How to See Yourself As You Really Are Audiobook

" Very thought provoking - paradoxically complex in its simplicity - well worth spending time with this book to consider the meaning and value of understanding "dependent arising". "

" At one point the author appears to have proved you do not exist. However, that would be missing the point. Of course we exist, but we do not exist in the way we think we do. Our perception through physical senses has created an illusion, like a magic act, where the magician appears to have pulled a rabbit out of a hat. It did not really come from the hat, but it appears to have done so. In the same way, we all appear to be separate from each other, but we are not. Nobody exists wholly independently of anything else; we are all here due to some manifestation of thought. He then goes on to describe meditations whereby if you dwell on these concepts, and understand the true nature of reality, it is much easier to exercise compassion and love for your fellow beings, because we are all interrelated. It can be a little heavy-going, and I would not recommend it as the first thing you ever read by this spiritual leader. Still, its teaching was fascinating, and one to ponder. One of the more esoteric works by the Dalai Lama, this is a treatise on the nature of reality, and how everything is not how it seems. "

" a somewhat accessible book on one of the trickiest subjects in all of Buddhism: Emptiness. "

" Religious or not, the Dalai Lama has some pretty great advice words to meditate on; not finished yet, but there's true value in trying to see yourself as the Dalai Lama is able to see himself. "

" i thought this book would make me feel all warm and inspired. it didn't. "

" This is an important book on Buddhism but a very difficult book to read. The Dalai Lama discusses the three principal characteristics of human existence; impermanence, emptiness and suffering, particularly emptiness. Doesn't sound like fun does it? But these aspects of existence are not as gloomy as they sound. Quite the opposite is true if we understood what they truly are. I do not consider myself a Buddhist but have been attracted to it's philosophy for a long time. I appreciate the Dalai Lama's attempt to convey these principals to the lay person. I could feel his determination and caring to get these thoughts across but I would not recommend this as a first read on Buddhism. But personally,this book took me several steps closer to understanding the nature of human existence. I've a loooooong way to go but it's a fascinating journey. "

" This is not religion, it is common sense. "

" It was a difficult read but once it began making sense it was extraordinary. "

" This book is not for the casual reader. OTOH I did find it more understandable than some of the Dalai Lama's more heady stuff. If you are looking for something more introductory to the Dalai Lama's thought, I recommend one of his books on ethics. "

" The introduction was the best part. The rest...left me a little unaffected. "

" This is a great book for meditators. There are suggestions at the end of each chapter to use during your meditation. If you are new to Tibetan Buddhism and just beginning to become a regular meditator, this is a great book and guide for you. "

" The best book by the Dalai Lama that directly deals with meditation practices. All of his books are wonderful, and extremely diverse, but this one is definitely a handbook for practical application. Highly recommended. "

" It was very very profound and although I really liked its philosophical wanderings, I was fumbling on ways on how to apply the concepts in a practical manner. "

" Enjoying the meditation for beginners part... "

" As always, anything from the Dalai Lama is educational in my spiritual growth. I grow more and more with every word read! "

" Duh....It's the freakin Dalai Lama! "

" I still don't understand the Buddhist concept of emptiness but H.H. the Dalai Lama explains it more clearly than I've ever read it before. "

" The only reason I gave this three stars is because I'm sure I didn't understand enough of it to appreciate it fully. It's hard stuff! "Things don't actually exist". That part is not easy for a 45 year old American. But I'm going to keep this book by my bedside and keep trying to digest it in bits. "

" A lot of these books are considered "soft Dharma/Dhamma". There's really no substitution for reading the Buddha's words, but the Dalai Lama is particularly apt at providing a surprisingly common perspective. "

" This book is a bit difficult... it is really about the illusion of form and accepting emptiness. But anyone interested in Buddhism or Quantum Physics will find it interesting "

" This is a great book and like all the other Dalai Lama's books, this one is full of insight, wisdom, and is thought-provoking. I'll have to read this one again becasue it is not light reading but well worth it. "

" The book details an approach to meditation that centers on deriving the self from I. A link between the I and mind body creates disharmony in us which leads to bad things. Very complex, technical information. "

" He writes well, considering English isn't his native language. I think the problem is that his terminology is too strange for a western audience, and it all sounds like too much work. I've read somewhat the same things from other authors, but more western oriented. "

" very insightful, helps one see not just ourselves as we really are but life around us as well. "

" He's a crazy little guy but the mental exercise of keeping up with him can be fun. "