Why the Dalai Lama Matters and over 400,000 other books are available for Amazon Kindle � Amazon�s new wireless reading device. Learn more

Quantity:

Express Checkout with PayPhrase

What's this? | Create PayPhrase

More Buying Choices

130 used & new from $0.01

Have one to sell? Sell yours here

Share with Friends

Share your own customer images

Search inside this book

Start reading Why the Dalai Lama Matters on your Kindle in under a minute. Don�t have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.

Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World (Hardcover)

~ Robert Thurman (Author)
Key Phrases: middle way approach, common human religion, universal responsibility, Dalai Lama, People's Republic of China, New York (more...)

3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

List Price:	$24.00
Price:	$18.72 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save:	$5.28 (22%)
	o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Only 3 left in stock--order soon (more on the way).

Want it delivered Thursday, February 11? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

67 new from $0.01 61 used from $0.01 2 collectible from $18.00

Formats	Amazon Price		New from	Used from
Kindle Edition Kindle Edition $14.40 Available for download now. Published June 17, 2008	$14.40		--	--
Hardcover Hardcover $18.72 In Stock. Published June 3, 2008	$18.72		$0.01	$0.01

Frequently Bought Together

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Essential Tibetan Buddhism

by Robert A. E. Thurman

3.1 out of 5 stars (7) $10.19

Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within

by Robert A. E. Thurman

4.7 out of 5 stars (9) $10.88

The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama (Vintage Departures)

by Pico Iyer

4.1 out of 5 stars (22) $10.17

Inner Revolution

by Robert A. E. Thurman

3.9 out of 5 stars (18) $5.49

Becoming Enlightened

by Dalai Lama

5.0 out of 5 stars (3) $10.20

› Explore similar items

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Tibetan scholar Thurman paints a splendid portrait of the Dalai Lama and masterfully elucidates the 50-year-old conflict between Tibet and China in this timely analysis. The author presents an eloquent introduction to Buddhism and the Tibetan concept of the Dalai Lama before focusing on the current living embodiment of the Buddha—a man born as Tenzin Gyatso—the 14th Dalai Lama. Thurman sympathetically renders his lifelong friend as a simple Buddhist monk, a teacher, philosopher, scientist and the political representative of the Tibetan people, who has achieved renown for holding together a large refugee community and preserving its culture. Promulgating a common human religion of kindness, the Nobel Peace laureate lobbies for a peaceful resolution to the question of Tibetan autonomy within China, while espousing love, altruism and spirituality as the forces that will lead mankind into a kinder, happier twenty-first century. The book concludes with a five-step plan to broker peace between Tibet and China—an agenda simultaneously pragmatic and idealistic, demonstrating truly the talent and power of faith. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Thurman’s commitment to Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, and Tibet reaches back to 1964, and now inspires a bold blueprint for a solution to the China-Tibet conflict and a host of world problems, from environmental degradation to poverty, political tyranny, militarism, and the abuse of women. What’s needed, Thurman writes, is a “cool” revolution guided by the Dalai Lama, a universally revered religious figure and “secular ethical leader.” Thurman makes his case by providing a fascinating overview of Tibetan Buddhist culture and the roles previous Dalai Lamas played in times of social upheaval, and by documenting the current Dalai Lama’s deep, encompassing knowledge and remarkable achievements. Thurman then presents an elegantly commonsensical and wildly improbable road map to a kinder, saner, and sustainable future that begins with China reinstating the Great Tibet Autonomous Region and designating this land of soul-stirring beauty and precious biodiversity “the largest environmental preserve in the world.” Thurman’s ideas are cogent if utopian; perhaps just imagining such a dream state would do us some good. --Donna Seaman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Atria Books/Beyond Words; 1st Atria Books/Beyond Words Hardcover Ed edition (June 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1582702209
ISBN-13: 978-1582702209
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,261 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)
Popular in these categories: (What's this?)
#4 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Thurman, Robert
#9 in Books > History > Asia > Tibet
#22 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Dalai Lama

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

› Visit Amazon's Robert A. E. Thurman Page

Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
middle way approach, common human religion, universal responsibility

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Dalai Lama, People's Republic of China, New York, Nobel Peace Prize, Hong Kong, European Parliament, United States, Snow Lion Publications, Great Tibet, Han Chinese, New Delhi, Tibetan Government, Tibetan Buddhist, Wisdom Publications, Bill Clinton, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Liberation Army, Tibetan Buddhism, Shakyamuni Buddha, Sonam Gyatso, Tibetan National Assembly, Deng Xiaoping, One Country, Harper Collins, Two Systems

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	78% buy the item featured on this page: Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World 3.4 out of 5 stars (9) $18.72
	9% buy Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within 4.7 out of 5 stars (9) $10.88
	5% buy The Jewel Tree of Tibet 4.7 out of 5 stars (6) $50.37
	4% buy Essential Tibetan Buddhism 3.1 out of 5 stars (7) $10.19

Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

(What's this?)

Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.

peace(6)

buddhism(5)

dalai lama(5)

tibetan buddhism(5)

international relations(4)

middle way(3)

tibet(3)

china(2)

solution(1)

thurman(1)

Agree with these tags?

Customer Reviews

9 Reviews

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

Average Customer Review

3.4 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

Share your thoughts with other customers:

Create your own review

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A solution for world peace, June 11, 2008

By	Wanda M. Woodward "Author and Psychotherapist" (Philadelphia, PA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Read this book if you want to know of a viable solution to peace between Tibet and China. Thurman gives us 7 jewels. First, because of Thurman's 45 year friendship with His Holiness, Thurman gives the reader an intimate connection to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, specifically, his brilliant mind and his good, pure heart. A mind/heart connection that seeks gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, and wisdom. This is the psychologically mature leader the world desperately needs. I found this part of Thurman's book to be especially engaging. Second, Thurman provides a brief, but truthful account of the history of Tibet and Sino-Tibetan relations with the brutal oppression and cultural genocide of Tibetans by the Chinese Communist Party. Third, Thurman shows us not only his extensive knowledge and passion for Tibetans and Tibetan culture, but his own gentle, compassionate, and altruistic mind/heart connection. We need leaders in the world like this! The fourth jewel is Thurman's feasible, practical vision for how China and Tibet can benefit from a One Country, Two System arrangement. Though the vision has its potential drawbacks, Thurman articulates the overarching win-win outcome. It is doable if both sides can build essential trust. The fifth jewel is Thurman's compassion for both sides in advancing the Dalai Lama's Middle Way approach. The sixth jewel--Thurman's Wisdom of Nonviolence--is salient and woven like a tapestry throughout the book. Here, Thurman stays true to the essence of Buddhism. And I found Thurman's seventh jewel most endearing and inspiring of all--the jewel of abiding Hope. His indefatigable hope that a peaceful solution is entirely possible was invigorating to me. In a world with ecological problems which present dire peril for our planet, Thurman's hope for transcending these anthropogenic problems shines through from the jewel that is essential Thurman, essential Buddhism---a brilliant mind and a Good Heart. Read Thurman---it is sheer joy to be inspired by him! Other recommended readings are Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart and The Meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspective both by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink

Comment Comment

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Noble But Naive, July 10, 2008

By	L. Young "palmtree2000" (West Orange, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Followers of the Dharma believe in the interconnectedness of all life and consequently practice non-violence. Here the brilliant teacher and former Buddhist monk, Robert Thurman, in addressing China's occupation and oppression of Tibet advocates a non-violent plan to end China's Tibet 'problem '. His answer is for China to give Tibet internal autonomy while it remains in a kind of "United States of Asia" ie. remaining part of China. Thurman argues for a democratic Tibet with a constitution where the Dalai Lama would renounce political rule over Tibet and would not advocate total independence from China. Tibet would have free elections and the Dalai Lama would remain the spiritual and moral head of Tibet. These are all noble and worthwhile ideals. The problem is they are completely naive. Thurman says China can only win by giving Tibet autonomy, as China by doing this will gain esteem in the eyes of the world. However, Thurman fails to address the most important reason that China will never grant autonomy to a Tibetan autonomous and democratic entity. The crux is that word "democracy". Why would Tibet want an autonomous democracy in its midst? In the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party the results would be dire. Suddenly all of its people would be clamouring for the same thing. Thurman's arguement seems naive in the extreme. However, I never thought I would ever see the collapse of the Soviet Union or the fall of the Berlin Wall in my lifetime, so perhaps anything is possible. Dr. Thurman makes a noble argument.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink

Comment Comment

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Book, June 5, 2008

By	David Mehler - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

Although the Dalai Lama is almost a household name in the United States, few people have a clear picture of who he is. Robert Thurman has championed the potential of this simple monk to teach the planet how to survive in peace. The ways of war are no longer practical (if they ever were...), and our creative ability to evolve will require a peaceful world. China would be well served to open a dialoge with the Dalai Lama before he dies, if for no other reason than to show it truly is a Great China, not just another despotic communist state.
This book should be read widely, especially by the Chinese audience in the United States. Although this book is sometimes critical of China, it is often hopeful that China will soon open its arms in friendship. "No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic needs and concerns. All human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and peoples. That is human nature." from the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, December 10, 1989.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink

Comment Comment

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 9 customer reviews...

Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Hopelessly sycophantic
While I'm a big fan of the Dali Lami, this book was unbearable. The author is so hopelessly sycophantic that I couldn't stomach reading the whole thing. Read more

Published 5 months ago by N. Perz

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring message, but it may bog down in the details
"Tired of feeling that Tibet is doomed," friend for 45 years of the Dalai Lama, leading scholar and earnest activist, Thurman explains why China can change, how Tibet can survive,... Read more

Published 5 months ago by John L Murphy

2.0 out of 5 stars With friends like this who needs enemies?
Of course I am kidding, but not really. The Tibetan diaspora claims a higher moral approach politics. Read more

Published 16 months ago by Charles S. Fisher

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dalai Lama's life is devoted to peace and non-violence
The Dalai Lama's life is devoted to peace and non-violence - but few are aware of how he's achieved a worldwide reputation for such. Read more

Published 18 months ago by Midwest Book Review

1.0 out of 5 stars Hollow book, mostly vague empty rhetoric.
While I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking in this book, neither was I expecting unmitigated dreck from professor Thurman. Read more

Published 19 months ago by Spartacus

5.0 out of 5 stars Coaxing the dragon
In the current crisis over Tibet, this book by Thurman is topical, to the point, with some practical suggestions as to the resolution of the conflict with China. Read more

Published 19 months ago by John C. Landon

› See all 9 customer reviews...

.jsOffDisplayBlock { display: block; } .jsOffDisplayInline { display: inline; } .jsOffVisibility { visibility: visible; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jsOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jqOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jqOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jqOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jqOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jqOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; }

Customer Discussions

This product's forum

Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight

Start a new discussion

Topic:

First post:

Receive e-mail when new posts are made

Prompts for sign-in

Guidelines

Active discussions in related forums

Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
religion The Circle of Fire - 4 steps to God for atheists (!)	62	1 minute ago
religion Are the Bible's Stories True? Archaeology's Evidence	262	1 minute ago
politics Our President Sees Dead People.	10	3 minutes ago
politics This thread will be another rant thread with an overly long title just so you get the whole idea before you even enter the thread where i will assault you with a wall o gibberish text and links to random stuff.	5	3 minutes ago
history History of the Palestinian Nation?	5363	3 minutes ago
history Is this the history forum or religious forum? Lot of haters of religion here.	122	5 minutes ago
health Male circumcision.	5808	32 minutes ago