My Spiritual Journey: Personal Reflections, Teachings, and Talks

I find it very hard to write about this man, the Dalai Lama, besides mainly reviewing his book, "My Spiritual Journey." He is a person of very high intelligence as compared to the general population. He also has most strongly been cultivated in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His best character is that of a person who is able and quick at grasping the point or grasping the essential thing of what basically that is going on. (I have also found this point to be true by watching "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama" documentary.)This book is composed mainly of three parts; The Dalai Lama as a Human Being, the Dalai Lama as a Buddhist monk, and The Dalai Lama as the Dalai Lama.The collector of his various speeches, writings, and interviews that compose this book is Sofia Stril-Rever. The translator is Charlotte Mandell.The part that I am most interested in and find it to be excellent for meditators is the part on Buddhist teachings. Here the teachings are very clear. I think they can be summed up in these three quotes with my annotations."To say that all things are interdependent means that they have no inherent existence." P. 108This is about the doctrine of nonself. This doctrine is well-known in Buddhism. It says all things have no entity or being and that the nature of all things is relatedness or interdependence. The analysis of the mind through meditation will bring a person to understand this truth."As long as grasping and fixating on the self and on phenomena persist, the cause of suffering cannot be eliminated." P.115The self is not real and the mental phenomena are not real. Grasping of them as real brings suffering. For example, a man's ignorance to grasp a woman as his real possession brings suffering when she departs from him. The main thing that Buddhism teaches is the elimination of suffering."Dharma - that is the teaching of the Buddha." P. 115"Dharma leads beyond suffering to Nirvana." P. 115"...nirvana, a state beyond the mental obscurations." P. 115In Buddhism, it is revered that the Buddha teaches the way to liberate oneself out of suffering. When one has reached the end of suffering, one has reached the state called Nirvana. Nirvana is a word from Sanskrit which means a blowing out. It refers to the extinguishing of things that cause suffering, as the Dalai Lama states, namely, three mental poisons are ignorance, desire, and hatred.One thing you should know about the Dalai Lama is that he escaped from the Chinese Communist ruling in Lhasa, Tibet (1959) to establish The Tibetan Government in Exile in India and he has resided in India up until the present time.He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 due to his insistence on world peace and nonviolence. As an example, he proposes a spiritual revolution to correct the social problems (such as murder, drug addiction, or rape).To this spiritual aim, the Dalai Lama states:"Whoever transforms himself, transforms the world." P. 124 and"I call love and compassion a universal religion. That is my religion." P. 122

I'm surprised by the intimacy perhaps, and moved by how effortlessly what's important is communicated in this personal biography. Example: (my words) ...once you have all you need materially (goods) then move onto working in society for values. I've butchered the words, but pointing out these heart to heart shared experiences bring His Holiness' presence to a deep personally experienced place, quickly. The common sense directs, the clarity motivates to do something positive. I've heard His Holiness teach many times in many countries; The country for this book...The Kindle in my bed in the middle of dark and uncertain nights. And His Holiness, as always relighting a purpose and motivation to live in heartfelt connection with others and, as always, bringing my mind to that focused peaceful sleep where waking opens up a hopeful day.

"He is a endowment and enamor for our planet!." A friend came to my place,to have a glass of wine,her manners toward me,change,when she saw my two Buddhist statues.she says"I thought when you love and believe in God,you don't have.those kind 's statues.!" My answer was "I don't venerate them.!" For me the representative is wisdom,kindness,spiritual,meditation, and compassion.there's people afraid of another religious,my is open for listening.in this book,he is giving us a "warning for us to take care our planet, our water is polluted,our wildlife is in danger of extinct,the mountains have become bold as monk's head,the deforestation is all over." He is telling us to accept death as normal process of life,we need to dissipate our fears,he tells us about reincarnation ,we could be reborn as a incect or an animal,(I don't mind to come back,as a elephant, hahaha.) Books like this is like music to my ears and food for my soul,remarkable reading.Thelma

I've never read anything by the current Dalai Lama, and I found this book interesting and informative about his life and the country and people of Tibet. I think I will have a better and more informed attitude about this little country in the Himalayas for having read the book. Some of it is a bit repetitive, but I can understand why, in that the Dalai Lama over a long period of years, and many attempts, kept trying to win independence back for his nation and his people--who had been independent for nearly 2000 years before being overrun by Communist China. I am appreciative of the insights I have gained into the thoughts and feelings of such a special world leader.

In addition to being a biography, advice is included on how to lead a more loving, compassionate and therefore happier life. I am attempting then to implement what I've read.

A very good and informative book. I feel better just for reading it. The only one I feel bad for are those that don't read this

Presents mostly his developmental insights wherein he weaves into his journey significant points from his life. His spiritual insights are profound but not the central focus of the book. Rich and worthy in learning how his life and faith are intertwined.

I unique look into the critical situation faced by the Tibetan people. This book leaves the reader questioning why more isn't being done by the international community to rectify this situation.

Must read. Excellent book for anyone who does not know anything about Tibet and for those who know some. We urgently need to create awareness of what happened and what it is still happening there and recognize how we all are part of the problem if not the solution by using any means we have under the motivation of non-violence, compassion and warm heart as the Dalai Lama."May Tibet and tibetans be free now!" is my wish 🙏

Love this book. It’s everything I can relate too and really helps me get through my day. Fair price. Delivery was on the exact day it said.

Is a wonderful book... every word and teachings, is full of a complete Compassion and enlightenment. Gratitude for all human beings and to his holiness the Dalai lama❤🙏.

Great book but showed up in worse condition then advertised

So far so good lol