My Spiritual Autobiography

by Dalai Lama XIV

This book is a first. There has never been one entirely dedicated to the spiritual life of the Dalai Lama. Yet as one of the world's most recognised, and respected, spiritual leaders there will clearly be great interest in such a work from His Holiness' thousands of friends and followers around the world. The Dalai Lama sees himself first and foremost as a human being, secondly as a monk and thirdly as the political leader of Tibet. In this extraordinary book we read many hitherto unknown stories from his childhood, his formation as a monk and his gradual development as a leader of his people. We are offered a view of his daily spiritual practise, invited to listen in on the dialogue he has been pursuing with other religions, with non-believers and with scientists in his search for ethical and environmental principles, and shown how he brings a sense of goodness and conscience to political life around the globe. In a world that is so profoundly interdependent, the Dalai Lama explains how he transforms himself through spiritual means in order to have a positive effect on the world, and he encourages us to do the same by working on ourselves first of all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Buddhism, Biography, Biography Memoir, Spirituality, Autobiography

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Jetsun 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.

Reviews

[Ajith Ashokkumar (LordOfBooks)]

Dalai Lama IV, he is the perfect example of how a religious leader should be. Who respects all the religions all over the world, he does not want to increase the population of his own religion, instead he wants to accomplish world peace by keeping our own faith. He loves and cares his brutal enemies who destoyed the customs and tradition of Tibet and results in his own exile.

"As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain May I too abide And dispel the miseries of the world"

[Ryan Phung]

This book is surprisingly difficult for me to read, even though I have been learning about Buddhism on and off in the past few years.

Part 1 is the easiest, where Dalai Lama talks about his experience as a human.

Part 2 is the hardest for me to read, where he talks about his experience as a Buddhist monk. Although he used relatively simple language, the concepts are complex and I always have to double take to make sure that I understand them correctly. I'm still not confident that I have grasped enough of the meanings.

Part 3 - where he talks about his experience as the spiritual leader of the Tibetans - is difficult to read for two reasons: there are a lot of repetitions of ideas, due to it being comprised of speeches over 50+ years. The other reason is that the story and the plight of the people of Tibet is extremely sad for me to get through; this is the most moving part in the book. The repetition in the speeches only serves to show how hard a fight it was for him and the Tibet government in exile. You can see how they have had to alter their approaches and made many compromises over the years, with little to no success. It is like trying to push away a rock mountain with bare hands; that's how it feels to me.

Upon finishing the book, despite the message of hope at the end, I feel a bit sad that the story of Tibet illustrates that humanity is on the losing end of this battle. A culture and people that in my opinion represents the purest soul of our humanity, is slowly but steadily crushed by violence, ignorance and greed of the government of China (which ironically shares very similar ideology with the Tibetan culture - although in practice they have little in common).

I see no hope (because I cannot conceive a good outcome of this mess), but I'm happy that the Dalai Lama himself is still full of hope. Nevertheless, the Tibetan story only serves to strengthen my commitment in upholding the humanist values.

[ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧D'Livresﾉ*:･ﾟ✧]

Un livre qui respire la compassion, vraiment pour un meilleur monde, je le recommande
Mon avis⏭️
https://youtu.be/M2gVCo5aTOE

[HALIMA Elyoussoufi]

Une compilation de discours et interview du Dalaï lama. Un assez bon livre plein de sagesse.

[piattenzione]

This book provides not only a window into the Dalai Lama’s spiritual world but also, and more decisively, a political manifesto.

[Sophie]

Drawn from various speeches and interviews, this book tries to capture the different facets of the Dalai Lama - the man, the buddhist monk, the Dalai Lama. It's not just an account of his physical life but also of his spiritual self - what he believes and what he stands for.

It was a very enjoyable book - the parts about the Tibetan's suffering were difficult to read, especially when you read a speech from, say, 1961, and you know that nothing has changed, even 50 years later. The bits about his early life were a lot of fun, and I just think there's a lot of truth to what he says. And I find him genuinely inspiring and nice, in the very best sense of the word.

[Gangambika]

The beginning bits sounded like my value education book from school. But then, the Dalai Lama is a religious leader after all and this is a collection of his speeches. The book could really have done with better editing.

[.]

It's very informative but it's not exactly an autobiography. It's a collection of mostly speeches which follows the Dalai Lama on his quest to bring world awareness to the plight of Tibet and it's a great read for that reason. I labeled it a 4 solely because the title is misleading and may frustrate a reader who goes in blind, expecting an autobiography.

[Marco Svevo]

Esistono le note a piè di pagina, le hanno inventate apposta; perché dovete metterle alla fine del libro?
Vi odio.

"Ridere è una caratteristica dei tibetani".

Di nuovo Nagarjuna! "Quando si ha un prurito ci si gratta, ma non avere pruriti è meglio che grattarsi di continuo".
A dire il vero ci sono versioni contrastanti su questo aspetto (v. zen e Osho).
Ancora Nagarjuna, che individua l'essenza dell'incertezza quantistica nel suo pensiero (dunque in tempi non sospetti).

Bene i primi due terzi "filosofici", benino l'ultimo terzo "storico".

[Gemma]

A great and important read

[Marie-laure Moens de hase]

Une histoire incroyable, une personne hors du commun, à lire absolument.

[Elephant Abroad]

Inspiring!

[Kay]

I think this book is great is explains things very simply and help you understand all about life as the Dalai Lama and the what he stands for.

Even when i meet a stranger
Each time i have the same feeling:
"He is another member of my family."
Such and attitude deepens
My affection and respect for all beings
May this natural loving - kindness
Become my small contribution to world peace!
I prey for a world that is more friendly,
More loving, for a better understanding
Among the human family, on this planet.
This is the appeal i make from the bottom of my heart
To all those who hate suffering
And cherish lasting happiness.

[Alexandra Arboleda]

I enjoyed reading this book while travelling in Asia. The Dalai Lama's values of simplicity, humility, compassion and his commitment to help relieve the suffering of others are inspiring. I was particularly moved by a poem about a mother who was trying to escape persecution in Tibet by crossing the Himalayas into India. On this journey her oldest daughter's feet froze and she could no longer walk. The daughter told the mother to continue and save her brothers. So the mother left her behind, but the vision of her daughter waving her frozen hands never left her.

[Tracy]

The Dalai Lama's adorable, and clearly such a good man. It's interesting to read about his life as a simple monk, as a human being, etc. Also touches many times on how he was determined to be the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. Talks about the entire history of Tibet in regards to China, and his entire history of efforts, speeches, etc. to try to stop abuse and make amends. Seems like a lot of the Dalai Lama's sections are from speeches too. Then after most sections the author fills in more context around what was written - I thought these were really good.

[Amy]

It is amazing how I am a catholic and I agree with all his beliefs and values. I have never been interested with politics, and the story of Tibet invasion shocked me. It is so unfair that just because you are stronger than someone it means you can do anything to hurt them. It actually made me hating Chinese government so much. And yet, Dalai Lama who must be hurt much worse than I did, is still positive and loving Chinese people. He is definitely an amazing person!

[Christopher John]

I read it piece by piece over a year or so. The Dalai Lama is an inspirational spiritual figure with universal appeal. This book weaves his spirituality with his endless patience struggle for the Tibetan people. It should be of interest to anyone from an open minded spiritual or political background. He embodies universal human values.

[Sita]

This is the first book of Dalai lama that I read. I like it but at the end of the story was not compelling. Its little bit boring. However I finished the book and learned more about compassion, kindness and all positive influence towards others from this book. I look forward to read more of Dalai Lama book soon.

[Pasang Dolma]

A book worth reading. His Holiness shares about his views on humanity, his commitment to compassion, his childhood in Tibet,on transformation of one's mind and of the world and his call for spiritual revolution. This book would leave you feeling inspired!

[Rebecca Juniper]

So far I'm finding this book very enlightening but I don't think it will be a quick read for me. Mentally and spiritually I'm looking at his teachings as a personal journey so each chapter and section requires my thought and consideration. I hope I continue to enjoy this book.

[Sally Marshall]

A good read, however it took a really long time and I had to be in the right frame of mind. I found it difficult at times really having to concentrate. That being said it was a glimpse into the life of the Dalai Lama and was really interesting.

[Itumeleng Mogale]

Fascinating, enlightening and soul enriching.

[Vikrant]

For somebody who is interested in current Dalai Lama's life story...and how the highest spiritual teacher of Buddhism thinks about the world and its citzens

[Beverly]

Excerpts from Dalai Lama's writings and speeches over the years. "Never lose hope!"

[SJ]

Read a quick sample and it wasn't quite for me.

[Anna]

I have two words: FREE TIBET

[Princessofwails]

Much to contemplate, in this engaging book. A definite re-read.

[Rahul Pandey]

Title is little misleading

[Randeep]

Excellently written and enjoyable.