What do you think?
Rate this book
the wisdom of forgiveness, intimate conversations and journeys
Rare, insightful discussions with His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.
First published January 1, 2004
82 people are currently reading
1579 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 8, 2024
Encounters With The Dalai Lama
A Hasidic story tells how some devoted students followed their Rebbe (a Hasidic teacher and spiritual master) as closely as they could during the course of a day -- not only to classes and meals, but at home, shopping trips, in the bedroom, in the bathroom and the like. One of the students was asked what purpose this attention served during the times the Rebbe was not engaged in teaching. The Hasid replied that "I don't follow the Rebbe just to hear him teach. I follow him to learn how he ties his shoe-laces".
I was reminded of this story in reading Victor Chan's account of his meetings with H.H. the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Mr. Chan wants to impress upon the reader the force of associating with a holy person. There is much to be learned from the contact with such a person, with observing his demeanor, small talk, daily routines and attitudes towards others. Spiritual growth and inspiration can be imparted from these contacts, just as with formal teachings.
Mr. Chan first met the Dalai Lama in 1972 in a roundabout, virtually accidental way following his graduation from college. He subsequently became interested in Buddhism and Tibet, writing a travel guidebook to the latter, and gaining the confidence and friendship of the Dalai Lama. Mr. Chan's book, "The Wisdom of Forgiveness" consists of nineteen short chapters in which he accompanies the Dalai Lama on various journeys, interviews him repeatedly and at length, and shares in his day-to-day activities.
Thus, the book shifts from place-to-place as Mr Chan joins the Dalai Lama on trips to Ireland, Norway, on pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites in India, and in the Dalai Lama's headquarters in Dharamsala, India. We meet many members of the Dalai Lama's entourage, including interpreters, advisers, and bodyguards, as well as a variety of other people famous, such as Desmond Tutu and Oprah Winfrey, and obscure.
The book gives a good picture of the Dalai Lama in teaching and in character. In his discussions with Mr. Chan, he discusses at length the value of a gracious and forgiving heart particularly as it involves in the Dalai Lama's own case the Chinese communists who overran Tibet in the 1950s and destroyed its holy places. We also receive teachings on emptiness and on controlling one's mind.
The book shows admirably the Dalai Lama's sometimes unpredictable sense of humor, his ability to put people at ease, the unpretentious manner in which he wears his learning and his practice, his serenity, and his devotion. We learn a great deal of the Dalai Lama in the closing chapters of the book when we see him respond to a serious, potentially fatal illness. There are also good moments in the final chapters of the book when the Dalai Lama turns the tables on Mr. Chan and asks him questions on what Buddhism has meant to him and on how his contact with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people has influenced his life.
The book is a bit short, and Mr Chan seems to wander at times. I would have liked to hear more of the Dalai Lama. Thus, I think some of the books in which the Dalai Lama speaks and teaches for himself are a better way of getting to know him than is this account. Still, this book is worth reading.
The title of the book, and much of its early chapters, concentrate on the importance of being able to forgive. A famous verse in the "Dhammapada", a collection of short verses which is part of the Scripture of all forms of Buddhism speaks eloquently of the importance of forgiveness and of not bearing grudges. It reads:
He abused me, he stuck me, he overpowerered me
he robbed me. Those who harbour such thoughts
do not still their hatred. (Dmammapada, v.3)
The Dalai Lama's character and his life, as reflected in this book, offer living testimony to the power of forgiveness.
Robin Friedman
A Hasidic story tells how some devoted students followed their Rebbe (a Hasidic teacher and spiritual master) as closely as they could during the course of a day -- not only to classes and meals, but at home, shopping trips, in the bedroom, in the bathroom and the like. One of the students was asked what purpose this attention served during the times the Rebbe was not engaged in teaching. The Hasid replied that "I don't follow the Rebbe just to hear him teach. I follow him to learn how he ties his shoe-laces".
I was reminded of this story in reading Victor Chan's account of his meetings with H.H. the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Mr. Chan wants to impress upon the reader the force of associating with a holy person. There is much to be learned from the contact with such a person, with observing his demeanor, small talk, daily routines and attitudes towards others. Spiritual growth and inspiration can be imparted from these contacts, just as with formal teachings.
Mr. Chan first met the Dalai Lama in 1972 in a roundabout, virtually accidental way following his graduation from college. He subsequently became interested in Buddhism and Tibet, writing a travel guidebook to the latter, and gaining the confidence and friendship of the Dalai Lama. Mr. Chan's book, "The Wisdom of Forgiveness" consists of nineteen short chapters in which he accompanies the Dalai Lama on various journeys, interviews him repeatedly and at length, and shares in his day-to-day activities.
Thus, the book shifts from place-to-place as Mr Chan joins the Dalai Lama on trips to Ireland, Norway, on pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites in India, and in the Dalai Lama's headquarters in Dharamsala, India. We meet many members of the Dalai Lama's entourage, including interpreters, advisers, and bodyguards, as well as a variety of other people famous, such as Desmond Tutu and Oprah Winfrey, and obscure.
The book gives a good picture of the Dalai Lama in teaching and in character. In his discussions with Mr. Chan, he discusses at length the value of a gracious and forgiving heart particularly as it involves in the Dalai Lama's own case the Chinese communists who overran Tibet in the 1950s and destroyed its holy places. We also receive teachings on emptiness and on controlling one's mind.
The book shows admirably the Dalai Lama's sometimes unpredictable sense of humor, his ability to put people at ease, the unpretentious manner in which he wears his learning and his practice, his serenity, and his devotion. We learn a great deal of the Dalai Lama in the closing chapters of the book when we see him respond to a serious, potentially fatal illness. There are also good moments in the final chapters of the book when the Dalai Lama turns the tables on Mr. Chan and asks him questions on what Buddhism has meant to him and on how his contact with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people has influenced his life.
The book is a bit short, and Mr Chan seems to wander at times. I would have liked to hear more of the Dalai Lama. Thus, I think some of the books in which the Dalai Lama speaks and teaches for himself are a better way of getting to know him than is this account. Still, this book is worth reading.
The title of the book, and much of its early chapters, concentrate on the importance of being able to forgive. A famous verse in the "Dhammapada", a collection of short verses which is part of the Scripture of all forms of Buddhism speaks eloquently of the importance of forgiveness and of not bearing grudges. It reads:
He abused me, he stuck me, he overpowerered me
he robbed me. Those who harbour such thoughts
do not still their hatred. (Dmammapada, v.3)
The Dalai Lama's character and his life, as reflected in this book, offer living testimony to the power of forgiveness.
Robin Friedman
July 4, 2015
Description: Imagine for a moment that you have a good friend who just happens to be in the Dalai Lama's inner circle of friends. Now imagine that you have the opportunity to spend time with this friend, hearing about his travels and conversations with His Holiness, relishing every minute detail.
Chan's presents a very personal account of his time spent with the Dalai Lama, unlike other books that tend to be more academic or intellectual. As a result, the reader is able to see the Dalai Lama in a different light. It's like viewing Mount Fuji from an angle different from the picture postcard; still the same beautiful mountain but with new angles and lines.
Some of Chan's descriptions border on the unbelievable. Did His Holiness really say that about the gun? And did he really say that about wanting to exact revenge on the Chinese soldier (if a certain situation arose)? And did His Holiness really say that to Oprah? These passages give "The Wisdom of Forgiveness" its uniqueness and color.
February 10, 2008
I am really enjoying this book about the Dalai Lama.
My favorite points are:
1. "Giving and Taking"--a meditation where you learn how to send kindness and compassion to your "enemies" or people who hate you or people who you hate. It is a fascinating process.
The point is to learn how to be more compassionate for all beings.
2. The concepts of interdependence and emptiness. They are both related. We are all interdependent on each other. What happens to others affects us. I don't completely understand emptiness, but it has to do with another level of understanding and seeing. The Dalai Lama can actually see the molecules that people and things and emotions are made of and they no longer appear in solid form. This helps him to see a different, perhaps broader, perspective of things.
3. Compassion and altruism directly relate to happiness. When your focus is on compassion for others and serving others, it helps you to be more happy. It helps your own personal problems lessen. When you are only focused on yourself in your mind, it makes your problems seem bigger, but when you include others in your mind, then it expands your mind and opens up more possiblities for happiness.
4. The importance of a personal spiritual practice where you go within and meditate.
Inspirational book about an inspirational man.
My favorite points are:
1. "Giving and Taking"--a meditation where you learn how to send kindness and compassion to your "enemies" or people who hate you or people who you hate. It is a fascinating process.
The point is to learn how to be more compassionate for all beings.
2. The concepts of interdependence and emptiness. They are both related. We are all interdependent on each other. What happens to others affects us. I don't completely understand emptiness, but it has to do with another level of understanding and seeing. The Dalai Lama can actually see the molecules that people and things and emotions are made of and they no longer appear in solid form. This helps him to see a different, perhaps broader, perspective of things.
3. Compassion and altruism directly relate to happiness. When your focus is on compassion for others and serving others, it helps you to be more happy. It helps your own personal problems lessen. When you are only focused on yourself in your mind, it makes your problems seem bigger, but when you include others in your mind, then it expands your mind and opens up more possiblities for happiness.
4. The importance of a personal spiritual practice where you go within and meditate.
Inspirational book about an inspirational man.
July 17, 2023
I read this in jail and it changed my life
January 21, 2008
Skip this one. It's not written by the Dalai Lama himself, and is uber-fluffy. The Dalai Lama has written many books that are fantastic, don't bother with this one.
September 10, 2023
Victor Chan writes about his experience interviewing the Dalai Lama multiple times and puts Tibet’s leader’s personal thoughts on display, about the Tibetan situation, the relationship with the Chinese, the trauma they caused, the past conflicts between the Catholics and Protestants, the Apartheid in South Africa, his long-term views on world peace and how and when the conversation about freedom and democracy can take place.
It almost makes me conclude that to be able to forgive so easily is to develop an unconscious sense of selfishness, always being aware that choosing not to forgive, one will cause self-harm only, so, instead of allowing their mind to harm itself, they always remember that their peace is a priority. And so they choose to forgive. The Dalai Lama seems to be , however, one of those lucky souls born with the ability to detach easily from negative thoughts, refusing to give resentment and anger any power whatsoever. It gives the impression that instead, he was born with a „happy soul”, allergic to unkindness to such extent that he cannot practice it, willingly or unwillingly.
Throughout the book, one conclusion is drawn over and over again: apart from forgiveness, inn his view, everything else should be done with utter selflessness.
It almost makes me conclude that to be able to forgive so easily is to develop an unconscious sense of selfishness, always being aware that choosing not to forgive, one will cause self-harm only, so, instead of allowing their mind to harm itself, they always remember that their peace is a priority. And so they choose to forgive. The Dalai Lama seems to be , however, one of those lucky souls born with the ability to detach easily from negative thoughts, refusing to give resentment and anger any power whatsoever. It gives the impression that instead, he was born with a „happy soul”, allergic to unkindness to such extent that he cannot practice it, willingly or unwillingly.
Throughout the book, one conclusion is drawn over and over again: apart from forgiveness, inn his view, everything else should be done with utter selflessness.
January 30, 2008
I really enjoyed this book - I couldn't believe the depth of the issues into which the author delved with the Dalai Lama. Sometimes I even felt a little embarassed, like perhaps I shouldn't even be reading such personal accounts of such a high lama's spiritual experiences. The author was not very likable - he never really expounded on WHY he followed the Dalai Lama around the world and had so many private interviews with His Holiness - not until the last few minutes of the book do we even know very much about any of the motivations driving Chan. He seems more like a journalist and less like a spiritual seeker throughout much of the book.
Despite all that, I felt that I really gained priceless knowledge from listening to his words - the pearls of wisdom may have been a little buried in much of the prose, but they really made the book worthwhile for me.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who would like to gain experience with the Dalai Lama's spiritual themes of emptiness and intereconnectedness - I think EVERYONE would benefit from this knowledge, and our world would be in a very different situation than at present if everyone took his teachings of altruism to heart!
Despite all that, I felt that I really gained priceless knowledge from listening to his words - the pearls of wisdom may have been a little buried in much of the prose, but they really made the book worthwhile for me.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who would like to gain experience with the Dalai Lama's spiritual themes of emptiness and intereconnectedness - I think EVERYONE would benefit from this knowledge, and our world would be in a very different situation than at present if everyone took his teachings of altruism to heart!
October 29, 2017
Why is it that every New Age book has to talk about quantum mechanics (wrongly) somewhere in it? This is an astoundingly bad book. I was expecting something where maybe the Dalai Lama would write about forgiveness, and that it's wise to do that. Something along those lines. What I got was mostly the story of a semi-obsessed guy following around the Dalai Lama - and in the process learning that the Dalai Lama is telepathic, that Buddhist monks can raise their body temperature by 40 degrees through meditation (hint: the study that claimed they could has never been able to be replicated), that eating cold foods makes your stomach perforate and that eating hot foods heals you, and that the Dalai Lama brushes his teeth after every meal. The Dalai Lama, despite getting top billing, didn't write any of this.
If that sounds like the book for you, by all means, read away.
If that sounds like the book for you, by all means, read away.
February 17, 2018
This was my first reading of the Dalai Lama, and he offers so much. Still thinking on emptiness, interconnectedness, and compassion.
March 29, 2023
Even after twenty years from publication and a second reading for me, there is much to ponder as the Dalai Lama shares his philosophies.
March 29, 2016
I'm an Atheist. Completely and totally. And this is a book about the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism. All of that aside, about half way through this book the thought running through my mind was 1st Corinthians Chapter 13, verse 11. Which reads: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." It pains me to use that quote in this review, but that really, truly, is how I feel after reading some of the crap in here. I must have changed a great deal from teenage me.
While the Dalai Lama is wise in some respects and is definitely a kind and gentle man, the pseudoscientific drivel he spouts about hot and cold food causing illnesses and other garbage like that is dangerous and wrong without any scientific basis whatsoever. When I read his first book I was probably about 17 years old and so I was more inclined to overlook things like that, not I am not.
It was a pretty good story though I suppose and I learned more about him as a person as well as Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. I doubt very much I will be returning to one of his books.
While the Dalai Lama is wise in some respects and is definitely a kind and gentle man, the pseudoscientific drivel he spouts about hot and cold food causing illnesses and other garbage like that is dangerous and wrong without any scientific basis whatsoever. When I read his first book I was probably about 17 years old and so I was more inclined to overlook things like that, not I am not.
It was a pretty good story though I suppose and I learned more about him as a person as well as Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. I doubt very much I will be returning to one of his books.
August 17, 2007
Compared to the other book of his I read (The Art of Happiness at Work , which I have to add here yet. I really liked that one.), this one was really a letdown. It was not bad; it just was not as engaging. Lukewarm would be a good way to describe it. I think I was expecting more of the Dalai Lama's points of view and thoughts and less on the biographical/travel details. Anyways, I am sure the book would be good for some people, but I would probably recommend other works by the Dalai Lama rather than this one.
January 29, 2017
The title and first-listed author led me to expect actual writings from the Dalai Lama. In fact, this reads more like a travel memoir interspersed with bits of conversation between the Dalai Lama and Victor Chan, the man who wrote the book. We experience the Dalai Lama as Chan does.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not what I was expecting. And although I picked up the book with an eye toward researching forgiveness, I put it down with a greater understanding of compassion and a greater appreciation of one man's pursuit of such lofty ideals. I'm glad I read it.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not what I was expecting. And although I picked up the book with an eye toward researching forgiveness, I put it down with a greater understanding of compassion and a greater appreciation of one man's pursuit of such lofty ideals. I'm glad I read it.
Read
April 17, 2013Emptiness...can you find it? The Dali can and knows it. Forgiveness is the first step to many more insights of being emotionally truthful and strong. Why is he so inspirational? The human"kind"ness is his temple. He has found how to live the outer realms of his emotions and his inner thoughts for a unified communication of the human soul. Soul to Soul breathes in the pages. Take the journey with the Dali and you will be moved, too.
September 23, 2020
It's not common finishing a book on politics to come out feeling peace, yet that's exactly how I felt. This book is like no other, and I will honestly tell you I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I'm sure I will be reread it in the future, which something I rarely do. The writing is simple yet profound. It felt like a familiar home to rest away from the hard outside world while also facing it head on. I'm aware that sounds like a contradiction, but that's truly how balanced this book is.
I've never had a soft spot for the Dalai Lama other than his symbolic Buddhist-ness. This book takes us through the eyes of his good friend, Victor Chan, who follows him around through his various mundane and eventful days. Chan is very humble when it comes to his knowledge on spirituality. His writing makes for a great regular, everyday perspective to observe the Dalai Lama through with a student's mindset.
One would expect the Dalai Lama to have retreated from the world and operate from an air of denial or hippie-dippie "everything's gonna be alright." Instead, he butts heads directly with difficult issues such as war and discrimination. He studies ancient Buddhist text, contemplates it with through his personal practice and translates into solving problems for the modern era. He's not a plain ole' motivational guru, though he does give speeches often (and they make so much sense after reading this). I believe he rightly deserves the leadership role he's in, he consciously works towards transmuting suffering into happiness not just for the Tibetan people, but for the world.
Even though his people have suffered violence and exile from their land at the hands of the Chinese, the Dalai Lama actively promotes forgiveness and nonviolence in return. He goes out of his way to make Chinese friends, such as Chan, and speak to Chinese diplomats. Two of his biggest philosophies are interdependence and emptiness — both of which are about the connectedness of all that is. He emphasizes that nothing good or bad comes about alone. It is always because of surrounding factors and unawareness to them that right and wrong come about. Through that deeper understanding, one is able to cultivate forgiveness towards those that may have hurt them.
This is a very radical practice but it shouldn't be. One's ego may get in the way of adopting such a loving stance, and yet it's that faint ring in your heart that let's you know it's the Truth. The Dalai Lama, via Victor Chan's help in translating mannerisms and subtleties, explains all this in a practical but beautiful way. Their friendship held so much warmth and honestly that I'm considerably grateful for getting to be a part of it, because that's really how it felt. When I flipped over the last page, I immediately yearned for sequel — definitely not a book to miss.
I've never had a soft spot for the Dalai Lama other than his symbolic Buddhist-ness. This book takes us through the eyes of his good friend, Victor Chan, who follows him around through his various mundane and eventful days. Chan is very humble when it comes to his knowledge on spirituality. His writing makes for a great regular, everyday perspective to observe the Dalai Lama through with a student's mindset.
One would expect the Dalai Lama to have retreated from the world and operate from an air of denial or hippie-dippie "everything's gonna be alright." Instead, he butts heads directly with difficult issues such as war and discrimination. He studies ancient Buddhist text, contemplates it with through his personal practice and translates into solving problems for the modern era. He's not a plain ole' motivational guru, though he does give speeches often (and they make so much sense after reading this). I believe he rightly deserves the leadership role he's in, he consciously works towards transmuting suffering into happiness not just for the Tibetan people, but for the world.
Even though his people have suffered violence and exile from their land at the hands of the Chinese, the Dalai Lama actively promotes forgiveness and nonviolence in return. He goes out of his way to make Chinese friends, such as Chan, and speak to Chinese diplomats. Two of his biggest philosophies are interdependence and emptiness — both of which are about the connectedness of all that is. He emphasizes that nothing good or bad comes about alone. It is always because of surrounding factors and unawareness to them that right and wrong come about. Through that deeper understanding, one is able to cultivate forgiveness towards those that may have hurt them.
This is a very radical practice but it shouldn't be. One's ego may get in the way of adopting such a loving stance, and yet it's that faint ring in your heart that let's you know it's the Truth. The Dalai Lama, via Victor Chan's help in translating mannerisms and subtleties, explains all this in a practical but beautiful way. Their friendship held so much warmth and honestly that I'm considerably grateful for getting to be a part of it, because that's really how it felt. When I flipped over the last page, I immediately yearned for sequel — definitely not a book to miss.
July 18, 2020
This book not only motivated me but also give me a glimpse into the burdens His Holiness had to carry for us, Tibetan refugees. As a leader of a lost nation, he had to bring out issues at the front and as a spiritual guide, he has to think of those who seek solace in his words. I want to thank the author for showing this sight of him where he chose people over his personal political cause making me all the more humbled and deeply indebted to him for being our leader. I highly recommended this book for my fellow Tibetans as it will not only help you understand our leader's magnanimous generosity of spirit but also our duty to follow his teachings. It is not book with tips to reduce anger or to learn forgiveness but when you read incidents written in the book, I am sure you will know the wisdom of forgiveness. and also to others, if you want to learn the value of forgiveness from real-life stories. wish a happy life and a healthy life for all.....:)
June 9, 2017
Ni hao readers of Goodreads reviews. I'm not sure how you found your way to this inlet cavern of the internet but I'm glad you are here. Here is my attempt at a "review" since everyone is a critic these days. Figured I'd try on the pants and see how they fit. Snug around the crouch for some reason....
His writings are difficult for me to connect with for some reason but it did not detract from the message which is powerful magic. You cannot get through this life without learning to forgive and forgive fully. Holding on to such trivial things such a trifle and pettiness is all well and good until you realize your life is wasting away, eroding done by the raking nature of fear. That's some pretty deep shit right there Lama Lovers. All that's left to do is practice practice practice..... and practice.
His writings are difficult for me to connect with for some reason but it did not detract from the message which is powerful magic. You cannot get through this life without learning to forgive and forgive fully. Holding on to such trivial things such a trifle and pettiness is all well and good until you realize your life is wasting away, eroding done by the raking nature of fear. That's some pretty deep shit right there Lama Lovers. All that's left to do is practice practice practice..... and practice.
April 27, 2019
conversations and travel of Victor Chan and the Dalai Lama.
Much on compassion, forgiveness, and meditation.
. . . our revenge will be the laughter of our children. p.50
South Africa, Archbishop Tutu When we say you have ubuuntu, we mean you are gentle, you are compassionate, you are hospitable, you want to share, and you care about the welfare of others. p. 6
It is very useful to compare the pain to some even bigger pain. You right away get the feeling , 'Oh, this pain is actually not too bad compared to that one.' So you immediately feel better. p. 261
Much on compassion, forgiveness, and meditation.
. . . our revenge will be the laughter of our children. p.50
South Africa, Archbishop Tutu When we say you have ubuuntu, we mean you are gentle, you are compassionate, you are hospitable, you want to share, and you care about the welfare of others. p. 6
It is very useful to compare the pain to some even bigger pain. You right away get the feeling , 'Oh, this pain is actually not too bad compared to that one.' So you immediately feel better. p. 261
December 1, 2020
This was an enjoyable book to read! I thought it was going to be a solemn book, about the best ways to live while learning and showing forgiveness. And yes, that is a portion of the book. But mainly it was a wonderful insight into the Dalai Lama. Throughout this journey, we see that he's not just the top Tibetan spiritual leader, but something both more and less...a man. He's witty, mischievous, devout, stubborn, prideful, and most importantly to this book, forgiving. It was a joy to spend time with him through the author, Victor Chan.
August 23, 2017
A very enjoyable and sometimes amazing "inner circle" account of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Victor Chan offers his stories honestly and humbly and his love for the Dalai Lama is open. I appreciated especially the returning conversations on emptiness and feel that I now have at least an intellectual understanding. I also have a fuller awareness of compassion. So not only was it a wonderful read, it will
Impact my practice.
Impact my practice.
October 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Perhaps it's because I have a journalist background myself, but the humanist lens of this book makes it feel very easy and relatable. It's nice to learn more about the Dalai Lama on a person-to-person level: his habits, daily life, and surroundings. I feel compelled to read more of the Dalai Lama's books, and it's further opened my mind to the concepts of emptiness, compassion, and forgiveness. Love.
April 22, 2019
The author really wanted to write a book about himself, not Dalai Lama. Also - how in the world he managed to write an entire book mostly on unimportant things. Seriously, you can have an interview with a really interesting and wise person and you spend 90% of your time speaking on yourself or on how his holiness eats his sandwitch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
This is actually credited as being written by the Dalai Lama "and" Victor Chan, but it doesn't read that way. It reads as Chan's account of some of the time he has spent with the Dalai Lama. Some of it is conversations, some glimpses of the Dalai Lama in daily life, some travelling about. It is mildly interesting, but nothing very deep.
March 24, 2018
The Dalai Lama's insights into happiness and staying young hinge on the act of forgiveness. Compassion for other's is the way to feeling full-filled. Victor Chan is not just the writer he is a part of the story as you will be.
May 15, 2018
A feeling of calm and between the stories of Dalai Lama you learn about how if you think only of yourself, it will result in less happiness and more anxiety. You get to learn about these things by the Dalai Lama example and it all makes sense.
October 15, 2018
Victor Chan wrote the book mostly about himself.
Name of Dalai Lama among books authors is misleading.
Don't expect any depth from this book as Victor Chan has troubles understanding/expressing basic philosophical concepts.
Name of Dalai Lama among books authors is misleading.
Don't expect any depth from this book as Victor Chan has troubles understanding/expressing basic philosophical concepts.
February 2, 2021
Il perdono è una qualità che possediamo tutti, fondamentale per riallacciare quel rapporto intimo prima con noi stessi e poi con le altre persone, in relazioni dove l'imperituro dell'avere ragione si ridimensiona, lasciando spazio a ciò che il perdono auspica, quando rafforzato dentro di noi.
December 29, 2021
There is so much to gain from any experience with the Dalai Lama whether it's about him or by him. I found that this book may have exposed him in a different light but it's all so interesting that someone can live such as he does and exert so much joy....
August 16, 2023
This book is amazing. It provides a new but old, and life-altering perspective on humanity. How we exchange energy and give and receive emotions. I love the way His Holiness the Dalai Lama illustrates interdependence, “emptiness,” and compassion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews