As human beings, we possess one common desire: the need for happiness and a meaningful life. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the ability to find true fulfillment lies within each of us. Now, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, Nobel Prize winner, and bestselling author helps readers begin the path to enlightenment in a very special book -- an easy-access reference for daily practice as well as stunning illumination of the timeless wisdom of His Holiness.
How to Practice will guide you toward opening your heart, refraining from doing harm, maintaining mental tranquility, and more. Divided into a series of distinct steps that will lead spiritual seekers of all faiths toward enlightenment, this accessible book is a constant and daily companion in the quest to practice morality, meditation, and wisdom. The Dalai Lama shows us how to overcome our everyday obstacles, from feelings of anger and mistrust to jealousy, insecurity, and counterproductive thinking. Imbued with His Holiness' vivacious spirit and sense of playfulness, How to Practice offers the Dalai Lama's own sage and very practical insight into the human psyche and what binds us all together.
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"If you like lists, Buddhism is for you. This book is a little more dry than others written by the Dalai Lama, like 'An Open Heart,' but it lays out 'How to Practice,' so mission fulfilled. As with most of his books the last couple chapters were very hard to follow, while the first several were more insprational. I was struck by the thought that modern science probably prepares many of us the concept of emptiness, e.g. quantum theory. But then "I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics" so never mind."
— Matt (4 out of 5 stars)
“As a primer on living the good life, few books compete with How to Practice, another profound offering from the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“Tibetan Buddhism is considered the esoteric wing of Buddhism; this slice shows some layers of its complexity while whetting the spiritual appetite for more understanding, or what Buddhists would call the intention for enlightenment.”
— Publishers Weekly“A wonderful primer on the essentials of Tibetan Buddhism is at once a calming and powerful call to action.”
— Audiofile“How to be wise and good and to sustain oneself through meditation.”
— Library Journal" I had to read this for my class, but it is a great read and very inspiring for someone who is soul searching. It's a breath of fresh air and a great tool to help calm yourself down in stressful situations. "
— Kristin, 2/16/2014" I have pages marked and highlights covering my favorite quotes. It's an inspiring book to be a better person. More compassionate, understanding, forgiving. "
— Ellie, 2/12/2014" I truly wanted to love this book. It came so highly recommended but alas it didn't have the positive impact it had on so many others. The metaphysical and mystic aspects were lost on someone who prizes logic so highly. "
— Reed, 2/5/2014" I've read quite a few books on the Dalai Lama, this is not the best. "
— Jan, 2/5/2014" I think this is for those a little more practiced (read: followers/practitioners) in Buddhism than myself. This was a library pick-up, with the hopes that it would help to explain some about the religion and also how to incorporate it into daily life, but I felt that it was really geared to someone who has been practicing for a while and now wants to continue on the ultimate path to enlightenment. So I'm sure that this is actually a good book, but it needs to be read in the proper context, and I don't think I have it! "
— Christine, 2/3/2014" One of my favorite books, very inspiring and makes me strive to live a more compassionate life. I have read many books by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and I love them all. "
— Alicia, 1/25/2014" Great info. Very inspirational and calming. "
— Mickey, 1/18/2014" A great book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama that be read & enjoyed by practitioners of Buddhism at all levels, from beginners to more experienced students. "
— Dan, 1/15/2014" The valuable messages in the book could have been summed up in a chapter. A dry read. "
— Missy, 12/9/2013" This is a book that I don't read all the way through. Everyday I read tid bits to help boost my mood through out the day. I find it very helpful. "
— Terra, 11/15/2013" I love the Dalai Lama and the message of this book is beautiful. Like sipping a warm drink, take time with this book to digest it . . . "
— Heather, 11/6/2013" Practical, wise words about living happier and seeing the good in life. "
— Marianna, 8/29/2013" i stopped reading this book, lost interest "
— Mark, 7/1/2013" I never finished reading this book because I lost it and then found it months later. I got about half way through and thought it was great. However I obviously cannot say absolutely how it was yet. "
— Eileen, 6/12/2013" I just can't seem to get through this one. "
— marion, 4/29/2013" This is a very hands on book that gives specific meditations and other excercises. It's like a handbook that you just keep going back to... "
— Jaimi, 4/16/2013" I always love reading books by the Dalai Lama. Insightful and thought-provoking, and definitely relevant for ALL of us - you don't need to be even remotely Buddhist to gain something worthwhile from this book, or any of his writings. "
— Nicole, 1/10/2011" I find myself going back to this book again and again for inspiration and direction. It has earned a permanent place in my bedside reading stack. "
— Barb, 4/9/2009" Will keep this book and read it again. Great book. "
— Jason, 1/30/2008" This is one of my favorite authors. He is so peaceful and full of good common sense. "
— Laura, 9/19/2007" The Dalai Lama's book is worth carefully reading. "
— Nancy, 10/1/2006" I loved this book!!! What a peaceful script for life!! "
— Heather, 8/24/2006" It expanded my view of nothingness; I can now understand emptiness as inherent without indulging in nihilism. I've also come to believe that the Dalai Lama has infinitely pinchable cheeks. "
— Pete, 8/30/2005" Interesting...nice meditations, and the concept of emptiness in Buddhist philosophy made a lot more sense after reading this. "
— Alexandra, 6/7/2005" four complete and unabridged cassettes "
— Elizabeth, 4/27/2003His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet and was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor. As the world’s foremost Buddhist leader, he travels extensively, speaking eloquently in favor of ecumenical understanding, kindness and compassion, respect for the environment, and world peace. He is the author of over seventy books and has received a number of awards, honorary doctorates, and other accolades for his work.