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Way to Freedom
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
181 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
59 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Dalai Lama XIV
1,561 books6,181 followersJetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.
After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.
Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.
Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.
On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.
After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.
Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 7, 2010
Wow, this actually took me almost a year to get through. Well, I was reading other books beside this. And I would say this isn't something that you would just sit down and read through all at once. I would pick this up when ever I need a little inspiration or guidance. There is a lot to absorb for such a small book. I love that HH encourages everyone to question everything, even what he himself says. I will keep this little treasure in my library for a long time. I am always intrigued with religions, but Buddhism has a special place in my heart. For some reason, I want to learn more, and I hope to continue on that journey.
August 24, 2012
A decent introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, but His Holiness goes off topic a bit and is a somewhat preachy at times in my opinion. I generally like his writing very much.
December 17, 2013
I had started this book to get glimpse of thoughts of HH Dalai Lama. The book is a really good spiritual book and I would highly recommend it if you haven't read such a book before.
The content of the book is hard to digest and even more difficult is to master it. It contains the core teaching of Buddhism and shows the path towards enlightenment.
I don't intend readers to follow Buddhism but reading such a book will be definitely a good food for thought.
The content of the book is hard to digest and even more difficult is to master it. It contains the core teaching of Buddhism and shows the path towards enlightenment.
I don't intend readers to follow Buddhism but reading such a book will be definitely a good food for thought.
July 4, 2021
The emphasis on motivation your practice of the Dharma through fear and regret reminded me of the scriptures that I personally wanted to rebel against as a child so I deducted a star merely for the reminder of this. (Not to say I disagree with the teachings - I just prefer inspiration as a motivator)
There was a lot of clarity I found in this one surrounding Tibetan Buddhism, at one point I shed a tear. Although I still have many questions yet to be answered…
There was a lot of clarity I found in this one surrounding Tibetan Buddhism, at one point I shed a tear. Although I still have many questions yet to be answered…
September 22, 2009
When you have peace in your heart, from the core of your being, nothing can hurt you for long.
April 24, 2025
Un’ottima introduzione al buddismo, complessa ma fruibile.
L’ho letto come audiolibro, ma mi procurerò la versione cartacea perché ci sono nozioni e consigli da tenere a portata di mano.
Ritengo sia un libro per chiunque, atei, agnostici, seguaci di ogni religione: la filosofia buddista è utile in ogni situazione, è globale, semplice e adatta a tutti.
L’ho letto come audiolibro, ma mi procurerò la versione cartacea perché ci sono nozioni e consigli da tenere a portata di mano.
Ritengo sia un libro per chiunque, atei, agnostici, seguaci di ogni religione: la filosofia buddista è utile in ogni situazione, è globale, semplice e adatta a tutti.
September 27, 2023
Let go and think of the cycle of the universe.
Treat others as though they’ve taken care of you in another life just as you likely took care of them.
Take the time to take the time and breath.
Treat others as though they’ve taken care of you in another life just as you likely took care of them.
Take the time to take the time and breath.
September 25, 2019
This book was recommended as an introductory text for a 10 day Mahayana Buddhism course I completed in Dharamshala, India. I started reading the book prior to the start of the course and finished it during and found it really useful for gaining more detail and insight to some of the topics that we covered in the course. It's an accessible, comprehensive account of Tibetan Buddhism which is perfect if you want to really understand this philosophy. The loving voice of the Dalai Lama comes through well and while I didn't agree with every single point I found the content very engaging and it provided a lot of food for thought. Finally, I would say that this is very much a THEORY book, if you want to know more about practising meditation, which is a cornerstone of Buddhism, you will need another book.
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October 16, 2016Sometimes, H.H. Dalai Lama's books are overly simple and this is one of them. With teachings of the Buddha spread out in the book, there is no other to them, however they are very inspiring. It's a marvellous insight into Tibet's struggle under systemic genocide perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Government. An angry enemy has no weapon when faced with compassion.
June 27, 2010
to put all of my effort in what ever i do.
to be compassionate to all,despite other's having done bad to us.
reduce anger.
to reduce attachment.
to be compassionate to all,despite other's having done bad to us.
reduce anger.
to reduce attachment.
December 6, 2018
Well written insight into Tibetan Buddhism but deeply disappointed at the dalai lamas close mindedness on non acceptance of other view points.
December 22, 2020
When I’m reading this book, it takes me to a peaceful, *In the moment, state of thinking, where I want to stay; where *what is, of the moment, seems clear. In this way the book brings contentment.
It seems the culture / way of life of the monks was founded on some wrong ideals, itself. Which result in a self-degrading feeling in the Dalai Lama’s voice. He appears to be humbled in a way of recognizing that he is limited in his understandings and also in the potential of his authentic journey.
Before reading this book, I had always considered karma as a sort of extraordinary concept, as in supernatural. But after reading about it here, it seems much more direct and evident, with the concepts of rebirthing into other lives entirely.
The book begins with really deep, important perspectives but then later in the book, when the Dalai Lama gets into his own meditations on the four truths, especially with the “truth of suffering”, I enjoyed the reading less.
It seems the culture / way of life of the monks was founded on some wrong ideals, itself. Which result in a self-degrading feeling in the Dalai Lama’s voice. He appears to be humbled in a way of recognizing that he is limited in his understandings and also in the potential of his authentic journey.
Before reading this book, I had always considered karma as a sort of extraordinary concept, as in supernatural. But after reading about it here, it seems much more direct and evident, with the concepts of rebirthing into other lives entirely.
The book begins with really deep, important perspectives but then later in the book, when the Dalai Lama gets into his own meditations on the four truths, especially with the “truth of suffering”, I enjoyed the reading less.
October 31, 2024
È stata una lettura lunga, molto impegnativa ma interessante. Buona parte del libro è piacevole e racconta bene il
Buddismo come religione e non semplice filosofia di vita. Con precetti, peccati, scritture e riesce a coinvolgere il lettore in modo intenso. Tuttavia dopo una buona metà libro ci sono concetti ridondanti che possono essere pesanti da digerire non solo per il concetto in sé ma proprio per la ripetitività del testo al punto che ho creduto di aver sbagliato pagina e magari stessi rileggendo lo stesso capitolo. Nel complesso un ottimo libro con aneddoti, critiche politiche neanche troppo velate a dire il vero, concetti utili a comprendere meglio il
Buddismo come religione e non come una semplice moda o filosofia di vita come spesso se ne sente parlare. Ottima lettura in ogni caso specialmente per chi si sta avvicinando a certi argomenti
Buddismo come religione e non semplice filosofia di vita. Con precetti, peccati, scritture e riesce a coinvolgere il lettore in modo intenso. Tuttavia dopo una buona metà libro ci sono concetti ridondanti che possono essere pesanti da digerire non solo per il concetto in sé ma proprio per la ripetitività del testo al punto che ho creduto di aver sbagliato pagina e magari stessi rileggendo lo stesso capitolo. Nel complesso un ottimo libro con aneddoti, critiche politiche neanche troppo velate a dire il vero, concetti utili a comprendere meglio il
Buddismo come religione e non come una semplice moda o filosofia di vita come spesso se ne sente parlare. Ottima lettura in ogni caso specialmente per chi si sta avvicinando a certi argomenti
August 28, 2024
Three and a half stars.
Fighting feelings about this one: happy that I read it, I think anybody interested in Buddhism could find it interesting.
At the same time though, I felt like I was going through the chapters finding them a bit vague: the chapter's title was making me expecting some content that not there.
After reading the whole book I would still feel insicure about how to practice.
Maybe it was also me: it took me a while to read it and sometimes mine was a distracted reading.
I can recommend to give it a try but I didn't loved it, for me it was not enlightening.
Fighting feelings about this one: happy that I read it, I think anybody interested in Buddhism could find it interesting.
At the same time though, I felt like I was going through the chapters finding them a bit vague: the chapter's title was making me expecting some content that not there.
After reading the whole book I would still feel insicure about how to practice.
Maybe it was also me: it took me a while to read it and sometimes mine was a distracted reading.
I can recommend to give it a try but I didn't loved it, for me it was not enlightening.
May 17, 2024
"The Way to Freedom: Core Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism" explores essential aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice, including death, rebirth, refuge, karma, the Four Noble Truths, and the Bodhisattva ideal. Through its exploration of these core teachings, "The Way to Freedom" offers readers a profound understanding of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice, guiding them on a transformative journey towards spiritual awakening and liberation.
June 3, 2019
HH The Dalai Lama does a good job of concisely outlining Buddhist teachings in this book, but it has a tendency to get preachy now and then. Though touted to be very lucidly written, it was a tad uncomfortable to read.
February 22, 2021
When i first started reading this book i found it a bit dark. I left it in between and then finished it later. It has deeper meaning difficult to understand in one go. But it tells the reality of life.
July 5, 2017
The best book that I've ever read.
March 11, 2019
Ad oggi fra le più belle pagine di introduzione al Buddhismo tibetano che abbia letto. Alla portata di tutti specie per coloro che non hanno l’opportunità di sentire questi discorsi dal vivo.
October 24, 2020
This is a concise, high-level look at the teachings of Buddhism, written by the Dalai Lama. Highly recommended if you want to learn about Buddhist beliefs.
July 4, 2021
Great introduction to Buddhism except some chapters may be a bit dry or theoretical for some folks' preferences, in which case I recommend starting with Ayya Khemma's more practical intro book first.
August 26, 2021
Tested my thinking & vocabulary.
Some new insights.
Some new insights.
October 7, 2022
the way to freedom is finding your own truth among the other parts that one cannot control. must read.
February 10, 2024
One of the first books I read on Tibetan Buddhism - a classic and easily accessible
October 6, 2024
Interessante. Parla degli insegnamenti del buddismo tibetano. Ben spiegato ma a volte molto ripetitivo.
July 2, 2025
Tre testi scritti dal Dalai Lama nel corso degli anni ‘90 che rappresentano una sintesi della filosofia, psicologia e pratica del Buddhismo Mahayana tibetano.
1. La via della liberazione
Nascere in una condizione che consenta di intraprendere il cammino spirituale é assai raro, ed é un peccato sprecarlo con azioni negative. Va peró compresa la transitorietà dell’esistenza. La meditazione sulla morte diventa così strumento di trasformazione, portando chiarezza su ciò che è veramente essenziale fare (e pensare) in vita.
Nel Samsara ogni causa ha un effetto, e questo la rende impermanente e vaqua. Il mondo é dunque solo un modello mentale non esiste per se stesso. Ognuno di noi in questa vita deve autoresponsabilizzarsi e avere un etica, poiché le azioni intenzionali (karma) modellano le esperienze future, incluse le rinascite.
Noi dobbiamo dunque rinunciare al Samsara e ai pensieri perturbatrici che porta con se, poiché porteranno solo sofferenza e insoddisfazione intrinseca.
Solo attraverso il desiderio compassionevole di raggiungere l’illuminazione per il beneficio di tutti gli esseri senzienti si puó ambire ad una felicità duratura.
Ricordiamoci che ogni essere senziente aspira alla felicità.
2. La mente e il cuore
La mente crea la realtà percepita: pensieri, emozioni perturbatrici e percezioni sono i mattoni della sofferenza. Solo attraverso la trasformazione della mente, l’aspirazione al Nirvana e il conseguimento degli insegnamenti del Dharma si puó aspirare alla liberazione.
Attraverso tecniche meditative, come la riflessione sulla compassione e l’autoanalisi, i pensieri negativi (come rabbia, attaccamento, ignoranza) possono essere trasformati in stati mentali virtuosi.
Bisogna dunque coltivare la compassione attiva, non come emozione passiva, ma come forza motivante capace di contrastare l’egoismo (e la visione se-centrica) per favorire relazioni autentiche.
3. La gioia di vivere e morire in pace
Bisogna prepararsi alla morte come parte della pratica spirituale, vivendo con pienezza e serenità.
La morte non é un evento tragico, ma é come una fase naturale in cui ci spogliamo dei beni terreni effimeri. Una transizione che puó evolversi in liberazione (o condanna se in vita é stato creato dolore negli altri).
La qualità della morte riflette la qualità della vita. Se una persona ha vissuto con compassione, disciplina etica e chiarezza mentale, può affrontare la propria morte senza paura e ottenere una nuova vita favorevole.
La liberazione non è un premio esterno e passivo, ma il risultato diretto di una mente trasformata che conosca il Dharma e sappia come praticarlo.
1. La via della liberazione
Nascere in una condizione che consenta di intraprendere il cammino spirituale é assai raro, ed é un peccato sprecarlo con azioni negative. Va peró compresa la transitorietà dell’esistenza. La meditazione sulla morte diventa così strumento di trasformazione, portando chiarezza su ciò che è veramente essenziale fare (e pensare) in vita.
Nel Samsara ogni causa ha un effetto, e questo la rende impermanente e vaqua. Il mondo é dunque solo un modello mentale non esiste per se stesso. Ognuno di noi in questa vita deve autoresponsabilizzarsi e avere un etica, poiché le azioni intenzionali (karma) modellano le esperienze future, incluse le rinascite.
Noi dobbiamo dunque rinunciare al Samsara e ai pensieri perturbatrici che porta con se, poiché porteranno solo sofferenza e insoddisfazione intrinseca.
Solo attraverso il desiderio compassionevole di raggiungere l’illuminazione per il beneficio di tutti gli esseri senzienti si puó ambire ad una felicità duratura.
Ricordiamoci che ogni essere senziente aspira alla felicità.
2. La mente e il cuore
La mente crea la realtà percepita: pensieri, emozioni perturbatrici e percezioni sono i mattoni della sofferenza. Solo attraverso la trasformazione della mente, l’aspirazione al Nirvana e il conseguimento degli insegnamenti del Dharma si puó aspirare alla liberazione.
Attraverso tecniche meditative, come la riflessione sulla compassione e l’autoanalisi, i pensieri negativi (come rabbia, attaccamento, ignoranza) possono essere trasformati in stati mentali virtuosi.
Bisogna dunque coltivare la compassione attiva, non come emozione passiva, ma come forza motivante capace di contrastare l’egoismo (e la visione se-centrica) per favorire relazioni autentiche.
3. La gioia di vivere e morire in pace
Bisogna prepararsi alla morte come parte della pratica spirituale, vivendo con pienezza e serenità.
La morte non é un evento tragico, ma é come una fase naturale in cui ci spogliamo dei beni terreni effimeri. Una transizione che puó evolversi in liberazione (o condanna se in vita é stato creato dolore negli altri).
La qualità della morte riflette la qualità della vita. Se una persona ha vissuto con compassione, disciplina etica e chiarezza mentale, può affrontare la propria morte senza paura e ottenere una nuova vita favorevole.
La liberazione non è un premio esterno e passivo, ma il risultato diretto di una mente trasformata che conosca il Dharma e sappia come praticarlo.
July 4, 2011
This was the first book on Buddhism that I have read - way back in 2004. I chose this as it was in English and it was a small, thin volume, and I liked the Dalai Lama's face on the cover. I read it out of curiosity and was amazed at Buddhism's similarities with Jesus' teachings. Simply but clearly explained, it is a good start for anyone not familiar with Buddhism as it lays out the key tenets clearly. It opened up my mind and made me eager to learn more. But at the same time, I figured that even if I just practise what's taught in the book, I would be ok. Because it contains the core of all that I need to know about its beautiful teachings.
May 21, 2012
After reading a book that gave an over view of the history,teaching and philosophies of Buddhism. I was eager to read more, I found this lovely little gem in a secondhand book store.
It's a great introduction for anyone not familiar with Buddhism. The writing is simple and easy to follow, provides many useful analogies when explaining the teachings and really gives a in depth look at the core teachings of Buddhism.
It's a great introduction for anyone not familiar with Buddhism. The writing is simple and easy to follow, provides many useful analogies when explaining the teachings and really gives a in depth look at the core teachings of Buddhism.
February 20, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this one. The simplicity of their teachings is so appreciated. I also like the analogies they use to make connections from an ancient way of life that is still doable in modern society. A great book to keep and refer to or just re read to keep reminding yourself of what really matters, even if you're not a buddhist, and have no intentions of becoming one, like myself.
March 14, 2014
As always I love reading anything to do with the Dalai Lama and come away from these books feeling calm and refreshed (mad as that may sound). It puts your life into perspective and makes you really think about your actions. Highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews