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The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Buddhism
This little book contains the core teaching on Buddhism by the Dalai Lama. It includes thought-provoking quotations about the importance of love and compassion, and the need for individual responsibility, fuses ancient wisdom with an awareness of the problems of everyday life.
In addition to containing the essence of Buddhism, this book offers practical wisdom for daily life. The goal of this small gift book is to improve the reader's state of mind and to discover the deep peace that exists within.
Here are pithy reflections on the need to rid oneself of preoccupations with mundane concerns and to find refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
In addition to containing the essence of Buddhism, this book offers practical wisdom for daily life. The goal of this small gift book is to improve the reader's state of mind and to discover the deep peace that exists within.
Here are pithy reflections on the need to rid oneself of preoccupations with mundane concerns and to find refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
191 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
About the author
Dalai Lama XIV
1,554 books6,194 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 62 reviews
February 8, 2018
"Laziness will stop your progress in your spiritual practice"
I find so much truth in this statement, as with many others in this little book. Laziness can come in many forms. A lack of attention, a lack of physical exercise and a total lack of effort are all prime examples.
I find exercise meditative. I run every single day and I find it helps to put my life into perspective more than any traditional Buddhist practice. Sitting in the zazen position undertaking mental exercises just doesn’t work for me. All it does is send me to sleep and, in effect, make me lazy. It seems to work less the more I do it. Running, on the other hand, makes me more motivated for life: it makes me a better, clear headed, person as meditation ought to.
So I say: don’t ever be defeated by laziness, keep moving forward one foot at a time.
I find so much truth in this statement, as with many others in this little book. Laziness can come in many forms. A lack of attention, a lack of physical exercise and a total lack of effort are all prime examples.
I find exercise meditative. I run every single day and I find it helps to put my life into perspective more than any traditional Buddhist practice. Sitting in the zazen position undertaking mental exercises just doesn’t work for me. All it does is send me to sleep and, in effect, make me lazy. It seems to work less the more I do it. Running, on the other hand, makes me more motivated for life: it makes me a better, clear headed, person as meditation ought to.
So I say: don’t ever be defeated by laziness, keep moving forward one foot at a time.
October 26, 2020
Another great read! It’s a shorter version compared to his other books. But it doesn’t miss a beat to enlighten your mind. Really enjoyed being able to do the meditation that are suggested. Great way to put into practice what you are reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
This small book was a stocking stuffer for Christmas. Pretty and quick to read. It has some great insights but most of the quotes seem out of context, using terminology that needs explanation. The glossary at the end attempts explanation but it only succeeds as an incomprehensible, awkward info dump. Go with Thich Nath Hahn or Sharon Salzberg instead.
September 30, 2015
Very quick book. As an audiobook, it's a little choppy. But always good to read/hear something from the Dalai Lama.
June 7, 2015
Some quotes are really good but in general it is like extracts from different books or student's workbook for lectures, with no relation between paragraphs and thus reading it is kind of uninteresting.
It is quite short and I will read it till the end but I think I'd better re-read it when I have a better knowledge of Buddhism principles and terms.
the rating may be changed later, when i re-read it.
It is quite short and I will read it till the end but I think I'd better re-read it when I have a better knowledge of Buddhism principles and terms.
the rating may be changed later, when i re-read it.
May 31, 2020
Overall, quite an interesting collection of quotes, though mainly meant for people who already know something about Buddhism, at least the very basics. But I felt that some of the quotes about love kind of contradicted each other, though that might be the translation's fault.
June 15, 2017
This one's just okay. Collection of many Buddhist quotes by Dalai Lama. It's good for the ones who are really deep into Buddhism and Buddhist way of life.
October 5, 2018
Quick to read. Easy to understand. Soothing and relaxing with lots of insight that could be implemented to make life easy and happy.
May 6, 2019
Very brief interesting summary of what Mahayana Buddhism is according to the current Dalai Lama.
It was useful for my preparation for an essay on solipsism in thoughts originated in India.
It was useful for my preparation for an essay on solipsism in thoughts originated in India.
June 3, 2015
The title of this book is accurate: it is a little book. The book contains sayings from his holiness the Dalai Lama loosely collected into categories. Listening to the book is OK but this is better as a printed book one can refer to from time to time.
October 8, 2020
Discipline is the supreme ornament and, whether worn by old, young or middle-aged, it gives birth to happiness.
Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama is one of the most recognized men in the world. For such a surprisingly well-known person in the modern world and, outside of China, he has few enemies. Business leaders pay to hear him speak, although he has much more in common with Marx than Adam Smith. He is a man of compassion and peace. His exile from Tibet, although devastating, is probably what has brought him to the world stage and allowed his voice to be heard.
The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Buddhism is an introduction to Buddhist beliefs. The belief system is formed around a few core beliefs, but none of them have to with a deity. It is about discovery. From the introduction:
"So Buddha might have been wrong, the Dalai Lama might be wrong. Actually they both encourage us to try to find out where they do go wrong."
That is quite a statement to make about a belief system and quite a system to allow such a statement. In Buddhism, it is recognized that all is change. It is also a belief system that sees purpose in all things:
"The creatures that inhabit this earth -- be they human beings or animals -- are here to contribute, each in their own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world."
This ties into the vegetarianism. Buddhism does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of meat. It is killing that is prohibited. Buddha did, however, prohibit the eating of any meat that was killed on the Buddhist's behalf. Others find some conflict with eating meat and the first precept "I undertake the precept to refrain from taking life." The Dalai Lama agrees with the former. He tells the reader that animals have toiled to make our lives more comfortable -- from our food to our clothes -- and we should be thankful to all our fellow creatures. It does make me wonder what Buddha would say about modern industrialized meat production.
Importantly, much of what Buddism is is in our minds. The mind is our tool that must be sharpened. We must be aware of our actions. We must develop a stable and calm mind that remains so even in the hardest of times. It is in the time of greatest adversity that the potential to do good, for others and ourselves, is the greatest.
This book is quite small, smaller even still when one realizes there is a lengthy introduction and the last third of the book is a glossary and a mini biography of the Dalai Lama. That being said, there is a wealth of information in the Dalai Lama's words. It almost seems like the book is condensed and the act of reading it expands it exponentially. I have only covered a few points in this review and feel that I could write more than what was written if given the opportunity. An excellent introduction to Buddhism and an excellent sermon for those already on the path.
Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama is one of the most recognized men in the world. For such a surprisingly well-known person in the modern world and, outside of China, he has few enemies. Business leaders pay to hear him speak, although he has much more in common with Marx than Adam Smith. He is a man of compassion and peace. His exile from Tibet, although devastating, is probably what has brought him to the world stage and allowed his voice to be heard.
The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Buddhism is an introduction to Buddhist beliefs. The belief system is formed around a few core beliefs, but none of them have to with a deity. It is about discovery. From the introduction:
"So Buddha might have been wrong, the Dalai Lama might be wrong. Actually they both encourage us to try to find out where they do go wrong."
That is quite a statement to make about a belief system and quite a system to allow such a statement. In Buddhism, it is recognized that all is change. It is also a belief system that sees purpose in all things:
"The creatures that inhabit this earth -- be they human beings or animals -- are here to contribute, each in their own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world."
This ties into the vegetarianism. Buddhism does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of meat. It is killing that is prohibited. Buddha did, however, prohibit the eating of any meat that was killed on the Buddhist's behalf. Others find some conflict with eating meat and the first precept "I undertake the precept to refrain from taking life." The Dalai Lama agrees with the former. He tells the reader that animals have toiled to make our lives more comfortable -- from our food to our clothes -- and we should be thankful to all our fellow creatures. It does make me wonder what Buddha would say about modern industrialized meat production.
Importantly, much of what Buddism is is in our minds. The mind is our tool that must be sharpened. We must be aware of our actions. We must develop a stable and calm mind that remains so even in the hardest of times. It is in the time of greatest adversity that the potential to do good, for others and ourselves, is the greatest.
This book is quite small, smaller even still when one realizes there is a lengthy introduction and the last third of the book is a glossary and a mini biography of the Dalai Lama. That being said, there is a wealth of information in the Dalai Lama's words. It almost seems like the book is condensed and the act of reading it expands it exponentially. I have only covered a few points in this review and feel that I could write more than what was written if given the opportunity. An excellent introduction to Buddhism and an excellent sermon for those already on the path.
January 14, 2018
Just a little something I picked up when I walked off on another adventure of self-discovery and I must say that some of the quotes in this book really spoke to me and it has helped to slowly change me for the better - for starters, my anger is nowhere near as bad as it was.
"If subconscious anger had a parallel in Buddhist writings, it would have to do with what is called mental unhappiness or dissatisfaction. This is regarded as the source of anger and hostility. We can see subconscious anger in terms of a lack of awareness, as well as an active misconstruing of reality."
"Suffering increases your inner strength. Also wishing for suffering makes the suffering disappear."
A book that is short and simple and one I look forward to picking up again for an uplifting read. I'm glad I found it on my new journey and it was a good way to kick off 2018.
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion."
"If subconscious anger had a parallel in Buddhist writings, it would have to do with what is called mental unhappiness or dissatisfaction. This is regarded as the source of anger and hostility. We can see subconscious anger in terms of a lack of awareness, as well as an active misconstruing of reality."
"Suffering increases your inner strength. Also wishing for suffering makes the suffering disappear."
A book that is short and simple and one I look forward to picking up again for an uplifting read. I'm glad I found it on my new journey and it was a good way to kick off 2018.
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion."
May 10, 2018
The Little Book Of Buddhism literally is little (in fact it's so small it fits perfectly well in every pocket). Filled with about 250 well-chosen quotes from the Dalai Lama, it's also very precious! Two of my favorite examples are the following:
and
We all depend on each other. We are all connected. Every creature matters. If you hurt another creature, you hurt yourself. We should never forget to be grateful to others. And we should never forget to be compassionate.
The creatures that inhabit this earth - be they human beings or animals - are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.
and
Many creatures have toiled singly or jointly to make our lives comfortable. The food we eat and the clothes we wear have not just dropped from the sky. Many creatures have labored to produce them. That is why we should be grateful to all our fellow creatures.
We all depend on each other. We are all connected. Every creature matters. If you hurt another creature, you hurt yourself. We should never forget to be grateful to others. And we should never forget to be compassionate.
January 17, 2021
I listened to this book via audio. It is a great distillation of The Dalai Lama's quotations. They presented as a long listing of direct quotations. In this mode, the book can be completed quickly - I see this session as a preview. I have decide to reread after not too long an interval. I will get a print or Kindle copy and work my way through one quote at a time. This will allow some reflection -which is where the most meaninog will be absorbed. He also has several other "Little Book" volumes on individual subject.
May 7, 2017
Buddhism is a part of our "sanatan dharma"......it is inculcated all the good wills of "sanatan dharama" ......
Wht I learnt----
1)⚀---importance of mental peace
2)⚁---zeal to do work for self improvement
3)⚂---cosmopolitan behaviour
Over all, for me this book is good...definitely one can learn many things ,it's up to u.....🔖📘
Wht I learnt----
1)⚀---importance of mental peace
2)⚁---zeal to do work for self improvement
3)⚂---cosmopolitan behaviour
Over all, for me this book is good...definitely one can learn many things ,it's up to u.....🔖📘
March 24, 2019
Thought provoking.
The book was smaller than I thought but, I found it very interesting and it's made more determined to keep meditating. I have been looking to take up Buddhism. The book has inspired me to look further. To find a bit more. Even if, in the end, I don't take up Buddhism, if it helps me get more out of meditation then that's a positive in itself.
The book was smaller than I thought but, I found it very interesting and it's made more determined to keep meditating. I have been looking to take up Buddhism. The book has inspired me to look further. To find a bit more. Even if, in the end, I don't take up Buddhism, if it helps me get more out of meditation then that's a positive in itself.
March 19, 2022
A great way to start learning about Buddhism. I understood about half and the other half were challenging concepts. I also really enjoyed reading the glossary at the end. The organization of the book was also very helpful with similar quotes being together. My favorite page was 49 which points out that it is caring for others that increases a sense of well-being. I plan to learn more and try more books in the future.
May 26, 2020
I bought this book in a small book shop in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thinking back about that trip seemed to teach me more wisdom than this book.
There is hardly any link between the quotations in the book and they are less thought-provoking than I hoped. I tried, but none of them really stuck with me.
There is hardly any link between the quotations in the book and they are less thought-provoking than I hoped. I tried, but none of them really stuck with me.
July 20, 2020
A very interesting collection of quotes from his Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.
However, several quotes include Buddhism terms and principles that, unless someone is familiar with them, are hard to fully comprehend.
However, several quotes include Buddhism terms and principles that, unless someone is familiar with them, are hard to fully comprehend.
October 22, 2021
This book has a great collection of insightful ideas. It was a quick read as a result and leaves you with small phrases to mull over. I personally would have liked a more in-depth overview of each phrase to study as an option.
July 13, 2023
I thought this was a really beautiful book. I loved the way it was written and how it truly expressed what the Dalai Lama was talking about. It also was really inspirational in telling me how to do different practices in my
daily life.
daily life.
January 11, 2024
This is book of aphorisms expressing Buddhist ideals. It is not a book explaining Buddhism. If you expect that it will help you understand Buddhism, you will be dissappointed. For what it is it's okay not great.
August 26, 2025
Just the introduction to the subject I wanted 🙂
This book is full of practical wisdom, with only a few precepts that I couldn't quite decode. I'd recommend this to anyone needing a healthier perspective in their life.
This book is full of practical wisdom, with only a few precepts that I couldn't quite decode. I'd recommend this to anyone needing a healthier perspective in their life.
July 15, 2017
Sweet little book of buddhism with a lot of great quotes from his holiness Dalai lama.
January 29, 2018
Will probably have to re-read this often. I can't wait.
June 6, 2018
Concise, warm hearted and a good reference book.
March 18, 2019
I think this was a good enough incentive for me to read more about Buddhism!
July 4, 2019
Bite-sized Buddhism. Instructive as always; would recommend for intermediate dharma practitioners, as it's too technical for beginners but probably too fundamental for advanced folks.
October 13, 2019
More like, the little book of truth and happiness. I will definitely be taking on some of the teachings in this book to try and better my lifestyle for my own and others benefits
August 4, 2020
Small easy digestible Buddhist teachings. : )
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews