Dalai Lama

Some of the reasoning employed in this book is eerily reminiscent of medieval western religious philosophy...but without the rigor and making what seem to be basic errors (eg missing the ancient distinction between potency and act). There is also a great deal of supernaturalism and the credulous reporting of such things as a person appearing in two places at once, etc. The discussions of rebirth (samsara) are outright sophistical, and I’d be upset with s fist year philosophy student show more exhibiting such sloppy reasoning, let alone one of the world’s great religious figures. The authors claim an objectivity for this work they don’t seem actually to feel and make little effort to hold to, and that weakens the book.

I did still learn from the book, not least of my learning being the confirmation that Zen Buddhism, with its lack of supernaturalism, appears to be the correct path for me.

I’d say the book is worth reading, despite its flaws, hence 3 stars rather than 2. show less

This impassioned book from the Dalai Lama, co-written with his interpreter, Sanskrit expert Stril-Rever, is a vociferous call for the youth of the world to take more concern for and control of the planet’s destiny. The set-up and source material of the book come out of a conversation the Dalai Lama had in 2017 with four young French visitors he received in Dharamsala, India. The book calls for a revolution of compassion, which the Dalai Lama advocates for by invoking the neurology behind show more compassion combined with the central Buddhist insight of the interdependence of all living beings. Compassion, he says, could end the “endemic poverty” that plagues the world, which he cites as the most pressing daily ill for the majority of the globe. He also argues (surprisingly and almost in passing) that religion has failed to improve humanity (“None has succeeded in creating a better human being”)—a significant assertion for a spiritual leader and one that will speak to the young people this volume is aimed at. Instead, he writes, it is people who create better versions of themselves. This slender volume is an excellent introduction for those unfamiliar with the Dalai Lama’s simple-seeming teachings for improving a complex, globally interconnected world. show less

A friend gave me ‘The Book of Joy’ as a birthday present and told me she had found it life-changing. I can certainly see why - it’s an extraordinary and moving book, and one that I immediately want to recommend to others. In a series of discussions, revolving around ways in which humanity can live joyfully, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu manage the feat of transcending religion to find an underlying spirituality. The recommending friend is Christian and found the book’s show more philosophy deeply appealing; I’m an atheist and so did I. I saw strong echoes with the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus ([b:Discourses, Fragments, Handbook|18189134|Discourses, Fragments, Handbook|Epictetus|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1373585681s/18189134.jpg|45849302]) and the practise of mindfulness ([b:Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World|11281104|Mindfulness A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World|Mark Williams|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347862381s/11281104.jpg|47822196]). Moreover, I appreciated that the wisdom of the two men was never abstract, but grounded in experience, practise, and their relationship. They have a truly lovely friendship and the dynamic between them gives the book a wonderful feeling of affection and humour. I found the comments on humour particularly striking, actually. It’s very important to be able to laugh at ourselves, at difficult situations, and at unfairness. As the book points out, humour is powerful against injustice, as it reveals the inherent absurdity and nonsense of discrimination. The quote that stuck with me most, though, is this one:

”You must not hate those who do harmful things,” the Dalai Lama has explained. “The compassionate thing to do is everything you can to stop them.”

I think that encapsulates beautifully that hating people is pointless, as well as reminding me of my favourite line from [b:The Leopard|625094|The Leopard|Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1376481466s/625094.jpg|1132275] by Giuseppe de Lampedusa: 'Nothing could be decently hated except eternity.' ‘The Book of Joy’ also has wise words about gratitude, humility, and forgiveness, amongst other topics. I found it a moving, thought-provoking, and life-affirming read. The chapter at the end about the birthday party made me cry. I used to meditate regularly and ‘The Book of Joy’ has inspired me to try it again. I already use the gratitude technique of writing down three good things about the day just before going to sleep, which is calming. In this world of relentless social media, 24 hour news, and constant pressure to compete and consume, this book is quietly radical as it promotes community, generosity, and compassion. I felt inspired to live better while reading it and really hope that such good intentions won’t be swept away by daily distractions. show less

I breezed right through this lovely little book on how we need to adjust our thinking about ethics and separate them from our notions of religion, teach them more substantially in our schools, and cultivate them more vigorously in ourselves as individuals. In the first half, he sets out his reasonings for these claims, and then proceeds in the second half to instruct the reader on how to go about the personal cultivation of secular ethics with practical suggestions. I enjoyed this one a good show more deal, even though it was mostly a case of preaching to an already-devout member of his choir (there wasn't much here that was new to me or that went in any way against my already-held beliefs on the subject). Definitely recommended. show less