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The Path to Tranquility: Daily Meditations by the Dalai Lama
A source of inspiration and solace for every day of the year collects words of wisdom, guidance, and responsibility from a revered religious leader and winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, treating such issues as loneliness, anger, and ignorance.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 18, 2025
The Path to Tranquility by The Dalai Lama
Exhilarating…I wish I could put in practice at least a fraction of the advice
The Buddhist philosophy and faith is so compassionate and serene that I wonder why it is that there are only few Buddhists, compared to what the religion has to offer.
There are some unattractive sides- for this reader- that would include the belief in reincarnation and an appearance of naiveté that could have disastrous effects when dealing with ruthless dictators of the world, for instance.
If we would be kind, trustworthy and compassionate to Kim Jong Il, Putin, Maduro and the like, they would break our bones- which they do to their people and those around that are weak enough or just silly to fall for their propaganda.
That being said, so much of what His Holiness says is so fabulous that I wonder why I do not stop this useless note and start meditating and then rush on towards Nirvana
- I love my friends, I want more friends and I love smiles
- To be aware in a flaw in ourselves is better than to observe one thousand in someone else
There are some shocking, if perhaps useful suggestions such as
- Before speaking bad of another, imagine your mouth full of excrement
Some of the advice appears close to what ascetics recommended-
- Think and meditate about death and then it would not be such a terrifying prospect
- You can accommodate the idea of death by contemplating and getting used with it
Sometimes, the Dalai Lama may seem naïve, when he favors the banning of all weapons.
I am reading an excellent work called War, What Is It Good For and in it, among other exhilarating statements, there is one made by an American president- perhaps Truman- who said that
- Once the atomic bomb or another mass murder weapon is discovered, it cannot be undiscovered
In other words, one nation can go along with Dalai Lama’s desire, but what happens if the other party does not play along?
From the same wonderful history book mentioned above I am reminded by another quote referring to the Cold War-
- When we build weapons the Russians built too, when we stop they keep building
Other passages in The Path to Tranquility offer a deep meaning
- We must look for more than pleasure, for higher significances
- If it is just pleasure we want, we might as well take drugs
Meditation has been proven by the most recent technology and scientific studies to have an enormous impact on the mind
- To transform your mind you need to meditate- says The Dalai Lama
- Kindness is the key to peace and family life
Indeed, this is very attractive in the Buddhist faith, the compassion and serenity of those that practice it.
I wish I were serene, kind and compassionate, although my evil parts of the DNA make me think that at times, too much kindness may result in abuse.
That is how felt the past days, when a deal to rent an apartment has brought only meager takings and solid expenses.
It looks like if you are too kind others may try to screw you big time.
This sounds rather funny to me-
- If you want to know what happened in the past look at your body now
- If you want to know about the future look at what your mind is doing now
It makes sense, for I have gained weight –as many others did- and it is an indication of my laxness and lack of strong will.
If I keep thinking positive and have an optimistic mind set, the future would be promising, not if I let loose and get bogged down with negative scenarios and worries about failed deals, which I tend to do lately.
This fantastic book delivers what is promised
- A Path to Tranquility
Exhilarating…I wish I could put in practice at least a fraction of the advice
The Buddhist philosophy and faith is so compassionate and serene that I wonder why it is that there are only few Buddhists, compared to what the religion has to offer.
There are some unattractive sides- for this reader- that would include the belief in reincarnation and an appearance of naiveté that could have disastrous effects when dealing with ruthless dictators of the world, for instance.
If we would be kind, trustworthy and compassionate to Kim Jong Il, Putin, Maduro and the like, they would break our bones- which they do to their people and those around that are weak enough or just silly to fall for their propaganda.
That being said, so much of what His Holiness says is so fabulous that I wonder why I do not stop this useless note and start meditating and then rush on towards Nirvana
- I love my friends, I want more friends and I love smiles
- To be aware in a flaw in ourselves is better than to observe one thousand in someone else
There are some shocking, if perhaps useful suggestions such as
- Before speaking bad of another, imagine your mouth full of excrement
Some of the advice appears close to what ascetics recommended-
- Think and meditate about death and then it would not be such a terrifying prospect
- You can accommodate the idea of death by contemplating and getting used with it
Sometimes, the Dalai Lama may seem naïve, when he favors the banning of all weapons.
I am reading an excellent work called War, What Is It Good For and in it, among other exhilarating statements, there is one made by an American president- perhaps Truman- who said that
- Once the atomic bomb or another mass murder weapon is discovered, it cannot be undiscovered
In other words, one nation can go along with Dalai Lama’s desire, but what happens if the other party does not play along?
From the same wonderful history book mentioned above I am reminded by another quote referring to the Cold War-
- When we build weapons the Russians built too, when we stop they keep building
Other passages in The Path to Tranquility offer a deep meaning
- We must look for more than pleasure, for higher significances
- If it is just pleasure we want, we might as well take drugs
Meditation has been proven by the most recent technology and scientific studies to have an enormous impact on the mind
- To transform your mind you need to meditate- says The Dalai Lama
- Kindness is the key to peace and family life
Indeed, this is very attractive in the Buddhist faith, the compassion and serenity of those that practice it.
I wish I were serene, kind and compassionate, although my evil parts of the DNA make me think that at times, too much kindness may result in abuse.
That is how felt the past days, when a deal to rent an apartment has brought only meager takings and solid expenses.
It looks like if you are too kind others may try to screw you big time.
This sounds rather funny to me-
- If you want to know what happened in the past look at your body now
- If you want to know about the future look at what your mind is doing now
It makes sense, for I have gained weight –as many others did- and it is an indication of my laxness and lack of strong will.
If I keep thinking positive and have an optimistic mind set, the future would be promising, not if I let loose and get bogged down with negative scenarios and worries about failed deals, which I tend to do lately.
This fantastic book delivers what is promised
- A Path to Tranquility
January 1, 2026
Discounted | Only ok | Since the Dalai Lama was not a part of selecting which of his words were chosen, how they were arranged, or how much of any given talk or text was included, this has limited value. It's what one specific person decided he felt like including, from those talks that he could get permission to use. As a result, some of them directly contradict things the Dalai Lama has written in his books, some are badly in need of larger context, some are clearly quite specific answers to questions we don't get, and some urge nuclear disarmament, which, sure, but I don't have a lot of say in that, so it seems bit misplaced. Still always nice to use his words as a starting point for my practice.
August 18, 2015
It is a great collection of quotes by at least one of the greatest personalities of the universe. It is entirely up to you how you will interpret and treat those messages.
Apparently they are excerpts from larger publications, which makes me yearn to explore his teaching.
Plus, "Path To Tranquility" is a book you do not just read and finish reading - it is rather to be read through longer time, it is be re-discovered again and again.
Apparently they are excerpts from larger publications, which makes me yearn to explore his teaching.
Plus, "Path To Tranquility" is a book you do not just read and finish reading - it is rather to be read through longer time, it is be re-discovered again and again.
February 10, 2019
It is hardbound, pocketbook size, one whole page for each date from January 1 to December 31 with no specific year (though a leap year for it has a page for February 29) and days for each date. The quotes from the Dalai Lama, on the average, are not too long, leaving much space for each page, so what I did was to stamp the days for each page and voila, I now have a nice planner for the year 2020!
The quotes from the Dalai Lama varies from the profound to the mundane. Some would make you stop for a while and think--
"It is said that if you want to know what you were doing in the past, look at your body now; if you want to know what will happen to you in the future, look at what your mind is doing now."
Who said that, the Dalai Lama didn't say.
The quotes from the Dalai Lama varies from the profound to the mundane. Some would make you stop for a while and think--
"It is said that if you want to know what you were doing in the past, look at your body now; if you want to know what will happen to you in the future, look at what your mind is doing now."
Who said that, the Dalai Lama didn't say.
April 12, 2009
I'm not a Buddhist, but I found these daily kernels of wisdom a good way to start each day, particularly when things were not going so well for me at home or at work. There is one meditation for each day of the year.
October 2, 2012
Everyone should have this book in their purse, on the coffee-table, dog-eared and well-thumbed through.
Practical Wisdom for Impractical Times.
Practical Wisdom for Impractical Times.
June 23, 2013
i have it on audio,its on my ipod i listen to it endlessly when i walk,wonderful man.wonderful philosophy to follow,its turning my life around for the better
June 14, 2021
I'm an atheist, and although I respect the historical Jesus and the example he set, I have never met a self-described "Christian" who didn't believe the exact opposite of Jesus' example and teachings (Jesus wasn't an anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, anti-government, gun nut, tax cuts for the wealthy supporter), so I've never seen much value in Christianity; however, I appreciate the teachings of Buddhism due to the fact that certain tenets require you to work a moral profession where you do not profit from the pain or misfortune of others (most Americans do not equate their job or the company they work for with their own morality for some reason). I admire the Dalai Lama and his affirmations do sometimes help me gain a modicum of peace. Like with every other collection of sayings attributed to sages (Confucius, Marcus Aurelius, etc.), not all of the quotes are winners, but most contain a fair amount of truth and help you gain perspective. I'll never be able to fulfill all the tenets of Buddhism (I'm not very forgiving of those who do harm to others who do not deserve it or those who profit from another's misery), but I'd still like to think that some aspects of Buddhism make me a better person (not that one needs to follow a belief system to be a good person).
April 18, 2019
Even if you do not follow Buddhism, this book speaks to the heart and soul of what living peacefully amongst one another could and should be like.
It's meant to be read one daily wisdom per day but because each wisdom is so brief and to the point I found myself reading it like a storybook instead.
The Dalai Lama seems to possess wisdom and insight beyond belief. His insights on how to live life as a happy, healthy, functioning member of society seem like they would be so simple to implement into my own life.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, religious or not, because I believe we all could benefit from a positive thought to begin each of our days.
4 out of 5 Stars from me on this one.
It's meant to be read one daily wisdom per day but because each wisdom is so brief and to the point I found myself reading it like a storybook instead.
The Dalai Lama seems to possess wisdom and insight beyond belief. His insights on how to live life as a happy, healthy, functioning member of society seem like they would be so simple to implement into my own life.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, religious or not, because I believe we all could benefit from a positive thought to begin each of our days.
4 out of 5 Stars from me on this one.
December 31, 2023
This book reads as daily words of wisdom by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. My husband and I have been reading something each evening after dinner for several years. This year we read the entirety of The Path to Tranquility daily. Some days are just a sentence or two; others are a couple of paragraphs with wise words. Sometimes I think there were translation issues, but I'm glad we spent the time together reading this book.
May 31, 2024
It goes without saying, but this book is filled to the brim with priceless wisdom, broken into easily digestible chunks.
I especially enjoy the sectioning of the teachings based upon the days and months, as it makes it easy to return to day after day for a quick lesson.
Ending the book on the Dalai Lama’s mantra was also a nice touch.
I highly recommend this as a starting point for anyone dipping their toes into Buddhist teachings.
I especially enjoy the sectioning of the teachings based upon the days and months, as it makes it easy to return to day after day for a quick lesson.
Ending the book on the Dalai Lama’s mantra was also a nice touch.
I highly recommend this as a starting point for anyone dipping their toes into Buddhist teachings.
February 1, 2019
Just could not finish. Point of view changed nearly every day (I, you, we, he) sooo distracting. I'd read one day and find a bit of generalized wisdom, then the authors personal political view in the next. Within one day of wisdom the words contradicted themselves.
January 13, 2025
DNF
I just didn’t find the words of wisdom all that useful or insightful. There are much better daily wisdom books, in my opinion. This is the second book I’ve read by this Dalai that hasn’t inspired me.
I just didn’t find the words of wisdom all that useful or insightful. There are much better daily wisdom books, in my opinion. This is the second book I’ve read by this Dalai that hasn’t inspired me.
July 22, 2017
Just open to a page at random and read an entry. Then think about it for a bit. Won't need more than a few minutes a day. Well worth the time.
December 31, 2017
Just What I Needed this Year
I really really like this book. It has helped me to calm and focus myself each morning, and I will read it again in this coming year.
I really really like this book. It has helped me to calm and focus myself each morning, and I will read it again in this coming year.
May 28, 2018
Um livro curto de citações do Dalai Lama pra ser lido e refletido. Vale manter sempre por perto, pra voltar em algumas questões e pensar novamente
June 29, 2018
I listened to this book as an audio. Loved these words and instrumental music after each chapter. Very relaxing.
October 11, 2019
A bit disappointing with only a few thought provoking anecdotes. WOuld point to some of the other books by the Dalai Lama for more insight into his thought
December 26, 2021
Bardzo nierówny dobór cytatów - raz inspirujące i głębokie, a niekiedy totalnie od czapy, nie wiadomo, po co wybrane do medytacji.
January 19, 2022
The dates are helpful but don't always need to be used. Bought at a garage sale a long time ago. Smart dude.
March 25, 2022
Similar messages to other books involving the Dalai Lama. Very peaceful. The audio have musical weaved in-between which I liked.
January 12, 2023
lots of good insights, brought me calmness and a good reminder of Buddhist values
July 13, 2023
Um livro para ler, refletir a aplicar os ensinamentos na vida
July 15, 2024
Amazing book that gives reflection for every day.
October 23, 2024
A quick and simple list of life aphorisms, along with select rationales and personal experiences for some of the more challenging ones.
March 7, 2025
A meditation per day for the whole year from the Dalai Lama. This is the second time of reading. Helps to put your mind straight in difficult times. Full of wise advice.
June 5, 2025
Recomendação do meu amigo Paulo
A minha recomendação: não sigam as recomendações do meu amigo Paulo
A minha recomendação: não sigam as recomendações do meu amigo Paulo
March 21, 2014
This book has been a major turning point in my life. It was recommended to me during a tearful conversation while I was in the depths of anxiety and depression, and came at the perfect time. I take such hope from the transforming power of the Dalai Lama's down-to-earth advice about how to take charge of your own thoughts, and to care for yourself and others with a pure and uncomplicated love. I will be using this like daily scripture. There is just something so calming and centering about it, which is what I need when my thoughts are whirling and tangling in self-consciousness and self-loathing confusion.
December 7, 2016
I was mildly sick when I listened to this, so it might actually be better than I am crediting it for. I would be a terrible Buddhist. There are so many things that I strive to change about the world.
Further, I feel like I have been taking my position in the world for granted. So many people have fought for me and all of us to get where we are, and I feel like I have not fought enough. Perhaps in 5 years I will feel differently. There may be a 46th US President, and perhaps we will reject a similar overture in Canada in 2019. This book has further made me realize that I am no longer tranquil. I have mistaken outer peace for inner peace.
Further, I feel like I have been taking my position in the world for granted. So many people have fought for me and all of us to get where we are, and I feel like I have not fought enough. Perhaps in 5 years I will feel differently. There may be a 46th US President, and perhaps we will reject a similar overture in Canada in 2019. This book has further made me realize that I am no longer tranquil. I have mistaken outer peace for inner peace.
November 7, 2008
This book was very helpful to me the last year or so of teaching. There were lots of stresses, and the daily thoughts on compassion and peace helped me concentrate on a more peaceful state of mind. The book is set up as 365 entries, one for each day, and that's how I read it. In fact I read one a day for two years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews