editor did a great job of picking pertinent selections for this little book. I wouldn't leave home without one!