The Dalai Lama: Policy of Kindness (Paperback)

by Sidney Piburn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
After the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, Sidney Piburn put this book together in response to the clamor to know more about him. Since then, the Dalai Lama's own bestselling books, along with his world teaching tours, have only managed to increase his popularity, and The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness is still the best introduction to his life and teachings. Two full-length interviews elicit the Dalai Lama's thoughts on everything from his stature as an incarnate bodhisattva to how he manages the tragedies of his people, his political ideals, and even his hobby of gardening. Going further into his personal life, the "Day in the Life" article reveals the simplicity, devoutness, and genuine ordinariness of his lifestyle. A Time magazine piece by Pico Iyer provides a general background on his world since childhood, and expanding on his beliefs are several articles on kindness, religion, science, monasticism, and, the topic on which he is especially eloquent, living sanely. Questions and answers round out several of the articles, likely anticipating the reader's own questions and making this book a must-read for anyone wanting a brief capsule of this extraordinary monk. --Brian Bruya

Review
"...This is a very important collection...the writings are well chosen...most highly recommended." --Library Journal

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications; 2 Sub edition (April 25, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559390220
• ISBN-13: 978-1559390224
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #962,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This book is good and well rounded. It gives you a full perspective of the Dalai Lama, his works, responsibilities and teachings.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great introduction book to the dalai lama's thinking, August 13, 2000

By A Customer

This book is a wonderful introduction to H.H. the Dalai Lama's philosphy and beliefs. Though it's a collection of articles from other sources this book should please everybody.

1 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars New Age When New Age Wasn't Cool?, September 3, 2000

By	Steve Jackson "stevejackson100atyahoocom" (New England) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This book contains a number of interesting articles about the Dalai Lama as well as many illuminating speeches and addresses by him. One can't but be impressed by his concern for the suffering of the Tibetan people. At the same time - as a theist - I find much of what he teaches quite troubling. For example: "Since all the substances for enlightenment exist within ourselves, we should not look for Buddhahood somewhere else." [p. 79.] "Basically all the great teachers, such as Guatama Buddha, Jesus Christ, or Mohammed, founded their new teachings with a motivation for helping their fellow humans." [p. 57.] "Buddhists do not accept a creator; Christians base their philosophy on that theory." [p. 54.]

At least as reflected in this collection, the Dalai Lama's teaching is directly contrary to historic monotheism: there is no personal god, no created universe, no ultimate accountability, no sin. Man's solution is to look within. Not surprisingly, this "psychological" approach is in accord with our therapeutic culture. Indeed, much of today's "new age" movement seems to be taking its cues from Buddhism. In light of the "atheistic" (for lack of a better term) nature of the Dalai Lama's teachings, it is sad that may supposedly orthodox monotheists like John Paul II are so quick to praise him.