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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
informative
inspiring
The Dalai Lama believes that the purpose of life is to seek happiness. To achieve this you need to do only one thing: train your mind. Because that's what happiness is, a mental state.
The book is not directly written by him, but instead by a Western psychologist who asks him questions about life. The Dalai Lama's answers show that his mind is open, flexible and gentle, his humanity is real, his wisdom is deep and his teachings are powerful and effective. Funnily enough, he sometimes also answers with "I don't know" and this gave me an interesting insight, which was: if one of the most spiritual men on earth doesn't know, then not having all the answers is part of our existence and what remains for us is to just accept things as they are.
I particularly admired him when he specified that he was speaking about his point of view as a "Buddhist" and that for a non-Buddhist it could be different.
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 stars is that on the cover it says "a handbook for living", so I was expecting more practical advice. For this, I don't consider it a self-help book in the traditional sense.
All in all, an inspiring must-read book.
The book is not directly written by him, but instead by a Western psychologist who asks him questions about life. The Dalai Lama's answers show that his mind is open, flexible and gentle, his humanity is real, his wisdom is deep and his teachings are powerful and effective. Funnily enough, he sometimes also answers with "I don't know" and this gave me an interesting insight, which was: if one of the most spiritual men on earth doesn't know, then not having all the answers is part of our existence and what remains for us is to just accept things as they are.
I particularly admired him when he specified that he was speaking about his point of view as a "Buddhist" and that for a non-Buddhist it could be different.
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 stars is that on the cover it says "a handbook for living", so I was expecting more practical advice. For this, I don't consider it a self-help book in the traditional sense.
All in all, an inspiring must-read book.
Finally finished, then went to Russo's on a Sunday. Compassion didn't last long. (Those in Boston may understand that.) Oh well, it's all about the effort, right?
inspiring
reflective
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Who doesn't want happiness? #nooneeversaid
Don't be fooled that one must be spiritual, nor does the Dali Lama required it, to appreciate this book. Much as my child-rearing philosophy turned out to be, it's the little things that head to the end goal that get you there. The author examines many parts of life events that we all experience. This is not self-help as much as the believe that at the core, people want to be happy.
From my kid's early age I summarized my parenting decision making simply as "how does this many my child a loved person for who they are and not what they have?" As one grows and starts to chose for ones self, why are those particular choices made? What is the end goal? Enjoyment. Fulfillment. Pleasure. Happiness.
But how come there are many cranky, mean people out there? Because they are not happy...but they want to be.
Testimonial: I was very sick a few years ago and one day cried to my husband while saying "But I've tried so hard to help others, why me?" Now that is NOT my usual thought process but it was a dark time. I quickly answered my own questions, "because I want to help". It makes me happy to help others even when it's hard.
This book came to me in my college courses as I was looking at where my adulthood was leading to for a life worth living. WHAT ARE YOU DOING to be happy? Not irresponsible. Not at all costs. But seriously looking at how you look at life's challenges. You make much of your own situation. Choice wisely. (sorry that last part was 'self-help' like and preaching." But I care that people at least look how they think about things before it's too late...and now is a good time...just saying.
Don't be fooled that one must be spiritual, nor does the Dali Lama required it, to appreciate this book. Much as my child-rearing philosophy turned out to be, it's the little things that head to the end goal that get you there. The author examines many parts of life events that we all experience. This is not self-help as much as the believe that at the core, people want to be happy.
From my kid's early age I summarized my parenting decision making simply as "how does this many my child a loved person for who they are and not what they have?" As one grows and starts to chose for ones self, why are those particular choices made? What is the end goal? Enjoyment. Fulfillment. Pleasure. Happiness.
But how come there are many cranky, mean people out there? Because they are not happy...but they want to be.
Testimonial: I was very sick a few years ago and one day cried to my husband while saying "But I've tried so hard to help others, why me?" Now that is NOT my usual thought process but it was a dark time. I quickly answered my own questions, "because I want to help". It makes me happy to help others even when it's hard.
This book came to me in my college courses as I was looking at where my adulthood was leading to for a life worth living. WHAT ARE YOU DOING to be happy? Not irresponsible. Not at all costs. But seriously looking at how you look at life's challenges. You make much of your own situation. Choice wisely. (sorry that last part was 'self-help' like and preaching." But I care that people at least look how they think about things before it's too late...and now is a good time...just saying.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced