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An Appeal to the World: The Way to Peace in a Time of Division – A Profound Address on Spiritual Well-Being and Universal Ethics from the Nobel Peace Prize Winner
#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • NEW FROM HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA, A LITTLE BOOK OF GREAT WISDOM FOR TROUBLED TIMES • FEATURES EXCLUSIVE NEW MATERIAL ON THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY
We have entered a time marked by division. Politicians call for borders, not inclusion. Economic inequality strains cohesion. Religion breeds violence. And yet the need for unity has never been more urgent, for the crises facing humanity are, increasingly, global. How do we move forward?
In this brief yet profound address to the entire world, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet reveals that we all hold the seeds of world peace within us: “I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends,” the Nobel Peace Prize winner writes, “on our innate human nature, our natural affinity for goodness, compassion, and caring for others.”
Already a major international bestseller, An Appeal to the World, the new book by one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time, outlines both the inward and outward paths to peace, addressing a wide range of contemporary topics—from war, climate change, and materialism to meditation, universal ethics, and even neuroscience. Here is a small book that can truly change the world.
We have entered a time marked by division. Politicians call for borders, not inclusion. Economic inequality strains cohesion. Religion breeds violence. And yet the need for unity has never been more urgent, for the crises facing humanity are, increasingly, global. How do we move forward?
In this brief yet profound address to the entire world, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet reveals that we all hold the seeds of world peace within us: “I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends,” the Nobel Peace Prize winner writes, “on our innate human nature, our natural affinity for goodness, compassion, and caring for others.”
Already a major international bestseller, An Appeal to the World, the new book by one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time, outlines both the inward and outward paths to peace, addressing a wide range of contemporary topics—from war, climate change, and materialism to meditation, universal ethics, and even neuroscience. Here is a small book that can truly change the world.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2017
110 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
About the author
Dalai Lama XIV
1,553 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 164 reviews
May 23, 2018
Every year about this time I look for a commencement speech or short comment about what we face and how to approach thinking about the world. This year I chose the Dalai Lama’s Appeal to the World because I saw he had remarks concerning the current President of the United States, DJT, in response to questions posed by German television journalist and author Franz Alt.
Can religion help us to overcome the divisions between Americans & foreigners, Democrats & Republicans, rich & poor that are exacerbated by DJT & his policies? The Dalai remarks
“Religion alone is no longer sufficient,” the Dalai tells us. We need global secular ethics that can accept atheists and people of every religion. “We are not members of a particular religion at birth. But ethics are innate.” I have wondered about that in the past, and would require a fuller explanation, but generally speaking I go along with the first part: religion is learned and insufficient for ethical behavior, we already know from experience. Ethics, learned or innate, does tend to answer best those questions that might lead us away from god-like behaviors.
The Dalai believes we have a wellspring of ethics within us that must be nurtured, in schools if possible. "Human development relies on cooperation and not competition." We focus too much on our differences rather than our commonalities. We all are born and die in the same way.
One thing the Dalai said that will stick with me a long time is that our enemies are our best teachers. We have the most to learn from them. Of course this is so. And patience is the most potent antidote to anger, satisfaction for greed, bravery for fear, and understanding for doubt. He has six principles that are fundamental to secular ethics:
Can religion help us to overcome the divisions between Americans & foreigners, Democrats & Republicans, rich & poor that are exacerbated by DJT & his policies? The Dalai remarks
“Now the time has come to understand that we are the same human being on this planet..Humanity is all one big family.”It is pure misplaced confidence, even ignorance, to think America can be ‘first,’ or any other such thing. "The future of individual nations always depends on the well-being of their neighbors." We live and die together.
“Religion alone is no longer sufficient,” the Dalai tells us. We need global secular ethics that can accept atheists and people of every religion. “We are not members of a particular religion at birth. But ethics are innate.” I have wondered about that in the past, and would require a fuller explanation, but generally speaking I go along with the first part: religion is learned and insufficient for ethical behavior, we already know from experience. Ethics, learned or innate, does tend to answer best those questions that might lead us away from god-like behaviors.
The Dalai believes we have a wellspring of ethics within us that must be nurtured, in schools if possible. "Human development relies on cooperation and not competition." We focus too much on our differences rather than our commonalities. We all are born and die in the same way.
"I look forward with joy to the day when children will learn the principles of nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution--in other words secular ethics--at school."This sounds so completely radical, doesn't it?
“Mindfulness, education, respect, tolerance, and nonviolence.”Somewhere along the line we lost our connection to ethics, inner values and personal integrity. We need to relearn these things we have bred out of ourselves. In the two visions of humankind, 1) that man is violent, inconsiderate, and aggressive, and 2) that man tends towards benevolence, harmony, and a peaceful life, the Dalai comes down in camp #2. So do I. Given the choice between the two lives, most of us will choose #2. How do we know? Suffering bothers us.
“The real meaning of our life, whether with or without religion, is to be happy.”I have questioned this assertion of the Dalai’s for years, and I think he might be right after all. Unlike Christian religions which have a kind of strictness (a kind of Yankee meanness here in the USA) about them that doesn’t seem quite right somehow, the Dalai urges us to seek happiness. If that seems indulgent, remember that no one is happy alone. “Happiness is one hundred percent relational.”
One thing the Dalai said that will stick with me a long time is that our enemies are our best teachers. We have the most to learn from them. Of course this is so. And patience is the most potent antidote to anger, satisfaction for greed, bravery for fear, and understanding for doubt. He has six principles that are fundamental to secular ethics:
1. NonviolenceThe essence of all religions is love. Therefore, we must presume, if we come across religious people who are not loving, something is wrong in the teaching or in the learning. This seems clear.
2. Tolerance
3. Accept every religion in its uniqueness
4. A religious person collaborates in preserving the earth
5. Patience
6. Death and rebirth
September 12, 2018
“I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends not on religion, but on our innate human nature, our natural affinity for goodness, compassion, and caring for others.”
I don’t read many books by religious leaders, but make an exception for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is such an inspirational and beautiful soul, and always has something worthwhile to say.
An Appeal to the World: The Way to Peace in a Time of Division is an interview between the Dalai Lama and Franz Alt, and addresses the most pressing issues affecting our world today. From climate change to wars, the Dalai Lama explains how the countries of the world must come together to address these issues, and put aside our weapons once and for all. He makes the case for “secular ethics” and explains why this is superior to religion-based ethics and is what the world now needs. As an atheist, I am glad to hear a religious person who values secularism and sees that we do not need religion in order to be good people. In fact, we can be even better people without religion as it often serves as an excuse to hate and divide people, rather than love and bring us together (which is what is at the heart of all the great religions of the world but is often not put into practice).
The book is brief, and can be read in one sitting. It’s not exactly profound, but still worth reading. It offers hope that the world can become a better place. As His Holiness states:
“The problems everywhere were made by humans. Therefore, humans can also solve the problems.” And we can, if only we come together in a spirit of compassion and concern for all beings on this planet.
I don’t read many books by religious leaders, but make an exception for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is such an inspirational and beautiful soul, and always has something worthwhile to say.
An Appeal to the World: The Way to Peace in a Time of Division is an interview between the Dalai Lama and Franz Alt, and addresses the most pressing issues affecting our world today. From climate change to wars, the Dalai Lama explains how the countries of the world must come together to address these issues, and put aside our weapons once and for all. He makes the case for “secular ethics” and explains why this is superior to religion-based ethics and is what the world now needs. As an atheist, I am glad to hear a religious person who values secularism and sees that we do not need religion in order to be good people. In fact, we can be even better people without religion as it often serves as an excuse to hate and divide people, rather than love and bring us together (which is what is at the heart of all the great religions of the world but is often not put into practice).
The book is brief, and can be read in one sitting. It’s not exactly profound, but still worth reading. It offers hope that the world can become a better place. As His Holiness states:
“The problems everywhere were made by humans. Therefore, humans can also solve the problems.” And we can, if only we come together in a spirit of compassion and concern for all beings on this planet.
January 14, 2018
This took me 45 minutes to read (I baked cupcakes, talked with my daughter, and enjoyed a cup of tea while reading this, so not even 45 minutes). In other words, you have no excuse not to read this. Religious or non-religious, this book, which is actually in interview format, talks about ethics & the importance of teaching ethics to the young generations, formally, by age 14. Spirituality only can come through ethical behavior & mindset.
No excuses! Read this & allow these words to enable enlightenment. There is a force of darkness trying to permeate us. Don't allow it.
No excuses! Read this & allow these words to enable enlightenment. There is a force of darkness trying to permeate us. Don't allow it.
February 18, 2018
Quick, impactful read. The part I loved and read several times...pages 26-28. Education of the heart..yes! It doesn't matter what religion you do or don't believe in. It is about being a good human "...love, compassion, justice, forgiveness, carefulness, tolerance, and peace...social, emotional, and ethical learning". We need more of this in our world, our homes and schools. These few pages and many others in book really spoke to me💞
March 5, 2018
Exceptional. I read it twice this weekend and would read again.
January 3, 2018
AN APPEAL TO THE WORLD by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with Franz Alt doing the interviews, is a small book with a big message. In less than 100 pages His Holiness shares his latest revelations with the world. His message hopes to convey a “way to peace in a time of division.”
For the most part, the book is an interview with Ph.D. Franz Alt asking the questions in his best interview manner and the Dalai Lama responding. They talk about Spirituality, the Education of the Heart, War, The Next Generation, even Mr. Trump, along the way revealing this religious leader in exile’s views on these and many other subjects.
The most revealing thing in the entire book is this religious leader’s view on what is most important for the World to learn and for each individual to hold in their heart. It is not religion, it is ethics and morality. Teaching these two things, learning these two things, bringing forth these elements of our inner humanity, he feels is far more important than impressing the artificial construct of any religion upon the heart of mankind. Nurturing what we are born with, an innate need to do good, is more worthwhile than any tract or text on spirituality. God is within us all, no matter what name you give that leader, so let us find the common ground and shake off the chains that hold us back from being one world, one people.
Or something like that.
Short, sweet, on point, wasting no time to get to the important points, AN APPEAL TO THE WORLD is an opening salvo for humanity. The question remains, “Is humanity too selfish, ignorant, small-minded, or any of a thousand other things, to do what is truly important?”
Probably.
For the most part, the book is an interview with Ph.D. Franz Alt asking the questions in his best interview manner and the Dalai Lama responding. They talk about Spirituality, the Education of the Heart, War, The Next Generation, even Mr. Trump, along the way revealing this religious leader in exile’s views on these and many other subjects.
The most revealing thing in the entire book is this religious leader’s view on what is most important for the World to learn and for each individual to hold in their heart. It is not religion, it is ethics and morality. Teaching these two things, learning these two things, bringing forth these elements of our inner humanity, he feels is far more important than impressing the artificial construct of any religion upon the heart of mankind. Nurturing what we are born with, an innate need to do good, is more worthwhile than any tract or text on spirituality. God is within us all, no matter what name you give that leader, so let us find the common ground and shake off the chains that hold us back from being one world, one people.
Or something like that.
Short, sweet, on point, wasting no time to get to the important points, AN APPEAL TO THE WORLD is an opening salvo for humanity. The question remains, “Is humanity too selfish, ignorant, small-minded, or any of a thousand other things, to do what is truly important?”
Probably.
January 13, 2018
Loved this so much. He is so calm and loving and humorous. What an inspiration.
“Religion is often abused or exploited - even by religious leaders - in order to further political or economic interests. For that reason I say that in the twenty-first century, we need a new form of ethics beyond religion. I am speaking of a secular ethics that can be helpful and used for over a billion atheists and an increasing number of agnostics. More integral than religion is our fundamental human spirituality. That is the affinity we humans have for love, benevolence, and affection - no matter what religion we belong to. “
“Whenever I feel a certain sense of frustration or too much sadness, I mediate on these lines by Shantideva, an Indian Buddhist master from the seventh century:
For as long as space remains,
For as long as sentient beings remain,
Until the may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world. “
“Religion is often abused or exploited - even by religious leaders - in order to further political or economic interests. For that reason I say that in the twenty-first century, we need a new form of ethics beyond religion. I am speaking of a secular ethics that can be helpful and used for over a billion atheists and an increasing number of agnostics. More integral than religion is our fundamental human spirituality. That is the affinity we humans have for love, benevolence, and affection - no matter what religion we belong to. “
“Whenever I feel a certain sense of frustration or too much sadness, I mediate on these lines by Shantideva, an Indian Buddhist master from the seventh century:
For as long as space remains,
For as long as sentient beings remain,
Until the may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world. “
March 16, 2018
Published in 2017 when much of the world was rife with divisions, this book consists of a collection of interviews with the Dalai Lama in which His Holiness appealed for us to put all religion aside and instead consider our common humanity, develop our secular ethics and inner values. As human beings of this world we all united in our pursuit for happiness and our desire to avoid suffering. Only through practicing secular ethics and compassion can we become more emphatic and judicious people.
The book is a quick read, took me only an hour to complete it but still a profound and impactful read.
The book is a quick read, took me only an hour to complete it but still a profound and impactful read.
January 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've been pondering the general ideas of Buddhism for YEARS now. I tell myself that I want to read more about the history of this philosophy, but I never decide to sit down and do so. I found this short, quick, easy read to be very profound and timely addressing some issues our world faces today (2018). I also connected to the Dalai Lama's thoughts and perspective on living a compassionate life on this Earth. I definitely need to read further on Buddhism and the Dalai Lama.
November 18, 2019
For his profound simplicity, clear seeng and insight this may be one of the most important books for now.
May 9, 2018
This is a short—but incredibly sweet—book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It was published in 2017 and contains myriad great wisdom for troubled times. The Dalai Lama once told the co-author of "An Appeal to the World", Franz Alt, "I don't have any enemies, only people I haven't met yet." He has spent his life cultivating this positive attitude, and it can be found on every page of this book.
Today's world is marked by division. Politicians are promoting borders rather than inclusion, economic inequality is running rampant, and religion is breeding violence. Yet the need for unity has never been more urgent, because the crises that humanity faces are affecting people all around the world. Many people have lost all hope for the future and wonder what we can possibly do to move forward.
Well, they're in luck, because the Dalai Lama and Alt have created a brilliant book that is capable of watering the seeds of world peace that are already located inside of each and every one of us—even though many people do not know or believe that they exist. He reminds us that all people have two things in common—our universal pursuit of happiness and the compelling desire to avoid suffering. Finding common ground and engaging in an open dialog is an effective way to mitigate the division that we otherwise experience.
One theme that the Dalai Lama repeats several times throughout the book is the concept that ethics are more important than religion. He even goes on to say, "On some days I think it would be better if there were no religions. All religions and all scriptures harbor potential for violence. That is why we need secular ethics beyond all religions." He explains that the core tenets of secular ethics are mindfulness, education, respect, tolerance, caring, and nonviolence. I was pleasantly surprised by how strongly and frequently he spoke about our need to cultivate secular ethics throughout the book.
I was also happy to see that the topic of Trump was also addressed in the book. A lot of people are experiencing suffering because he is currently our President, and hopefully the Dalai Lama's words on this topic will help soothe their psychic wounds.
"An Appeal to the World" is already a major international bestseller, and for good reason. It's an inspirational, powerful book written by one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time that has the potentially to truly change the world. It would probably take the average person between one to three hours to read it from cover to cover, and I highly recommend that you do.
Today's world is marked by division. Politicians are promoting borders rather than inclusion, economic inequality is running rampant, and religion is breeding violence. Yet the need for unity has never been more urgent, because the crises that humanity faces are affecting people all around the world. Many people have lost all hope for the future and wonder what we can possibly do to move forward.
Well, they're in luck, because the Dalai Lama and Alt have created a brilliant book that is capable of watering the seeds of world peace that are already located inside of each and every one of us—even though many people do not know or believe that they exist. He reminds us that all people have two things in common—our universal pursuit of happiness and the compelling desire to avoid suffering. Finding common ground and engaging in an open dialog is an effective way to mitigate the division that we otherwise experience.
One theme that the Dalai Lama repeats several times throughout the book is the concept that ethics are more important than religion. He even goes on to say, "On some days I think it would be better if there were no religions. All religions and all scriptures harbor potential for violence. That is why we need secular ethics beyond all religions." He explains that the core tenets of secular ethics are mindfulness, education, respect, tolerance, caring, and nonviolence. I was pleasantly surprised by how strongly and frequently he spoke about our need to cultivate secular ethics throughout the book.
I was also happy to see that the topic of Trump was also addressed in the book. A lot of people are experiencing suffering because he is currently our President, and hopefully the Dalai Lama's words on this topic will help soothe their psychic wounds.
"An Appeal to the World" is already a major international bestseller, and for good reason. It's an inspirational, powerful book written by one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time that has the potentially to truly change the world. It would probably take the average person between one to three hours to read it from cover to cover, and I highly recommend that you do.
March 12, 2018
All my reviews can be found at http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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An Appeal to the World is literally a small book that gives quite the impact. It is 5x7 and just over 100 pages. It can very easily be held in your hand. I will admit I knew basically nothing about the Dalai Lama before reading this. I won a copy in a giveaway on Goodreads. I was glad to win it and learned some things. Among them the Dalai Lama loves laughing and has to have humor in his life! He gives his thoughts on many topics including world peace, gender equality, religion, secular ethics, and even his opinions on Donald Trump (he is not a fan.)
What he says makes sense and it causes you to think. I would love to meet him and hear what he has to say and see what makes him laugh! He loves laughter, and laughter can be the best medicine.
There are also sections that talk about the Dalai Lama’s life, which makes a great introduction to those such as myself who are unfamiliar with him.
The only critique I have to offer is that I was under the impression that this was a book written by Dalai Lama. That was why I entered the giveaway. It is actually an interview where questions are asked and he gives his answers. I was disappointed in that.
Thank you Goodreads for my copy. It was a pleasure to read.
An Appeal to the World is recommended.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An Appeal to the World is literally a small book that gives quite the impact. It is 5x7 and just over 100 pages. It can very easily be held in your hand. I will admit I knew basically nothing about the Dalai Lama before reading this. I won a copy in a giveaway on Goodreads. I was glad to win it and learned some things. Among them the Dalai Lama loves laughing and has to have humor in his life! He gives his thoughts on many topics including world peace, gender equality, religion, secular ethics, and even his opinions on Donald Trump (he is not a fan.)
What he says makes sense and it causes you to think. I would love to meet him and hear what he has to say and see what makes him laugh! He loves laughter, and laughter can be the best medicine.
There are also sections that talk about the Dalai Lama’s life, which makes a great introduction to those such as myself who are unfamiliar with him.
The only critique I have to offer is that I was under the impression that this was a book written by Dalai Lama. That was why I entered the giveaway. It is actually an interview where questions are asked and he gives his answers. I was disappointed in that.
Thank you Goodreads for my copy. It was a pleasure to read.
An Appeal to the World is recommended.
May 20, 2018
An Appeal To The World:The Way To Peace In A Time of Division🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒
By Dalai Lama
2017
William Morrow/ Harper Collins
The practice of mindfulness. . . .Inclusion, empathy and esp ETHICS, are things we should become more aware of, within ourselves and the world we live in...
Wonderful, brief but very deep
Highly Recommended
By Dalai Lama
2017
William Morrow/ Harper Collins
The practice of mindfulness. . . .Inclusion, empathy and esp ETHICS, are things we should become more aware of, within ourselves and the world we live in...
Wonderful, brief but very deep
Highly Recommended
May 24, 2018
I believe everyone needs to read this at least once! It's short, concise, and full of much needed truth and wisdom.
My complete review is at:
https://youtu.be/STdGiCfJ7qg
My complete review is at:
https://youtu.be/STdGiCfJ7qg
June 15, 2018
Beautiful, brief interview with His Holiness. I loved the focus on ethics rather than religion.
November 21, 2018
Read this tiny book, you will be glad you did. Then, when you're done, read it again!
May 29, 2021
things in avatar ... they make sense now
November 18, 2022
This book was an interesting interview with his holiness, The Dalai Lama. He stressed that it doesn't matter what religion you do or don't believe in, but more important is ethics and how people treat each other. It is important to be a good human and treat each other with love, forgiveness, compassion, justice, carefulness, tolerance and peace. Work on social, emotional and ethical learning and respect. No matter who people are or where they come from all people are human and need to be treated with compassion, fairness, love and peacefulness. We need more of this in our homes, schools and world. Less division and more cohesiveness. People need to learn and practice this everywhere to grow and prosper and to have love and compassion everywhere. I couldn't agree more.
April 23, 2019
Saw this at the library and thought, it's short, I'll check it out. It was indeed a quick read. Some of it quite surprising, as the Dalai Lama repeatedly states that we all need to focus on secular ethics, and not so much on religion. He emphasizes this because he believes secular ethics can be a uniting force, whereas religion is too often used to divide. And his message is that we cannot afford division, we must unite to save our environment before it's too late.
He says all sorts of interesting things, so if you have a few minutes to spare, check it out. It's an odd little book, as the D.L. is responding to an interviewer's questions, and so it's like a series of mini-essays. Must admit, I never cared much one way or the other about the D.L., but the more I read of him, the more I like him. Seems like a real force for good in the world, and also seems to have a great sense of humor, especially when it comes to himself. Not what you might expect in a leader with a title like "His Holiness."
He says all sorts of interesting things, so if you have a few minutes to spare, check it out. It's an odd little book, as the D.L. is responding to an interviewer's questions, and so it's like a series of mini-essays. Must admit, I never cared much one way or the other about the D.L., but the more I read of him, the more I like him. Seems like a real force for good in the world, and also seems to have a great sense of humor, especially when it comes to himself. Not what you might expect in a leader with a title like "His Holiness."
July 10, 2018
An Appeal to the World: The Way to Peace in a Time of Division
Dalai Lama XIV, Franz Alt
Most of this book is a series of timely topics that Alt puts to the Dalai Lama.
The first few topics include President Trump, Overcoming Division, Nationalism, and the Refugee Crisis. There are a total of 28 such topics.
For most topics, the Dalai Lama has a short, focused response that directly addresses the concern. These responses fit into his overall theme of secular ethics. The Dalai Lama puts that into perspective by stating "Ethics are more important than religion".
Dalai Lama XIV, Franz Alt
Most of this book is a series of timely topics that Alt puts to the Dalai Lama.
The first few topics include President Trump, Overcoming Division, Nationalism, and the Refugee Crisis. There are a total of 28 such topics.
For most topics, the Dalai Lama has a short, focused response that directly addresses the concern. These responses fit into his overall theme of secular ethics. The Dalai Lama puts that into perspective by stating "Ethics are more important than religion".
March 2, 2020
The way to peace in a time of division. I feel like this book should be given out to every human walking this Earth. It’s a short insightful little guide, where the Dalai Lama shares his thoughts about the crisis we are having here on Earth. The way to peace is not through violence. It Is not through harming our environment, animals, and each other. How religion is forming a divide between us resulting in hate, war, and fear. This book I will hold dear to my heart and come back to In times of uncertainty.
May 5, 2020
The person who always leaves me in awe how kind spirit he is.
March 3, 2023
Fav quotes -
“On some days I think it would be better if there were no religions. All religions and all scriptures harbor potential for violence. This is why we need secular ethics beyond all religions. It is more important for schools to have classes on ethics than religion. Why? Because it’s more important for humanity’s survival to be aware of our commonalities than to constantly emphasize what divides us.”
“When we decide to cultivate the inner values that we all appreciate in other people, we begin to live spiritually.”
“One aspect of compassion is being prepared to act spontaneously for the sake of others.”
“Fundamentalism is always harmful. Yesterday’s concepts won’t help us anymore.”
“In my travels I have found that the virtues of patience and contentment are more prominent in less developed countries where material hardship is widespread than in materially rich countries.”
“The real meaning of life, which we all pursue, whether with or without religion, is to be happy.”
“On some days I think it would be better if there were no religions. All religions and all scriptures harbor potential for violence. This is why we need secular ethics beyond all religions. It is more important for schools to have classes on ethics than religion. Why? Because it’s more important for humanity’s survival to be aware of our commonalities than to constantly emphasize what divides us.”
“When we decide to cultivate the inner values that we all appreciate in other people, we begin to live spiritually.”
“One aspect of compassion is being prepared to act spontaneously for the sake of others.”
“Fundamentalism is always harmful. Yesterday’s concepts won’t help us anymore.”
“In my travels I have found that the virtues of patience and contentment are more prominent in less developed countries where material hardship is widespread than in materially rich countries.”
“The real meaning of life, which we all pursue, whether with or without religion, is to be happy.”
January 13, 2023
Another great little book, full of wisdom by the Dalai Lama. In this one, he addresses the power of secular ethics to change the world and above all a reverence for life. Here's a quote from the book: "On some days I think it would be better if there were no religions. All religions and all scriptures harbor potential for violence. That is why we need secular ethics beyond all religions. Why? Because it's more important for humanity's survival to be aware of our commonalities than to constantly emphasize what divides us." -Dalai Lama
March 7, 2022
“There are two viewpoints on human nature. One believes that humans are naturally violent, inconsiderate, and aggressive. The other believes that we have a natural tendency towards benevolence, harmony, and a peaceful life. I subscribe to the second viewpoint.”
A hopeful book with a beautiful message: peace is possible.
A hopeful book with a beautiful message: peace is possible.
January 10, 2018
I expected to love this and agree with everything he said; I didn't.
September 1, 2020
Short and sweet.
June 1, 2020
An important read.
February 20, 2022
Love everyone. War has never solved anything. It doesn't get much clearer than that.
February 28, 2025
This is a much needed message in the world today. An appeal by a major religious figure for people to develop secular ethics. While religion can be a beneficial force in society, it can also often be quite the opposite. While this is a related series of statements and interviews, not one united narrative, but it is quite persuasive and timely.
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