My Spiritual Journey: Personal Reflections, Teachings, and Talks by Sofia Stril-Rever, Dalai Lama XIV, Dalai Lama XIV

3.83 AVERAGE

michaelmc's review against another edition

3.0
My Spiritual Journey by the Dalai Lama is made up of his writings about his life, collected speeches and comments from his staff. It seems repetitive at times because all the speeches to the United Nations, the Nobel Academy and other bodies say the same thing. The reason they say the same thing is that since 1950 when China invaded and conquered the formerly independent Tibet nothing has changed. The most interest part of the book was the Dalia Lama writing about his early life with his parents in rural Tibet and later his upbringing in Lhasa after he was identified as the next Dalai Lama. I did not know that he was not taken from his parents. His mother and father were brought with him to the monastery in Lhasa where he was prepared to be the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. I think the book Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a more worthwhile book to read but still I am glad that I read My Spiritual Journey.

the_schaef's review against another edition

4.0
Reading this book give insight into one of the great spiritual thinkers of our time. I was impressed with the humanity that the Dalai Lama exhibits, inspite of the great challenges of the Tibetan people under the treatment of the Chinese. He provides an incredible basis for resilience in action and how to live in the present. This is the basis of true leadership. This book is inspiration how we can all strive to develop our own spirituality and move to improve our community through relieving suffering in our neighbors.

The final portion of the book detailed the annexation of Tibet by China, with its struggles and conflicts. While this is important histiry, the author dwelled too long on this section. Irrespective, it showed how even someone as venerated as the Dalai Lama has incredible struggles to overcome.

rbogue's review against another edition

4.0
While I’m firm in my faith as a Christian, I’m comfortable with my Buddhist brothers. I’m mindful of my Muslim friends. I say this knowing that in America there is still uneasy tension about the acts of a few Muslim extremists. In truth, I have a deep respect for anyone who has the capacity to live out their faith fully. It’s in this context that I read My Spiritual Journey which is a “self-portrait” of the Dalai Lama.

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