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The Dalai Lama: A Life Inspired
What does the Dalai Lama's life teach us?
Certainly, he is a sterling example of turning adversity into joyful service. But there is more to him than that. He is also a model of innovation and adaptation. He has taken the tenets of Buddhism and made them relevant to everyone. He has found commonalities in the teachings of Catholicism and Buddhism.
His message is not just about personal happiness and good karma, it is also very much about respecting the earth’s resources, recognizing the equality of all people, and sharing with the less fortunate.
He has said that, at ninety, he will decide whether his long series of lives as the Dalai Lama will end. As of this writing, he is nearly eighty. Will he live another ten years?
We can only hope so.
Certainly, he is a sterling example of turning adversity into joyful service. But there is more to him than that. He is also a model of innovation and adaptation. He has taken the tenets of Buddhism and made them relevant to everyone. He has found commonalities in the teachings of Catholicism and Buddhism.
His message is not just about personal happiness and good karma, it is also very much about respecting the earth’s resources, recognizing the equality of all people, and sharing with the less fortunate.
He has said that, at ninety, he will decide whether his long series of lives as the Dalai Lama will end. As of this writing, he is nearly eighty. Will he live another ten years?
We can only hope so.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2014
109 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 19, 2015
A great, simple read with clear straight facts about the Dalai Lama and his life as a spiritual leader.
July 26, 2015
Great read into the life and works of Dalai Lama.
November 14, 2022
I had previously heard of the Dalai Lama, and knew of him as an advocate for Peace. I was also aware of the tensions between Tibet and China. However I did not know anything of his background, his struggles or the way he was rejected by the Western World for several years. I was particularly interested to learn how the Dalai Lama is found and that there is a Panchen Lama (2nd in hierarchy) – though the current holder of that title is disputed.
There can be no doubt about the influence that the Dalai Lama has had on modern Tibetan history, r the fact that he is a humble man with a strong message of peace, equality and respecting the earth’s resources.
Whilst the book is not an in-depth biography, or written academically, it gives a good introduction into the life & works of the Dalai Lama and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who would like to know more about this iconic figure. It is likely to make you want to learn more about Tibet and/or the Dalai Lama.
There can be no doubt about the influence that the Dalai Lama has had on modern Tibetan history, r the fact that he is a humble man with a strong message of peace, equality and respecting the earth’s resources.
Whilst the book is not an in-depth biography, or written academically, it gives a good introduction into the life & works of the Dalai Lama and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who would like to know more about this iconic figure. It is likely to make you want to learn more about Tibet and/or the Dalai Lama.
January 28, 2018
A clear, simple retelling of the life of the fourteenth Dalai Lama.
The book is not exceptionally well-written. Upon completion, I felt I had just sat through a high-school history lecture, from a substitute who had no passion for the subject. Hamilton writes with a basic sentence structure, no true passion - or disdain - for the teachings, and little imagination. The prose is sophomoric, but the facts are there.
In other words, I learned something, but was certainly not inspired or moved.
The book is not exceptionally well-written. Upon completion, I felt I had just sat through a high-school history lecture, from a substitute who had no passion for the subject. Hamilton writes with a basic sentence structure, no true passion - or disdain - for the teachings, and little imagination. The prose is sophomoric, but the facts are there.
In other words, I learned something, but was certainly not inspired or moved.
March 19, 2022
Another in the "A Life Inspired" books that completely sucked me in. I was really interested in learning more about the Dalai Lama and this totally hit the spot. It was a little more detailed than reading a Wikipedia page but not as dense as a full biography, certainly enough to educate without being boring.
September 28, 2017
Wonderful book
I found the book pleasant and easy to follow. It was interesting to read about the Dalai Lama, and the struggles he has experienced. It is easy to see why he is an inspiration to many.
I found the book pleasant and easy to follow. It was interesting to read about the Dalai Lama, and the struggles he has experienced. It is easy to see why he is an inspiration to many.
April 13, 2018
Simple retelling of the Dalai Lama’s life. Historically interesting, but not particularly well written.
February 1, 2024
a nice biography of the Dalai Lama. if you don't know his life story -as I didn't- this is a good, well written and well comprehensible book to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed it =)
I thoroughly enjoyed it =)
October 2, 2018
Great brief biography of the Dalai Lama. Helped me to understand the politics of Tibet and China and the Dalai Lama is coming from.
August 29, 2016
I received this eBook for free from Amazon for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this brief biography of the fourteenth Lama, Jamphel Yeshe, and have decided to read more books about the Dalai Lama in the future after finishing this well-written book. As His Holiness believes, one doesn’t have to be a Buddhist to practice Buddhist teachings such as compassion, mindfulness, and respect for all living beings. If you are working on your own spirituality and are wanting to be a kinder and more compassionate person, you may want to learn more about him, his teachings, and his life story. This book and “The Dalai Lama’s Cat series” by David Michie are excellent books for someone like me who doesn’t know much about Buddhism and wants to learn more.
Before reading the book, I had assumed his extraordinary teachings and his personality were only molded by ancient Buddhist teachings, but what was so surprising to me was to learn how much the Dalai Lama has done for his position, his people, and Buddhism by adjusting and adopting Buddhism to the 21 century and including science and learning about the outside world in the education of the Buddhist monks. Also the book has opened my eyes to the human rights violations as well as genocides have been committed in Tibet since the Chinese invasion of the country. What I liked the most about the book is the unbiased way it was written.
I enjoyed reading this brief biography of the fourteenth Lama, Jamphel Yeshe, and have decided to read more books about the Dalai Lama in the future after finishing this well-written book. As His Holiness believes, one doesn’t have to be a Buddhist to practice Buddhist teachings such as compassion, mindfulness, and respect for all living beings. If you are working on your own spirituality and are wanting to be a kinder and more compassionate person, you may want to learn more about him, his teachings, and his life story. This book and “The Dalai Lama’s Cat series” by David Michie are excellent books for someone like me who doesn’t know much about Buddhism and wants to learn more.
Before reading the book, I had assumed his extraordinary teachings and his personality were only molded by ancient Buddhist teachings, but what was so surprising to me was to learn how much the Dalai Lama has done for his position, his people, and Buddhism by adjusting and adopting Buddhism to the 21 century and including science and learning about the outside world in the education of the Buddhist monks. Also the book has opened my eyes to the human rights violations as well as genocides have been committed in Tibet since the Chinese invasion of the country. What I liked the most about the book is the unbiased way it was written.
July 19, 2016
Dalai Lama - highest rank amongst Buddhists Monks. I chose to read this book because I thought it will give me an insight in to Dalai Lama's life. I was seeking answers to few questions such as - how a Lama is chosen? How is he trained? and others similar questions. However this book has briefly touched on these topics and mainly focuses on political scenario between China and Tibet.
This book for me was more of a political documentary rather than an inspirational story. No doubt Dalai Lama has handled the situation to his best possible capacity. He influenced people to care for environment. One particualr incident where tibetians burn tiger skin robes on one call of Dalai Lama, proves how much he is respected amongst his ow countrymen and also among other nations.
This book for me was more of a political documentary rather than an inspirational story. No doubt Dalai Lama has handled the situation to his best possible capacity. He influenced people to care for environment. One particualr incident where tibetians burn tiger skin robes on one call of Dalai Lama, proves how much he is respected amongst his ow countrymen and also among other nations.
December 7, 2014
Great background infirmation
Gives a concise political and historical history, as well as explaining a few Buddhist tenants in a simplified manner. The fact that this one religious leader, of a small country with little means or capacity to broadcast his message of compassion for humans and the earth, is able to have such a big impact on so many attests to both the needs of the world, and the measure of the man. A simple, straight forward read. Highly recommended. I found it helpful to better understand the history of Tibet.
Gives a concise political and historical history, as well as explaining a few Buddhist tenants in a simplified manner. The fact that this one religious leader, of a small country with little means or capacity to broadcast his message of compassion for humans and the earth, is able to have such a big impact on so many attests to both the needs of the world, and the measure of the man. A simple, straight forward read. Highly recommended. I found it helpful to better understand the history of Tibet.
November 6, 2014
A Nice Simple Introduction
This book was a nice simple introduction to a topic I knew little about. It explains who the Dalai Lama is and the history of China and Tibet. You get to see the larger picture and not overwhelmed by large amounts of text. Again, Wyatt North has put out a high quality book at a very affordable price. I have read St. Francis and C.S. Lewis, by Wyatt North, as well and would recommend those as well.
This book was a nice simple introduction to a topic I knew little about. It explains who the Dalai Lama is and the history of China and Tibet. You get to see the larger picture and not overwhelmed by large amounts of text. Again, Wyatt North has put out a high quality book at a very affordable price. I have read St. Francis and C.S. Lewis, by Wyatt North, as well and would recommend those as well.
February 4, 2017
I've been inspired by the words of the Dalai Lama, but I really didn't know too much about his life. I found this little biography pretty interesting - he has certainly led an atypical life. Knowing what he has been through makes his words all that much more inspiring.
November 29, 2014
This book was written below an adult's level, but gave me a basic understanding about the Dalai Lama and Tibet that I didn't have before. I don't think the title is necessarily appropriate, considering a large portion of the book focuses on history of Tibet and China, but it did inspire me to read more age-level books for myself on these topics out of sheer curiosity.
January 7, 2015
An Inspirational Biography
I loved this book. It is a fast read and I couldn't put it down. The Dalai Lama is such a complex and interesting person and I respect how he is able to keep his religion intact despite exile from his beloved Tibet. This is a fascinating story and will keep your interest throughout the book. I highly recommend this story.
I loved this book. It is a fast read and I couldn't put it down. The Dalai Lama is such a complex and interesting person and I respect how he is able to keep his religion intact despite exile from his beloved Tibet. This is a fascinating story and will keep your interest throughout the book. I highly recommend this story.
February 20, 2015
Dalai Lama information
This book was a good read on the history of the Dalai Lama from his time in Tibet to today. It tells more of his history than Buddhist teachings or thought and that's why I enjoyed it. Well written and informative, I recommend it to those who may not know the history of the Dalai Lama.
This book was a good read on the history of the Dalai Lama from his time in Tibet to today. It tells more of his history than Buddhist teachings or thought and that's why I enjoyed it. Well written and informative, I recommend it to those who may not know the history of the Dalai Lama.
August 28, 2015
A very enlightening biography
Thank you, Wyatt North for another educational experience in this fun to read book. This book greatly expanded my knowledge of the Dalai Lama and Tibet's plight. I have been motivated to become an outspoken supporter for Tibet's independence. Let this be a lesson to those who bargain with the Chinese government.
Thank you, Wyatt North for another educational experience in this fun to read book. This book greatly expanded my knowledge of the Dalai Lama and Tibet's plight. I have been motivated to become an outspoken supporter for Tibet's independence. Let this be a lesson to those who bargain with the Chinese government.
November 1, 2015
Enlightening and uplifting
I chose to read this book because I knew very little about this man. Now I know more but I am also more curious. This is the story of a great and humble man. I am happy I read it and I will look for his writings to give me more perspective. This is a very simple telling of a very complex life. I truly enjoyed it.
I chose to read this book because I knew very little about this man. Now I know more but I am also more curious. This is the story of a great and humble man. I am happy I read it and I will look for his writings to give me more perspective. This is a very simple telling of a very complex life. I truly enjoyed it.
May 25, 2015
For some reason I was expecting a more spiritual type of read. I actually really liked the fact that this was more of a blow by blow history and it's made me want to learn more about it. It was easy to read and digest and had a great many things packed into a tiny space.
October 29, 2015
good read ..clarifies lot of history about tibet...and Mr. Dalai lamma.
Truely it is difficult to understand why humans behave the way they behave mostly i think it is related to over population and the results are evident...
man save earth...
Truely it is difficult to understand why humans behave the way they behave mostly i think it is related to over population and the results are evident...
man save earth...
November 12, 2015
Very basic biography of the14th HH Dalai Lama. Suitable written to give a good basic history of the fall of Tibet, the crush of the Tibetan people by the Chinese, and the rise of HH the 14th Dalai Lama in his exiled home in India.
November 18, 2015
The Dalai Lama. A life inspired
This was a quick read. It was very interesting especially since I remembered a lot of what was written. It is a shame that money over powered countries in letting the Dalia Lama to visit them.
This was a quick read. It was very interesting especially since I remembered a lot of what was written. It is a shame that money over powered countries in letting the Dalia Lama to visit them.
December 18, 2015
Short book on the life of the current Dalai Lama - his childhood, youth, struggle against Chinese, travel to India and later part of life where he has traveled the world spreading message of peace and harmony.
Excellent read
Excellent read
July 5, 2016
Even though the writing is very simple and textbook like it really inspired me. I love learning about the mundane and everyday details of the lives of spiritual leaders and the Dalai Lama is one of my favorites. I consider myself part Buddhist in my beliefs and he is a great teacher.
February 9, 2015
only got half way through. not quite what I was expecting
Read
January 7, 2015kindle
January 2, 2015
A good book if you want a summary of historical events of the dalai lama's life. Was expecting a little more out of it, but the other information never hit.
March 31, 2015
History of the current dalai lama and his wise outlook on life.
February 16, 2017
Really Good
This book has helped me understand a great deal more about this much loved spiritual leader. I hope He has many long years left.
This book has helped me understand a great deal more about this much loved spiritual leader. I hope He has many long years left.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews