I'm sure I'm about to be damned for writing this, but if this is supposed to be a book about discovering yourself, I'm afraid that for me it failed completely. Perhaps I'm guilty of all the things the Dalai Lama says most of Western Society is guilty. But, to be honest, I found the book not particularly well-written. It was repetetive, unclear, even non-sensicle in parts, and much of it smacked very much of the tired-old Christian harangue of guilty, guilty, guilty, which I found startling for a book written by the head of one of the most sacred of Buddhist sects.

But perhaps this is to be expected from a reader who feels that without passion (something the Dalai Lama puts forward as a 'sin' and undesireable), while causing many of the world's problems, has also created some of the world's finest moments in art, science, literature, social reform and more. Without passion there would be no impetus to create, to achieve a state closer to the divine.

So, for me, because of a fundamental difference in essential paradigms, and the lack of quality writing, I'm going to give a thumbs down to this book, and likely give a pass to other of the Dalai Lama's works. ( )

The Dalai Lama gradually builds insight in the reader through meditative reflections on the Bodhisattva path. The goal is to distinguish between emptiness and form, thereby exposing the root causes of ignorance with the goal of building compassion towards existing entities (especially self and other people) and transcending karmic existence. The Introductory chapter "my perspective" explores the Dalai Lama's world view on why ignorance leads to global world problems and introduces his formula for remedy by understanding the true nature of the self. The book then details the meditation practices for understanding the true nature of the self. The appendix encapsulates all the chapter meditations in an expanded formula for uncovering one's true nature and the nature of all other people. The appendix alone is worth the price of the book. ( )

A book about the essence of being, well and concisely written. Every word counts. The quotes are well-selected and appropriate, and help clarify complicated/confusing concepts. He makes difficult ideas make sense in a gentle and wise manner. I look forward to reading more of his books. ( )

This book is DEEP. I love His Holiness's writing style and his insight is amazing. I have to say I am only 1/2 through it, but I haven't gained very much personal insight so much as insight into my view of the world and how it works within the Buddhist philosophy. I recommend any of His Holiness's writings/books to anyone who wants to understand Buddhism from one of the greates Buddhist figures in the world.

Miso ( )

Outstanding, in-depth teaching on dependent arising and emptiness. Requires close reading. Together with "How to Practice" (2002) and "How to Expand Love" (2005) completes a terrific "How to" trilogy that builds in depth of understanding. ( )