Why the Dalai Lama is a Socialist: Buddhism and the Compassionate Society

by Terry Gibbs

To the surprise of many, the Dalai Lama recently declared that, 'I am a socialist'. While many Buddhists and socialists would be perplexed at the suggestion that their approaches to life share fundamental principles, important figures in the Buddhist tradition are increasingly framing contemporary social and economic problems in distinctly socialist terms.

In this novel and provocative work, Terry Gibbs argues that the shared values expressed in each tradition could provide signposts for creating a truly humane, compassionate and free society. Hopeful about our potential to create the 'good society' through collective effort, Why the Dalai Lama is a Socialist is grounded in the fundamental belief that everyday human activity makes a difference.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Politics

272 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2017

Reviews

[Tom Pepper · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Buddhist and a marxist, perhaps I expected too much from this book. Quite superficial and disappointing. Mostly the standard liberal hand-wringing about cruelty to animals and the plight of the poor, idealizing some romantic notion of a state of nature and lamenting the decline of the petit bourgeoisie at the hands of big corporations. Gets both Buddhism and Marxism completely wrong.

If you're a fan of Thich Nhat Hanh and organic vegan farming, and "socially conscious" shopping, you may be cheered on by this. If you're looking for serious thought about Buddhist concepts or marxist analysis of global capitalism, look elsewhere.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but its intended audience is unclear. It’s essentially a light introduction to Marxist thought in the contemporary West, with a dash of Buddhism sprinkled in. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of how Marxist and Buddhist philosophies intertwine, but the book remains fairly superficial on that front. It might serve as a useful primer for someone entirely new to Marxism, but it offers little for those looking to deepen their understanding of Buddhism or who already have a grasp of socialist theory.

[Rebecca MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely essential read for our time. It is painful to realize where we have arrived in Western society (the extent of which is exceptionally detailed) but it is also hopeful in how we may move forward towards a compassionate society - including humans, animals and non-animals. Thank you Terry.

[Damon Glassmoyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good philosophical discussion of how Buddhist and Marxist views intersect on issues of capitalism and wealth/class/social inequality.

[Tyr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked up this book because of its fascinating sounding title, but was disappointed to discover that the book had barely anything to do with the Dalai Lama and the reasons for his claim on socialist beliefs. What it is, is a very basic and rambling exposé on Marxism and Buddhism, and the similarities they had that could be applied to enhance and do away with the disadvantages of liberal markets.

[Michael]

Yeah. No. I love the Dalai Lama, but Marxism sucks. The Marxist critique of capitalism is biting, but Marxist solutions to the problems of the modern world end in just one way, every single time: dead people. No thanks.

Mediate on that, comrades.

[Ruby Grad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional exploration of the commonalities between socially-engaged Buddhism and socialism and the current state of affairs and the future.

[Tim Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly commendable for those who need to understand Socialism -- great discourse for readers from 18 - 100+
5* out of 5