The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Robert Kiely, Thupten Jinpa PhD, Laurence Freeman: 9781614293255: Amazon.com: Books
The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus Paperback – March 22, 2016
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Author), Robert Kiely (Editor), & 2more
4.5 out of 5 stars 45 customer reviews
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Arguably the best book on interreligious dialogue published to date. One does not say such things lightly, but in a very real sense this is a holy book.” (Huston Smith, author of The Illustrated World's Religions)
“An illuminating handbook for the study of both religions.” (UTNE Reader)
“The Dalai Lama establishes himself as an authentic presence respectful of Christian traditions. This is a fascinating book which deserves a great deal of attention in these times of multicultural exchange.” (Publishers Weekly)
“Sparkling wit and compassionate understanding mark these penetrating insights of the Dalai Lama into spiritual foundations of two of the world's great religious traditions. Highly recommended.” (Library Journal)
About the Author
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. A beacon of inspiration for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, he has persistently reached out across religious lines and to political leaders and scientists in dialogues advancing peace and understanding. For sixty years, he was the political leader of the Tibetan people, and in 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the Chinese occupation of his homeland.
Dom Laurence Freeman, OSB, is spiritual head of the World Community for Christian Meditation.
Thupten Jinpa Langri has been the principal English-language translator to the Dalai Lama since 1985. He has translated and edited many books by the Dalai Lama. He is currently the president and the editor-in-chief of the Institute of Tibetan Classics and currently chairs the Mind and Life Institute.
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Product details
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Wisdom Publications; Reprint edition (March 22, 2016)
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars 45 customer reviews
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Top customer reviews
Louie S
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thoughtful examination to the ways Jesus' message is universal
September 23, 2016
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
There are prerequisite statements to define my rating. This is not a dogmatic, unapologetic, televangelist bible belt welcomed book, but frankly, I don't believe that interpretation of Jesus is accurate anyway. The long and the short of it is that there are incredibly valuable things that came out of Jesus' mouth, regardless of your belief system or lack thereof.
99% of the time it's not what Jesus said that makes people angry, but the selfish spin people put on it to suit their ends.
This is a good read for secular and religious scholars alike. It considers the practical application of what Jesus said, and offers it the respect they deserve as wise and thoughtful expressions right living, but doesn't blindly accept them at face value without thought.
Most pleasing to me personally is seeing the parallels that run between all the people striving to be better people, and how at a cetrain threshold so many come to the same conclusion, despite taking different paths. All roads lead to Rome, I suppose?
Absolutely worth reading if the topic is already interesting to you.
A. Hogan
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 starsInteresting,insightful,though no longer uniqueFebruary 8, 2001
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The christian-buddhist dialogue,which has been going on for quite awhile unnoticed in the west{see the writings of Hugo-Enimoya Lasalle, William Johnston and dom Bede Griffiths}until,it appears, Thomas Merton's epochal meeting with HH dalai Lama in 1968 in Dharmasala,bears fruition in this volume. HH dalai lama comments on various New Testamnet readings, with appropriate help form Laurence freeman. Since these comments are extemporaneous, they have a vitality that would be muted in a more scholarly setting.{these meditations were done in England under the auspices of the World community of Christian Meditation}
Though listening to the dalia lama on the Sermon on the mount is quite intetesting, then relating it to personal expierence and buddhist scripture, I found nothing unique here.
Perhaps this meeting was best expierenced LIVE,or at least on tape.{literal transcripts often are dry] Most of HH Dalai Lamas writings I have read have been ,LIGHTER then this,both in weight and luminosity.
Still, having the Dalai Lama comment on christian scripture, and willing to do so without notes and much preparation,speaks volumes for the man.
Few leaders,never mind acknowledged spiritual authorities would hazzard into this territory.
What Humility. Of common interest is THE GETHSEMANI ENCOUNTER,{which HH Dalai Lama participated} held at Thomas Merton's abbey in Kentucky.
12 people found this helpful
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Elizabeth S.
5.0 out of 5 starsIf you ever had a doubt about the Dalai Lama's ...March 27, 2017
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If you ever had a doubt about the Dalai Lama's generous spirit, sharp mind and thorough knowledge of not only Buddhism but religious ideas in general, here is proof - in these pages.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe Good Heart
ByLindaon May 22, 2011
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Excellent book!!! This one I will be sharing with my parish priest. I have heard the Dalai Lama speak in person but this book addresses my own Christian teachings and believes and gives insight to readers that we are all from the same beginning and that we all have the same path and goal in life as each seek spiritual enlightenment and freedom. So well done with the questions and answers from the panel and the Dalai Lama. We are all one with God!
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5.0 out of 5 starsGreat inspirational and informative book
ByGlennon April 23, 2013
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This book offers a wonderful comparison between Christian and Buddhist beliefs. It explores the beliefs the two faiths share in common and their differences. It offers practical advice on living out the beliefs in both religious traditions and offers insight into the deeper meanings of their teachings.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of ...
ByRobert G. Buiceon July 31, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Diversity and Harmony
Robert G. Buice, Ph.D.
My Review for Goodreads:
Dalai Lama XIV, Robert Kiely, Thupten Jinpa, Dom Laurence Freeman, The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus, Wisdom Publications, Somerville, MA (1998). 224pages [Kindle]
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History did not permit the early followers of Jesus (1st century CE) to mingle with the early followers of the Buddha (5th century BCE), but the Dalai Lama XIV of Tibet sees as similarities in the teachings of the two.
The Kingdom of God (Mark 4:26-34), a refuge for believers, may be related to Buddhists’ refuge in the Three Jewels — the Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community), although Buddhists, emphasize a sense of personal responsibility rather than a dependence on a transcendent being.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 1-10) resembles the Buddhist concept of “karma”: those who do good will be rewarded with good.
The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) - The vision of the two prophets Moses and Elijah relates to mystical incidents in Buddhist literature of individuals coming face to face with certain historical figures.
The Resurrection (John 20: 10– 18), in a spiritual sense, is similar to the Buddha’s teachings, which lived on after his death.
In “The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus”, the authors review the proceedings of the 1994 John Main Seminar. The Dalai Lama not only gave his perspective on passages from each of the four Christian canonical gospels, he exemplified the value of dialogue between the two faiths.
He believes that, “the proof and authentication of all religion is the realization of a good heart, a human being’s innate qualities of compassion and tolerance, … the same standard can be applied to dialogue, which has today become an important work and activity of all religions”. The 1994 John Main Seminar was just such a dialogue, as the Dalai Lama spoke to a panel comprised primarily of Christian representatives.
The Dalai Lama feels that there are similarities between Buddhism and Christianity in the areas of ethics and spiritual practice, such as the practices of compassion, love, meditation, and the enhancement of tolerance.
However, when it comes to a philosophical or metaphysical dialogue he feels that “we must part company”. In the Buddhist tradition, things happen because of “interactions between causes and conditions”.
The Dalai Lama does not support the concept of a universal religion, but respects each individual religious tradition. Nor does he advise anyone to change his/her religion, but rather suggests that everyone rediscover the “deeper meaning and power” of his/her own religious tradition.
For those interested in similarities, differences, and potential relationships between Christianity and Buddhism “The Good Heart” is a highly informative read.
Notes
- He says, in the areas of “religious intolerance and persecution”, Buddhism exceeds Christianity”.
- He quotes a Tibetan expression, “Someone whose faith is not grounded in reason is like a stream of water that can be led anywhere”.
- Does this resemble the Wesleyan Quadrilateral – Scripture, Tradition, Experience, all tempered by Reason?
- He points out that, “... if someone tries to impose certain religious beliefs onto a person whose inclination is clearly opposed to it, then this action will not be beneficial, it will be harmful” …”… the Buddhist attitude about the issue of spreading its message is this: unless someone approaches a teacher and requests specific teachings, it is not right for a teacher to impose his or her views and doctrines onto another person.”… “…it is crucial to judge the suitability of what you are teaching to a person’s mental dispositions and spiritual inclinations”.
- Buddhists view salvation as a state of perfection of the mind, rather than an improved external environment.”.
3 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Positive Power of Interfaith Dialogue
Bylaurens van den muyzenbergon December 21, 2012
Format: Paperback
This book describes how a Benedictine monk, Laurence Freeman, invited a Buddhist monk Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to participate in a seminar where the Dalai Lama was asked to make comments on eight important passages of the Gospel. Freeman expected that the seminar participants would develop a deeper understanding of the these texts and that turned out to be exactly right
Just two examples. One sentence from the Sermon of the mount: " How blest are those who hunger and thirst to see right prevail; they shall be satisfied."
The Dalai Lama: "This passage seems to indicate the simple fact that those who are willing to embark upon a path accept the hardships and the pain involved will reap the rewards of their commitments. The verses imply that if you act in a certain way , then you experience a certain effect, and if you do not act in a certain way you will not experience that effect. This is the general principle of causality, which is behind the principle of karma." This is often presented by the principle, "Nothing exists without a cause'.
The second example is about what Jesus replied when he was told that his mother and brother had arrived asking him to come out to them. Jesus reply: "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" And looking around him he said, "Here are my brother and sister and Mother." The Dalai Lama: "This passage shows us on the part of Jesus a certain attitude of unimportance to his own mother and sisters. This tells us that true and genuine compassion is a compassion that is free from attachment, free from the limitations of personal bias. Genuine compassion springs from a clear recognition of suffering on the part of the object of suffering and from the realization that this creature is worthy of compassion and affection. Even if the objet reacts in a very negative way, this won't have the power to influence your compassion".
This book covers a lot more than what to me are very interesting, even touching, comments. It includes questions and answers after each presentation, genuine dialogue, a presentation of the Christian context by Freeman, a list with definitions of Christian terms, and the Buddhist context by a Buddhist scholar and a list of Buddhist terms, all in less than 200 very readable pages.
The book also describes exactly how the days were organized that included three thirty minutes pauses where all sat together in silence.
Freedman is convinced that Holy scripture are profound and that it is not enough to just read the texts. His experience is that you can only "really understand" the meaning and emotional value by intense concentration, that is meditation. This was practiced very effectively according to the participants in this seminar.
This seminar showed that it is possible for religious adherents to strengthen their own beliefs and develop respect and understanding of other religions at the same time. This is the opposite of religious zealots that try to impose their interpretation of scriptures on others, even resorting to violence.
This seminar was all about the Good Heart in action.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Dubious Disciple Book Review
ByDubious Discipleon March 25, 2012
Format: Paperback
The premise for this book is fantastic! Talk His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, into speaking before a Christian audience in Middlesex University, London. Call it The Good Heart, emphasizing the humanitarian aspects of both Christianity and Buddhism. Give him eight passages of Gospel scripture to read in preparation for the seminar, and hear what he has to say.
The eight chosen passages are:
Matthew 5:38-48, Love Your Enemy
Matthew 5:1-10, The Beatitudes
Mark 3:31-35, Equanimity
Mark 4:36-24, The Kingdom of God
Luke 9:28-36, The Transfiguration
Like 9:1-6, The Mission
John 12:44-50, Faith
John 20:10-18, The Resurrection
From the outset, The Dalai Lama assured his listeners that he had no intention of sowing seeds of doubt, and instead encouraged listeners to "experience the value of one's own religious tradition."
He taught that the authentication of all religion is the realization of a good heart.
He acknowledged similarities between Christianity and Buddhism, especially in regards to compassion, brotherhood and forgiveness, and strongly encouraged meetings between people from different religious traditions (not scholars but "genuine practitioners" interested in "sharing insights").
Yet he feels it does a disservice to both religions not to acknowledge their uniqueness. The Dalai Lama would rather we remain Christian than try to "put a yak's head on a sheep's body" and call ourselves Buddhist-Christians.
He spoke, as always, with insight and humility, and his take on Christian scriptures was wonderfully fresh and simple.
My respect for the Dalai Lama increased even more.
Yet I was a little disappointed; invariably, the discussion of Christian scriptures steered into comparisons with Buddhism--to be expected, I'm sure--but Buddhist thought is so ingrained in the Dalai Lama that much of the discussion felt foreign to me.
Not that I couldn't follow his thinking, and not that I don't appreciate the similarities between Christianity and Buddhism and their common goal of compassion, but Eastern thinking is just ... well ... different.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A meaningful and successful exchange
ByPaulon December 30, 2009
Format: Paperback
This book does not aim at giving a thorough treatment in comparing Christianity and Buddhism, or presenting how a Buddhist monk views Christianity. It is a documented proceedings of a seminar sponsored by the World Community for Christian Meditation, in memory of John Main, the Irish Benedictine monk who taught and spread meditation in the Christian community. And John Main learned his meditation technique from an Indian monk when he was serving with the British Force in Malaysia. Since the agenda was set by the sponsor and the audience were primarily Christians (and probably practicing meditation as taught by the sponsor), this seminar, and comments/teachings of the Dalai Lama, should thus be construed as focusing on areas of Christianity that the sponsor believed the Dalai Lama (DL) can contribute.
Number one area of interest is meditation as taught by DL. DL didn't fail the sponsor, on his first teaching, he spoke about meditation before he commented on the first passage from the Scriptures (as selected by the sponsor): his practice of analytical meditation followed by single-pointed meditation.
A reaffirmation of the sponsor's practice of meditation as similar to classic Buddhist meditation method (of course, tantric meditation of Deity Yoga will not be compatible with the beliefs of Christianity, and the DL didn't mention it in his comment).
Morality is the second point of common interest. And the DL showed his intelligence and insight in commenting and giving insightful interpretations to a number of important passages of the Scripture as provided by the sponsor (e.g. Love your enemy and Sermons on the Mount). T
he interesting point is that DL first commented on the passages from the point of view of Christianity (and I think did it better than average sermons done by Christian priests!), and only after that supplement it with appropriate passages from Buddhist Sutras.
The final area of interest, I believe, is an interpretation towards certain mythical experience as written in the Gospels. The first one is Transfiguration (Luke 9.28-26) in which Peter, James and John saw prophets and heard the voice of God during sleep (or half-sleep or in meditation). DL commented of this being a not uncommon phenomenon for some religious people in India, meeting their gurus during deep meditations, but said that he hadn't met one himself (A psychological explanation using archetypes in Unconscious can be found in Jungian psychology).
All-in-all, I think DL had led an excellent seminar fulfilling the expectations of the sponsor and the audience.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
BySwing Kingon December 22, 2004
Format: Paperback
I've come to a point where I've realized that I've never come across a book by the Dalai Lama I didn't like. By no means does this book break away from that strict principle. While I agree with a previous reviewer who stated this kind of work isn't unique anymore, that by no means lessens the significance of Buddhist-Christian dialogues which are now taking place. If we want to be precise in the matter, Thomas Merton basically paved the way years ago with works like "Zen and the Birds of Appetite" or his lesser known "The Asian Journals." In any case, I'm here to offer you a review of the book you came to purchase today, not a rundown in inter-religious meetings in literature.
This particular work is really a transcript of a seminar H.H. the Dalai Lama had given in London back in 94 to a group of Christians. What he did was use the teachings of Jesus that paralleled with the Buddhist vision of things like world peace and universal compassion; it was truly an exceptional presentation. I doubt there are many other Buddhist teachers who could have handled this sort of discourse with questioners any better. The Dalai uses pieces such as The Sermon on the Mount (along with various other New Testament scriptures) to lay the groundwork for an erudite explanation on how what the Buddha had taught was not too dissimilar from what Jesus Christ had taught; having said this, I will note that His Holiness did not go so far as to ever state they were the same.
You and I probably know that indeed there are some fundamental differences contrasting the Buddha from Jesus. Even still, this does not discount the importance of such an encounter or the benefits many people will experience in reading it - Christians and Buddhists alike will enjoy this work tremendously, and it could make it hard for someone on the sidelines trying to choose a spiritual path to make a concrete decision...
A+++
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5.0 out of 5 starsOpening ones Heart
Byaospacewalkeron April 29, 2017
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Most excellent work from a Christian monk to bridge inter connectedness of religious beliefs. Expanding on our oneness as sentient beings and bringing us together through meaningful dialogue. One can not help but come to understand with more clarity and altruistic view of our need to bring more compassion into our world.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA New Perspective on Christianity
ByJMackon August 9, 2002
Format: Paperback
When I discovered that a book existed on this topic, I was skeptical as to the book's value. Although this book is short in length with less than 200 pages, it is full of wisdom.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is given various passages from each of the four Gospels and is asked to evaluate them. His Holiness only evaluates the meaning of the passages while avoiding criticizing Christianity. Because he believes there is no right answer, the Dalai Lama the value in having multiple religious faiths over one dominant religion. His Holiness give a new and valuable perspective to important passages of the Gospels. Christians seeking new meaning for their faith will find value in these evaluations. Similarly, Buddhists will be enlightened by the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the life of Jesus Christ. As a whole, this is a valuable read for all.
11 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsMore insights re: The Dalai Lama
Bypeace be with youon January 6, 2007
Format: Paperback
This year I've been learning more about Buddhism and have enjoyed reading the teachings of the Dalai Lama in several texts. The Good Heart offered interesting comparisons of the Christian and Buddhist perspectives, reflecting on specific Christian Gospel teachings. As a Christian who wants to learn more about the breadth of God's world and the people in it, I found the commentaries thought-provoking. Christians can learn much from the Dalai Lama about respecting others' points of view, and about what it means to be kind and compassionate toward others.
Be advised the book is the commentary and dialogue from the 1994 John Main Seminar, "an annual international spiritual event held in honor of the Benedictine monk John Main,whom Father Bede Griffiths once called the most important spiritual guide in the church today." pg 1
"In his opening remards, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of all the different forms of dialogue being practiced today between religions. He affirmed the importance of scholarly dialogue. But he also said that he felt the most important and--to use a characteristic term for a Buddhist--the most effective dialogue was not intellectual exchange, but a conversation between sincere practitioners from the position of their own faiths, a conversation that arises from a sharing of their respective practices." p5
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4.0 out of 5 starsNot what I was hoping for, but very good nonetheless
ByBuckeyeon December 15, 1999
Format: Paperback
It seems strange to rate anything involving the Dalai Lama. As far as I'm concerned, he is far and away the finest and wisest human being alive. So not giving this book the full "five star treatment" feels strange to me. So here's why I only gave it four...
This is a very good book that centers around issues involved in christian-buddhist dialogue. I don't think it's as good a treatment as Robert Aitken's The Ground We Share - but it's very good nonetheless. However, it could have been SO much better if it had instead addressed the gospels from the point of view of what they mean in light of buddhist approaches to leading a good life, rather than what they mean with respect to more theoretical views on buddhist cosmology, questions of christian-buddhist doctrinal similarities and differences, etc.
Most of the Dalai Lama's books are very, very good in terms of relating buddhism to real life. Reading the Dalai Lama in this regard is in every respect a religious experience as well as a useful experience in learning to live a good life. However, over all I found The Good Heart to e a rather dry - though certainly scholarly - treatment of how buddhism and christianity compare and contrast with one another.
So, if you're interested in buddhist-christian dialogue on doctrinal matters, this would be a very good book for you. However, if you're looking for something more along the lines of what the Gospels really MEAN in terms of developing and nurturing a "good heart" - this is not it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsFresh eyes on becoming like Jesus
ByBrian Griffithon January 10, 2008
Format: Paperback
How does Jesus look to a Buddhist master? In this series of talks with Christian monastics, the Dalai Lama reads the Gospels with fresh eyes. He aims to sense the qualities of heart behind Jesus' words and deeds. As a Buddhist, he is concerned with how people change - how they grow in compassion, cultivate peace, and become what our greatest teachers showed we can be:
"If someone tells you that you should not be hostile toward your enemy or that you should love your enemy, that statement alone is not going to move you to change ... It is a natural human feeling, so we must have effective techniques to help us make the transition from these inherently biased feelings toward a state of greater equanimity." (p. 49)
-author of Correcting Jesus
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5.0 out of 5 starsI love it
ByChristopher M. Fultonon November 12, 2006
Format: Paperback
It is always gratifying (to me anyway) to see how others see Christianity. I feel the Dalai Lama (as well as one or two other "non-christian" authors) capture the spirit of Christianity and truly understand it. This was a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
10 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVery Inspiring
ByG. D.on December 16, 2000
Format: Paperback
Truly a holy book. The simplicity of the message dissolves many of the dogmatic and traditionalist approaches that Christianity suffers from. Its messages are simple: love and compassion, do unto to others as you would have them do unto you. It forces you to be alert to truth.
6 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 starsAn Introduction to Buddhism
ByTOM CORBETTon October 23, 2007
Format: Paperback
this is a very special book, that is why i have given it three stars. i believe that all christians should aquire some knowledge and experience of buddhism, this would clearly make the world a more peaceful place.
the first meditation that i ever tried was through hhdl's (his holiness the dalai lama's) guidance in this book. it was also the first time that i have experienced something of what the mind is capable of... remarkable.
i was given this book by a close family friend. a very special person named fiona. my experiments with buddhism have certainly deepened my experience of our universe. we would do well to branch out in our approach towards faith. i am so grateful to fiona for the gift of this book. before reading it i had little or no understanding of any aspect of buddhism.
it seems that most traditions have something wonderful and unique to teach us about our universe. i believe that jesus with his message of love for all is saying "read this book it is special, though through it you may not learn much about what you perceive as your own faith... it will open a new door to an unexplored room in my household."
both the buddha and jesus (though not modern christians so much) believed that the kingdom of god is within one. it is like a small seed, the tiniest of all seeds, but if we are 'patient' and do a little self cultivating this little seed of love, knowledge and experience will grow into a mighty tree. self development comes the seed of the kingdom within us. hidden under layers of dust is the image of god. seek to polish this mirror and it will begin to clear. (but patience is needed with seeds, they grow slowly) all humans have the image of god - 'indestructible', gods own very image hidden away amidst the clutter and dust of our lives and distracting dogmas and beliefs. in reality we all have super nature. everyone at heart, deep down, is absolutely perfect... the true image of god. different people will come at this truth in different ways. some will say "wipe the mirror clean", "water the seed and plant it in good soil", others will say, no need to clean, no need to water. just as it is... perfect. my position is:
yes we are all deep down perfect, but it is beneficial to polish a mirror
in order to get the best out of it. to bring the deep to the surface. in this matter i differ from Hui Neng. instant enlightenment, yes, but also a little work is needed, in order to realize and refine what one already has!
i would also say that christians searching for truth outside their own tradition should not ditch their trust in jesus simply because truth can be found in other traditions, rather use any experience gained,to deepen their love for our lord and friend.
may buddhists learn more about jesus, may christians learn more about themselves and may whomsoever reads these words be blessed. amen.
11 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsGood Heart - Good Marriage
ByDr. T. R. Yeapon March 10, 2006
Format: Paperback
My wife is a practising Catholic, while I'm a practising Buddhist.
This meaningful book help guide our family spiritual practice, to the dismay of some fundamentalists/extremists from both sides.
May all beings be well and happy.
26 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 starsI found it lacking
Byadead_poet@hotmail.comon March 28, 2008
Format: Paperback
I like what a reviewer below said, that this book is written with a you are holier than thou attitude. It's very accurate. My problem with the book is that there was little substance to it. Everyone was so excited about the Dahli Lama (sp?) speaking on Christianity that they missed the fact that he taught little in his speaking. And there was so much extraneous commentary that I found it distracting. I'd like to see his Holiness do a serious book on Buddhism and Christianity since I see that the two have much in common. I'm sure Christ achieved Buddhahood.
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All reviewersAll starsAll formatsText, image, video
5.0 out of 5 starshighly recommended for mixed families!
ByJames Altucheron February 10, 2001
Format: Paperback
I tend to follow the precepts of buddhism and my wife is a religious catholic. The Dalai Lama makes a great and successful effort at bridging whatever gaps he finds in the two philosophies. The anecdotes and points he made in this book allowed my wife and I to really communicate on an otherwise sensitive topic.
17 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsWonderful - with HH Dalai Lama
ByEdon January 31, 2000
Format: Paperback
An interesting interpretation of Christian scriptures and concepts by His Holiness and other participants. One can "feel" from the book that all gathered there are really caring people interested in genuine interfaith dialogue without any hidden agenda, for the benefit of humanity.
8 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsGood.. But...
ByBrian Wooldridgeon January 24, 2006
Format: Paperback
This was a nice book to read.. I felt that it was too narrative at times though. The Dalai Lama is by far the greatest human living today (as far as I know). His perspective is eye opening and gratifying.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA Review by Saint Cool
ByJeffrey D. Eisemanon February 19, 2006
Format: Paperback
One last note...Resistance at all costs...is of upmost importance for the very sake of your sanity. Do not become assimilated! We are all of devine nature(all but Borgs)...think about that...a creation of divenity...we are all devine of nature..how else could we be alive, conscience, aware of these cool and amazing words you are reading here...to realize such..and act in accordance w/the will of God/Universe...this is the tricky part for so many. But it works. this truth has been around since the ancients..before them even...why..before time itself. God is eternal(you too mortal! ;-) Not as cool as God though...and a bit confused, but anyways...there's a purpose for us all, even worms...most good one..most excellent purpose! It is old school time ladies and gents/boyz and girlfriends...but you can have fun...don't worry. We all have a reason for our life here on this ball in outerspace. Muahhahaha. Anyways...For an eternal all knowing God/creator...one would presume things are pretty well thought out here...for real. ;-) Practice "good karma" it is the best way to fly. Destiny is for real.."good"or "bad"...but can be changed, focus on the real..you know what it is...and and faith in God is for real, and there is no denying even if you do...God is not some spirit punk out to punish you..although you may deserve it and God has not choice...I believe every devine decision is ultimiately for the may lay down some hurt on your ass...but you will be better off in the long run, may desrvee it, and become stronger, wiser...So you earth bound mortals..it is a magic thing...not about stocks and bonds...take a guess...its inside you...provided by God. living it...of course...one can never be overly cautious...especially of the Borg! Take no fear thoug "God makes everything right in the End"...PEACE !:-)
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2.0 out of 5 starsUnbelievably sentimentalistic book!
ByG. Stuccoon January 4, 2007
Format: Paperback
OK. This book was obviously written from the perspective "Thou art holier than I". At times it gets so sugary it makes me want to gag...Everybody is complimenting the Dalai Lama right and left, but unfortunately, despite the Dalai Lama's warning that one should not try to put a yaks's head on a sheep body, these Christian morons consistently fail to ask tough questions, tripping on themselves to avoid pointing out insurmountable divergencies between the two traditions. The Dalai Lama basically uses the Gospel texts to teach Buddhist doctrine, a strategy the Jesuits used to be masters at (in reverse). He is charming, profound as usual, but obviously totally unaware of the Christian tradition. So, next time, instead of getting into the business of "uh-oh-ah, please teach us how to read OUR OWN TEXTS!", I would like to see Dalai Lama's interlocutors do their job in a hopefully more critical and challenging way. And next time, please, oh, please, choose better texts!!!!
9 people found this helpful
Helpful|5 comments|Re
4.0 out of 5 starsThe Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of ...
ByRobert G. Buiceon July 31, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Diversity and Harmony
Robert G. Buice, Ph.D.
My Review for Goodreads:
Dalai Lama XIV, Robert Kiely, Thupten Jinpa, Dom Laurence Freeman, The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus, Wisdom Publications, Somerville, MA (1998). 224pages [Kindle]
History did not permit the early followers of Jesus (1st century CE) to mingle with the early followers of the Buddha (5th century BCE), but the Dalai Lama XIV of Tibet sees as similarities in the teachings of the two. The Kingdom of God (Mark 4:26-34), a refuge for believers, may be related to Buddhists’ refuge in the Three Jewels — the Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community), although Buddhists, emphasize a sense of personal responsibility rather than a dependence on a transcendent being. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 1-10) resembles the Buddhist concept of “karma”: those who do good will be rewarded with good. The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) - The vision of the two prophets Moses and Elijah relates to mystical incidents in Buddhist literature of individuals coming face to face with certain historical figures. The Resurrection (John 20: 10– 18), in a spiritual sense, is similar to the Buddha’s teachings, which lived on after his death.
In “The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus”, the authors review the proceedings of the 1994 John Main Seminar. The Dalai Lama not only gave his perspective on passages from each of the four Christian canonical gospels, he exemplified the value of dialogue between the two faiths. He believes that, “the proof and authentication of all religion is the realization of a good heart, a human being’s innate qualities of compassion and tolerance, … the same standard can be applied to dialogue, which has today become an important work and activity of all religions”. The 1994 John Main Seminar was just such a dialogue, as the Dalai Lama spoke to a panel comprised primarily of Christian representatives.
The Dalai Lama feels that there are similarities between Buddhism and Christianity in the areas of ethics and spiritual practice, such as the practices of compassion, love, meditation, and the enhancement of tolerance. However, when it comes to a philosophical or metaphysical dialogue he feels that “we must part company”. In the Buddhist tradition, things happen because of “interactions between causes and conditions”.
The Dalai Lama does not support the concept of a universal religion, but respects each individual religious tradition. Nor does he advise anyone to change his/her religion, but rather suggests that everyone rediscover the “deeper meaning and power” of his/her own religious tradition.
For those interested in similarities, differences, and potential relationships between Christianity and Buddhism “The Good Heart” is a highly informative read.
Notes
- He says, in the areas of “religious intolerance and persecution”, Buddhism exceeds Christianity”.
- He quotes a Tibetan expression, “Someone whose faith is not grounded in reason is like a stream of water that can be led anywhere”. Does this resemble the Wesleyan Quadrilateral – Scripture, Tradition, Experience, all tempered by Reason?
- He points out that, “... if someone tries to impose certain religious beliefs onto a person whose inclination is clearly opposed to it, then this action will not be beneficial, it will be harmful” …”…
- the Buddhist attitude about the issue of spreading its message is this: unless someone approaches a teacher and requests specific teachings, it is not right for a teacher to impose his or her views and doctrines onto another person.”…
- “…it is crucial to judge the suitability of what you are teaching to a person’s mental dispositions and spiritual inclinations”.
- Buddhists view salvation as a state of perfection of the mind, rather than an improved external environment.”.
3 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Positive Power of Interfaith Dialogue
Bylaurens van den muyzenbergon December 21, 2012
Format: Paperback
This book describes how a Benedictine monk, Laurence Freeman, invited a Buddhist monk Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to participate in a seminar where the Dalai Lama was asked to make comments on eight important passages of the Gospel. Freeman expected that the seminar participants would develop a deeper understanding of the these texts and that turned out to be exactly right
Just two examples. One sentence from the Sermon of the mount:
" How blest are those who hunger and thirst to see right prevail; they shall be satisfied."
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The Dalai Lama: "This passage seems to indicate the simple fact that those who are willing to embark upon a path accept the hardships and the pain involved will reap the rewards of their commitments. The verses imply that if you act in a certain way , then you experience a certain effect, and if you do not act in a certain way you will not experience that effect. This is the general principle of causality, which is behind the principle of karma." This is often presented by the principle, "Nothing exists without a cause'.
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The second example is about what Jesus replied when he was told that his mother and brother had arrived asking him to come out to them. Jesus reply: "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" And looking around him he said, "Here are my brother and sister and Mother."
The Dalai Lama: "This passage shows us on the part of Jesus a certain attitude of unimportance to his own mother and sisters. This tells us that true and genuine compassion is a compassion that is free from attachment, free from the limitations of personal bias. Genuine compassion springs from a clear recognition of suffering on the part of the object of suffering and from the realization that this creature is worthy of compassion and affection. Even if the objet reacts in a very negative way, this won't have the power to influence your compassion".
----
This book covers a lot more than what to me are very interesting, even touching, comments. It includes questions and answers after each presentation, genuine dialogue, a presentation of the Christian context by Freeman, a list with definitions of Christian terms, and the Buddhist context by a Buddhist scholar and a list of Buddhist terms, all in less than 200 very readable pages.
The book also describes exactly how the days were organized that included three thirty minutes pauses where all sat together in silence.
Freedman is convinced that Holy scripture are profound and that it is not enough to just read the texts. His experience is that you can only "really understand" the meaning and emotional value by intense concentration, that is meditation. This was practiced very effectively according to the participants in this seminar.
This seminar showed that it is possible for religious adherents to strengthen their own beliefs and develop respect and understanding of other religions at the same time. This is the opposite of religious zealots that try to impose their interpretation of scriptures on others, even resorting to violence.
This seminar was all about the Good Heart in action.
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A Dubious Disciple Book Review
ByDubious Discipleon March 25, 2012
Format: Paperback
The premise for this book is fantastic! Talk His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, into speaking before a Christian audience in Middlesex University, London. Call it The Good Heart, emphasizing the humanitarian aspects of both Christianity and Buddhism. Give him eight passages of Gospel scripture to read in preparation for the seminar, and hear what he has to say.
The eight chosen passages are:
Matthew 5:38-48, Love Your Enemy
Matthew 5:1-10, The Beatitudes
Mark 3:31-35, Equanimity
Mark 4:36-24, The Kingdom of God
Luke 9:28-36, The Transfiguration
Like 9:1-6, The Mission
John 12:44-50, Faith
John 20:10-18, The Resurrection
From the outset, The Dalai Lama assured his listeners that he had no intention of sowing seeds of doubt, and instead encouraged listeners to "experience the value of one's own religious tradition." He taught that the authentication of all religion is the realization of a good heart. He acknowledged similarities between Christianity and Buddhism, especially in regards to compassion, brotherhood and forgiveness, and strongly encouraged meetings between people from different religious traditions (not scholars but "genuine practitioners" interested in "sharing insights"). Yet he feels it does a disservice to both religions not to acknowledge their uniqueness. The Dalai Lama would rather we remain Christian than try to "put a yak's head on a sheep's body" and call ourselves Buddhist-Christians.
He spoke, as always, with insight and humility, and his take on Christian scriptures was wonderfully fresh and simple. My respect for the Dalai Lama increased even more. Yet I was a little disappointed; invariably, the discussion of Christian scriptures steered into comparisons with Buddhism--to be expected, I'm sure--but Buddhist thought is so ingrained in the Dalai Lama that much of the discussion felt foreign to me. Not that I couldn't follow his thinking, and not that I don't appreciate the similarities between Christianity and Buddhism and their common goal of compassion, but Eastern thinking is just ... well ... different.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A meaningful and successful exchange
ByPaulon December 30, 2009
Format: Paperback
This book does not aim at giving a thorough treatment in comparing Christianity and Buddhism, or presenting how a Buddhist monk views Christianity. It is a documented proceedings of a seminar sponsored by the World Community for Christian Meditation, in memory of John Main, the Irish Benedictine monk who taught and spread meditation in the Christian community. And John Main learned his meditation technique from an Indian monk when he was serving with the British Force in Malaysia. Since the agenda was set by the sponsor and the audience were primarily Christians (and probably practicing meditation as taught by the sponsor), this seminar, and comments/teachings of the Dalai Lama, should thus be construed as focusing on areas of Christianity that the sponsor believed the Dalai Lama (DL) can contribute.
Number one area of interest is meditation as taught by DL. DL didn't fail the sponsor, on his first teaching, he spoke about meditation before he commented on the first passage from the Scriptures (as selected by the sponsor): his practice of analytical meditation followed by single-pointed meditation. A reaffirmation of the sponsor's practice of meditation as similar to classic Buddhist meditation method (of course, tantric meditation of Deity Yoga will not be compatible with the beliefs of Christianity, and the DL didn't mention it in his comment).
Morality is the second point of common interest. And the DL showed his intelligence and insight in commenting and giving insightful interpretations to a number of important passages of the Scripture as provided by the sponsor (e.g. Love your enemy and Sermons on the Mount). The interesting point is that DL first commented on the passages from the point of view of Christianity (and I think did it better than average sermons done by Christian priests!), and only after that supplement it with appropriate passages from Buddhist Sutras.
The final area of interest, I believe, is an interpretation towards certain mythical experience as written in the Gospels. The first one is Transfiguration (Luke 9.28-26) in which Peter, James and John saw prophets and heard the voice of God during sleep (or half-sleep or in meditation). DL commented of this being a not uncommon phenomenon for some religious people in India, meeting their gurus during deep meditations, but said that he hadn't met one himself (A psychological explanation using archetypes in Unconscious can be found in Jungian psychology).
All-in-all, I think DL had led an excellent seminar fulfilling the expectations of the sponsor and the audience.
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful
BySwing Kingon December 22, 2004
Format: Paperback
I've come to a point where I've realized that I've never come across a book by the Dalai Lama I didn't like. By no means does this book break away from that strict principle. While I agree with a previous reviewer who stated this kind of work isn't unique anymore, that by no means lessens the significance of Buddhist-Christian dialogues which are now taking place. If we want to be precise in the matter, Thomas Merton basically paved the way years ago with works like "Zen and the Birds of Appetite" or his lesser known "The Asian Journals." In any case, I'm here to offer you a review of the book you came to purchase today, not a rundown in inter-religious meetings in literature.
This particular work is really a transcript of a seminar H.H. the Dalai Lama had given in London back in 94 to a group of Christians. What he did was use the teachings of Jesus that paralleled with the Buddhist vision of things like world peace and universal compassion; it was truly an exceptional presentation. I doubt there are many other Buddhist teachers who could have handled this sort of discourse with questioners any better. The Dalai uses pieces such as The Sermon on the Mount (along with various other New Testament scriptures) to lay the groundwork for an erudite explanation on how what the Buddha had taught was not too dissimilar from what Jesus Christ had taught; having said this, I will note that His Holiness did not go so far as to ever state they were the same.
You and I probably know that indeed there are some fundamental differences contrasting the Buddha from Jesus. Even still, this does not discount the importance of such an encounter or the benefits many people will experience in reading it - Christians and Buddhists alike will enjoy this work tremendously, and it could make it hard for someone on the sidelines trying to choose a spiritual path to make a concrete decision...
A+++
14 people found this helpful
--------------
5.0 out of 5 stars
ByDubious Discipleon March 25, 2012
Format: Paperback
The premise for this book is fantastic! Talk His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, into speaking before a Christian audience in Middlesex University, London. Call it The Good Heart, emphasizing the humanitarian aspects of both Christianity and Buddhism. Give him eight passages of Gospel scripture to read in preparation for the seminar, and hear what he has to say.
The eight chosen passages are:
Matthew 5:38-48, Love Your Enemy
Matthew 5:1-10, The Beatitudes
Mark 3:31-35, Equanimity
Mark 4:36-24, The Kingdom of God
Luke 9:28-36, The Transfiguration
Like 9:1-6, The Mission
John 12:44-50, Faith
John 20:10-18, The Resurrection
From the outset, The Dalai Lama assured his listeners that he had no intention of sowing seeds of doubt, and instead encouraged listeners to "experience the value of one's own religious tradition." He taught that the authentication of all religion is the realization of a good heart. He acknowledged similarities between Christianity and Buddhism, especially in regards to compassion, brotherhood and forgiveness, and strongly encouraged meetings between people from different religious traditions (not scholars but "genuine practitioners" interested in "sharing insights"). Yet he feels it does a disservice to both religions not to acknowledge their uniqueness. The Dalai Lama would rather we remain Christian than try to "put a yak's head on a sheep's body" and call ourselves Buddhist-Christians.
He spoke, as always, with insight and humility, and his take on Christian scriptures was wonderfully fresh and simple. My respect for the Dalai Lama increased even more. Yet I was a little disappointed; invariably, the discussion of Christian scriptures steered into comparisons with Buddhism--to be expected, I'm sure--but Buddhist thought is so ingrained in the Dalai Lama that much of the discussion felt foreign to me. Not that I couldn't follow his thinking, and not that I don't appreciate the similarities between Christianity and Buddhism and their common goal of compassion, but Eastern thinking is just ... well ... different.
----
5.0 out of 5 stars
A meaningful and successful exchange
ByPaulon December 30, 2009
Format: Paperback
This book does not aim at giving a thorough treatment in comparing Christianity and Buddhism, or presenting how a Buddhist monk views Christianity. It is a documented proceedings of a seminar sponsored by the World Community for Christian Meditation, in memory of John Main, the Irish Benedictine monk who taught and spread meditation in the Christian community. And John Main learned his meditation technique from an Indian monk when he was serving with the British Force in Malaysia. Since the agenda was set by the sponsor and the audience were primarily Christians (and probably practicing meditation as taught by the sponsor), this seminar, and comments/teachings of the Dalai Lama, should thus be construed as focusing on areas of Christianity that the sponsor believed the Dalai Lama (DL) can contribute.
Number one area of interest is meditation as taught by DL. DL didn't fail the sponsor, on his first teaching, he spoke about meditation before he commented on the first passage from the Scriptures (as selected by the sponsor): his practice of analytical meditation followed by single-pointed meditation. A reaffirmation of the sponsor's practice of meditation as similar to classic Buddhist meditation method (of course, tantric meditation of Deity Yoga will not be compatible with the beliefs of Christianity, and the DL didn't mention it in his comment).
Morality is the second point of common interest. And the DL showed his intelligence and insight in commenting and giving insightful interpretations to a number of important passages of the Scripture as provided by the sponsor (e.g. Love your enemy and Sermons on the Mount). The interesting point is that DL first commented on the passages from the point of view of Christianity (and I think did it better than average sermons done by Christian priests!), and only after that supplement it with appropriate passages from Buddhist Sutras.
The final area of interest, I believe, is an interpretation towards certain mythical experience as written in the Gospels. The first one is Transfiguration (Luke 9.28-26) in which Peter, James and John saw prophets and heard the voice of God during sleep (or half-sleep or in meditation). DL commented of this being a not uncommon phenomenon for some religious people in India, meeting their gurus during deep meditations, but said that he hadn't met one himself (A psychological explanation using archetypes in Unconscious can be found in Jungian psychology).
All-in-all, I think DL had led an excellent seminar fulfilling the expectations of the sponsor and the audience.
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful
BySwing Kingon December 22, 2004
Format: Paperback
I've come to a point where I've realized that I've never come across a book by the Dalai Lama I didn't like. By no means does this book break away from that strict principle. While I agree with a previous reviewer who stated this kind of work isn't unique anymore, that by no means lessens the significance of Buddhist-Christian dialogues which are now taking place. If we want to be precise in the matter, Thomas Merton basically paved the way years ago with works like "Zen and the Birds of Appetite" or his lesser known "The Asian Journals." In any case, I'm here to offer you a review of the book you came to purchase today, not a rundown in inter-religious meetings in literature.
This particular work is really a transcript of a seminar H.H. the Dalai Lama had given in London back in 94 to a group of Christians. What he did was use the teachings of Jesus that paralleled with the Buddhist vision of things like world peace and universal compassion; it was truly an exceptional presentation. I doubt there are many other Buddhist teachers who could have handled this sort of discourse with questioners any better. The Dalai uses pieces such as The Sermon on the Mount (along with various other New Testament scriptures) to lay the groundwork for an erudite explanation on how what the Buddha had taught was not too dissimilar from what Jesus Christ had taught; having said this, I will note that His Holiness did not go so far as to ever state they were the same.
You and I probably know that indeed there are some fundamental differences contrasting the Buddha from Jesus. Even still, this does not discount the importance of such an encounter or the benefits many people will experience in reading it - Christians and Buddhists alike will enjoy this work tremendously, and it could make it hard for someone on the sidelines trying to choose a spiritual path to make a concrete decision...
A+++
14 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Opening ones Heart
Byaospacewalkeron April 29, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Most excellent work from a Christian monk to bridge inter connectedness of religious beliefs. Expanding on our oneness as sentient beings and bringing us together through meaningful dialogue. One can not help but come to understand with more clarity and altruistic view of our need to bring more compassion into our world.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA New Perspective on Christianity
ByJMackon August 9, 2002
Format: Paperback
When I discovered that a book existed on this topic, I was skeptical as to the book's value. Although this book is short in length with less than 200 pages, it is full of wisdom.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is given various passages from each of the four Gospels and is asked to evaluate them. His Holiness only evaluates the meaning of the passages while avoiding criticizing Christianity. Because he believes there is no right answer, the Dalai Lama the value in having multiple religious faiths over one dominant religion. His Holiness give a new and valuable perspective to important passages of the Gospels. Christians seeking new meaning for their faith will find value in these evaluations. Similarly, Buddhists will be enlightened by the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the life of Jesus Christ. As a whole, this is a valuable read for all.
11 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsMore insights re: The Dalai Lama
Bypeace be with youon January 6, 2007
Format: Paperback
This year I've been learning more about Buddhism and have enjoyed reading the teachings of the Dalai Lama in several texts. The Good Heart offered interesting comparisons of the Christian and Buddhist perspectives, reflecting on specific Christian Gospel teachings. As a Christian who wants to learn more about the breadth of God's world and the people in it, I found the commentaries thought-provoking. Christians can learn much from the Dalai Lama about respecting others' points of view, and about what it means to be kind and compassionate toward others.
Be advised the book is the commentary and dialogue from the 1994 John Main Seminar, "an annual international spiritual event held in honor of the Benedictine monk John Main,whom Father Bede Griffiths once called the most important spiritual guide in the church today." pg 1
"In his opening remards, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of all the different forms of dialogue being practiced today between religions. He affirmed the importance of scholarly dialogue. But he also said that he felt the most important and--to use a characteristic term for a Buddhist--the most effective dialogue was not intellectual exchange, but a conversation between sincere practitioners from the position of their own faiths, a conversation that arises from a sharing of their respective practices." p5
5 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I was hoping for, but very good nonetheless
ByBuckeyeon December 15, 1999
Format: Paperback
It seems strange to rate anything involving the Dalai Lama. As far as I'm concerned, he is far and away the finest and wisest human being alive. So not giving this book the full "five star treatment" feels strange to me. So here's why I only gave it four...
This is a very good book that centers around issues involved in christian-buddhist dialogue. I don't think it's as good a treatment as Robert Aitken's The Ground We Share - but it's very good nonetheless.
However, it could have been SO much better if it had instead addressed the gospels from the point of view of what they mean in light of buddhist approaches to leading a good life, rather than what they mean with respect to more theoretical views on buddhist cosmology, questions of christian-buddhist doctrinal similarities and differences, etc.
Most of the Dalai Lama's books are very, very good in terms of relating buddhism to real life. Reading the Dalai Lama in this regard is in every respect a religious experience as well as a useful experience in learning to live a good life. However, over all I found The Good Heart to e a rather dry - though certainly scholarly - treatment of how buddhism and christianity compare and contrast with one another.
So, if you're interested in buddhist-christian dialogue on doctrinal matters, this would be a very good book for you. However, if you're looking for something more along the lines of what the Gospels really MEAN in terms of developing and nurturing a "good heart" - this is not it.
135 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsFresh eyes on becoming like Jesus
ByBrian Griffithon January 10, 2008
Format: Paperback
How does Jesus look to a Buddhist master? In this series of talks with Christian monastics, the Dalai Lama reads the Gospels with fresh eyes. He aims to sense the qualities of heart behind Jesus' words and deeds. As a Buddhist, he is concerned with how people change - how they grow in compassion, cultivate peace, and become what our greatest teachers showed we can be:
"If someone tells you that you should not be hostile toward your enemy or that you should love your enemy, that statement alone is not going to move you to change ... It is a natural human feeling, so we must have effective techniques to help us make the transition from these inherently biased feelings toward a state of greater equanimity." (p. 49)
-author of Correcting Jesus
10 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVery Inspiring
ByG. D.on December 16, 2000
Format: Paperback
Truly a holy book. The simplicity of the message dissolves many of the dogmatic and traditionalist approaches that Christianity suffers from. Its messages are simple: love and compassion, do unto to others as you would have them do unto you. It forces you to be alert to truth.
6 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 starsAn Introduction to Buddhism
ByTOM CORBETTon October 23, 2007
Format: Paperback
this is a very special book, that is why i have given it three stars. i believe that all christians should aquire some knowledge and experience of buddhism, this would clearly make the world a more peaceful place.
the first meditation that i ever tried was through hhdl's (his holiness the dalai lama's) guidance in this book. it was also the first time that i have experienced something of what the mind is capable of... remarkable.
i was given this book by a close family friend. a very special person named fiona. my experiments with buddhism have certainly deepened my experience of our universe. we would do well to branch out in our approach towards faith. i am so grateful to fiona for the gift of this book. before reading it i had little or no understanding of any aspect of buddhism.
it seems that most traditions have something wonderful and unique to teach us about our universe. i believe that jesus with his message of love for all is saying "read this book it is special, though through it you may not learn much about what you perceive as your own faith... it will open a new door to an unexplored room in my household."
both the buddha and jesus (though not modern christians so much) believed that the kingdom of god is within one. it is like a small seed, the tiniest of all seeds, but if we are 'patient' and do a little self cultivating this little seed of love, knowledge and experience will grow into a mighty tree. self development comes the seed of the kingdom within us. hidden under layers of dust is the image of god. seek to polish this mirror and it will begin to clear. (but patience is needed with seeds, they grow slowly) all humans have the image of god - 'indestructible', gods own very image hidden away amidst the clutter and dust of our lives and distracting dogmas and beliefs. in reality we all have super nature. everyone at heart, deep down, is absolutely perfect... the true image of god. different people will come at this truth in different ways. some will say "wipe the mirror clean", "water the seed and plant it in good soil", others will say, no need to clean, no need to water. just as it is... perfect. my position is:
yes we are all deep down perfect, but it is beneficial to polish a mirror
in order to get the best out of it. to bring the deep to the surface. in this matter i differ from Hui Neng. instant enlightenment, yes, but also a little work is needed, in order to realize and refine what one already has!
i would also say that christians searching for truth outside their own tradition should not ditch their trust in jesus simply because truth can be found in other traditions, rather use any experience gained,to deepen their love for our lord and friend.
may buddhists learn more about jesus, may christians learn more about themselves and may whomsoever reads these words be blessed. amen.
11 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 starsI found it lacking
Byadead_poet@hotmail.comon March 28, 2008
Format: Paperback
I like what a reviewer below said, that this book is written with a you are holier than thou attitude. It's very accurate. My problem with the book is that there was little substance to it. Everyone was so excited about the Dahli Lama (sp?) speaking on Christianity that they missed the fact that he taught little in his speaking. And there was so much extraneous commentary that I found it distracting. I'd like to see his Holiness do a serious book on Buddhism and Christianity since I see that the two have much in common. I'm sure Christ achieved Buddhahood.
4 people found this helpful
All reviewersAll starsAll formatsText, image, video
5.0 out of 5 starshighly recommended for mixed families!
ByJames Altucheron February 10, 2001
Format: Paperback
I tend to follow the precepts of buddhism and my wife is a religious catholic. The Dalai Lama makes a great and successful effort at bridging whatever gaps he finds in the two philosophies. The anecdotes and points he made in this book allowed my wife and I to really communicate on an otherwise sensitive topic.
17 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsWonderful - with HH Dalai Lama
ByEdon January 31, 2000
Format: Paperback
An interesting interpretation of Christian scriptures and concepts by His Holiness and other participants. One can "feel" from the book that all gathered there are really caring people interested in genuine interfaith dialogue without any hidden agenda, for the benefit of humanity.
8 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsGood.. But...
ByBrian Wooldridgeon January 24, 2006
Format: Paperback
This was a nice book to read.. I felt that it was too narrative at times though. The Dalai Lama is by far the greatest human living today (as far as I know). His perspective is eye opening and gratifying.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Review by Saint Cool
ByJeffrey D. Eisemanon February 19, 2006
Format: Paperback
One last note...Resistance at all costs...is of upmost importance for the very sake of your sanity. Do not become assimilated! We are all of devine nature(all but Borgs)...think about that...a creation of divenity...we are all devine of nature..how else could we be alive, conscience, aware of these cool and amazing words you are reading here...to realize such..and act in accordance w/the will of God/Universe...this is the tricky part for so many. But it works. this truth has been around since the ancients..before them even...why..before time itself. God is eternal(you too mortal! ;-) Not as cool as God though...and a bit confused, but anyways...there's a purpose for us all, even worms...most good one..most excellent purpose!
It is old school time ladies and gents/boyz and girlfriends...but you can have fun...don't worry. We all have a reason for our life here on this ball in outerspace. Muahhahaha. Anyways...For an eternal all knowing God/creator...one would presume things are pretty well thought out here...for real. ;-) Practice "good karma" it is the best way to fly. Destiny is for real.."good"or "bad"...but can be changed, focus on the real..you know what it is...and and faith in God is for real, and there is no denying even if you do...God is not some spirit punk out to punish you..although you may deserve it and God has not choice...I believe every devine decision is ultimiately for the may lay down some hurt on your ass...but you will be better off in the long run, may desrvee it, and become stronger, wiser...So you earth bound mortals..it is a magic thing...not about stocks and bonds...take a guess...its inside you...provided by God. living it...of course...one can never be overly cautious...especially of the Borg! Take no fear thoug "God makes everything right in the End"...PEACE !:-)
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelievably sentimentalistic book!
ByG. Stuccoon January 4, 2007
Format: Paperback
OK. This book was obviously written from the perspective "Thou art holier than I". At times it gets so sugary it makes me want to gag...Everybody is complimenting the Dalai Lama right and left, but unfortunately, despite the Dalai Lama's warning that one should not try to put a yaks's head on a sheep body, these Christian morons consistently fail to ask tough questions, tripping on themselves to avoid pointing out insurmountable divergencies between the two traditions.
The Dalai Lama basically uses the Gospel texts to teach Buddhist doctrine, a strategy the Jesuits used to be masters at (in reverse). He is charming, profound as usual, but obviously totally unaware of the Christian tradition. So, next time, instead of getting into the business of "uh-oh-ah, please teach us how to read OUR OWN TEXTS!", I would like to see Dalai Lama's interlocutors do their job in a hopefully more critical and challenging way. And next time, please, oh, please, choose better texts!!!!
9 people found this helpful
Helpful|5 comments|Re
Byaospacewalkeron April 29, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Most excellent work from a Christian monk to bridge inter connectedness of religious beliefs. Expanding on our oneness as sentient beings and bringing us together through meaningful dialogue. One can not help but come to understand with more clarity and altruistic view of our need to bring more compassion into our world.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA New Perspective on Christianity
ByJMackon August 9, 2002
Format: Paperback
When I discovered that a book existed on this topic, I was skeptical as to the book's value. Although this book is short in length with less than 200 pages, it is full of wisdom.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is given various passages from each of the four Gospels and is asked to evaluate them. His Holiness only evaluates the meaning of the passages while avoiding criticizing Christianity. Because he believes there is no right answer, the Dalai Lama the value in having multiple religious faiths over one dominant religion. His Holiness give a new and valuable perspective to important passages of the Gospels. Christians seeking new meaning for their faith will find value in these evaluations. Similarly, Buddhists will be enlightened by the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the life of Jesus Christ. As a whole, this is a valuable read for all.
11 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsMore insights re: The Dalai Lama
Bypeace be with youon January 6, 2007
Format: Paperback
This year I've been learning more about Buddhism and have enjoyed reading the teachings of the Dalai Lama in several texts. The Good Heart offered interesting comparisons of the Christian and Buddhist perspectives, reflecting on specific Christian Gospel teachings. As a Christian who wants to learn more about the breadth of God's world and the people in it, I found the commentaries thought-provoking. Christians can learn much from the Dalai Lama about respecting others' points of view, and about what it means to be kind and compassionate toward others.
Be advised the book is the commentary and dialogue from the 1994 John Main Seminar, "an annual international spiritual event held in honor of the Benedictine monk John Main,whom Father Bede Griffiths once called the most important spiritual guide in the church today." pg 1
"In his opening remards, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of all the different forms of dialogue being practiced today between religions. He affirmed the importance of scholarly dialogue. But he also said that he felt the most important and--to use a characteristic term for a Buddhist--the most effective dialogue was not intellectual exchange, but a conversation between sincere practitioners from the position of their own faiths, a conversation that arises from a sharing of their respective practices." p5
5 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I was hoping for, but very good nonetheless
ByBuckeyeon December 15, 1999
Format: Paperback
It seems strange to rate anything involving the Dalai Lama. As far as I'm concerned, he is far and away the finest and wisest human being alive. So not giving this book the full "five star treatment" feels strange to me. So here's why I only gave it four...
This is a very good book that centers around issues involved in christian-buddhist dialogue. I don't think it's as good a treatment as Robert Aitken's The Ground We Share - but it's very good nonetheless.
However, it could have been SO much better if it had instead addressed the gospels from the point of view of what they mean in light of buddhist approaches to leading a good life, rather than what they mean with respect to more theoretical views on buddhist cosmology, questions of christian-buddhist doctrinal similarities and differences, etc.
Most of the Dalai Lama's books are very, very good in terms of relating buddhism to real life. Reading the Dalai Lama in this regard is in every respect a religious experience as well as a useful experience in learning to live a good life. However, over all I found The Good Heart to e a rather dry - though certainly scholarly - treatment of how buddhism and christianity compare and contrast with one another.
So, if you're interested in buddhist-christian dialogue on doctrinal matters, this would be a very good book for you. However, if you're looking for something more along the lines of what the Gospels really MEAN in terms of developing and nurturing a "good heart" - this is not it.
135 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsFresh eyes on becoming like Jesus
ByBrian Griffithon January 10, 2008
Format: Paperback
How does Jesus look to a Buddhist master? In this series of talks with Christian monastics, the Dalai Lama reads the Gospels with fresh eyes. He aims to sense the qualities of heart behind Jesus' words and deeds. As a Buddhist, he is concerned with how people change - how they grow in compassion, cultivate peace, and become what our greatest teachers showed we can be:
"If someone tells you that you should not be hostile toward your enemy or that you should love your enemy, that statement alone is not going to move you to change ... It is a natural human feeling, so we must have effective techniques to help us make the transition from these inherently biased feelings toward a state of greater equanimity." (p. 49)
-author of Correcting Jesus
10 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starsVery Inspiring
ByG. D.on December 16, 2000
Format: Paperback
Truly a holy book. The simplicity of the message dissolves many of the dogmatic and traditionalist approaches that Christianity suffers from. Its messages are simple: love and compassion, do unto to others as you would have them do unto you. It forces you to be alert to truth.
6 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 starsAn Introduction to Buddhism
ByTOM CORBETTon October 23, 2007
Format: Paperback
this is a very special book, that is why i have given it three stars. i believe that all christians should aquire some knowledge and experience of buddhism, this would clearly make the world a more peaceful place.
the first meditation that i ever tried was through hhdl's (his holiness the dalai lama's) guidance in this book. it was also the first time that i have experienced something of what the mind is capable of... remarkable.
i was given this book by a close family friend. a very special person named fiona. my experiments with buddhism have certainly deepened my experience of our universe. we would do well to branch out in our approach towards faith. i am so grateful to fiona for the gift of this book. before reading it i had little or no understanding of any aspect of buddhism.
it seems that most traditions have something wonderful and unique to teach us about our universe. i believe that jesus with his message of love for all is saying "read this book it is special, though through it you may not learn much about what you perceive as your own faith... it will open a new door to an unexplored room in my household."
both the buddha and jesus (though not modern christians so much) believed that the kingdom of god is within one. it is like a small seed, the tiniest of all seeds, but if we are 'patient' and do a little self cultivating this little seed of love, knowledge and experience will grow into a mighty tree. self development comes the seed of the kingdom within us. hidden under layers of dust is the image of god. seek to polish this mirror and it will begin to clear. (but patience is needed with seeds, they grow slowly) all humans have the image of god - 'indestructible', gods own very image hidden away amidst the clutter and dust of our lives and distracting dogmas and beliefs. in reality we all have super nature. everyone at heart, deep down, is absolutely perfect... the true image of god. different people will come at this truth in different ways. some will say "wipe the mirror clean", "water the seed and plant it in good soil", others will say, no need to clean, no need to water. just as it is... perfect. my position is:
yes we are all deep down perfect, but it is beneficial to polish a mirror
in order to get the best out of it. to bring the deep to the surface. in this matter i differ from Hui Neng. instant enlightenment, yes, but also a little work is needed, in order to realize and refine what one already has!
i would also say that christians searching for truth outside their own tradition should not ditch their trust in jesus simply because truth can be found in other traditions, rather use any experience gained,to deepen their love for our lord and friend.
may buddhists learn more about jesus, may christians learn more about themselves and may whomsoever reads these words be blessed. amen.
11 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 starsI found it lacking
Byadead_poet@hotmail.comon March 28, 2008
Format: Paperback
I like what a reviewer below said, that this book is written with a you are holier than thou attitude. It's very accurate. My problem with the book is that there was little substance to it. Everyone was so excited about the Dahli Lama (sp?) speaking on Christianity that they missed the fact that he taught little in his speaking. And there was so much extraneous commentary that I found it distracting. I'd like to see his Holiness do a serious book on Buddhism and Christianity since I see that the two have much in common. I'm sure Christ achieved Buddhahood.
4 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 starshighly recommended for mixed families!
ByJames Altucheron February 10, 2001
Format: Paperback
I tend to follow the precepts of buddhism and my wife is a religious catholic. The Dalai Lama makes a great and successful effort at bridging whatever gaps he finds in the two philosophies. The anecdotes and points he made in this book allowed my wife and I to really communicate on an otherwise sensitive topic.
17 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsWonderful - with HH Dalai Lama
ByEdon January 31, 2000
Format: Paperback
An interesting interpretation of Christian scriptures and concepts by His Holiness and other participants. One can "feel" from the book that all gathered there are really caring people interested in genuine interfaith dialogue without any hidden agenda, for the benefit of humanity.
8 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 starsGood.. But...
ByBrian Wooldridgeon January 24, 2006
Format: Paperback
This was a nice book to read.. I felt that it was too narrative at times though. The Dalai Lama is by far the greatest human living today (as far as I know). His perspective is eye opening and gratifying.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Review by Saint Cool
ByJeffrey D. Eisemanon February 19, 2006
Format: Paperback
One last note...Resistance at all costs...is of upmost importance for the very sake of your sanity. Do not become assimilated! We are all of devine nature(all but Borgs)...think about that...a creation of divenity...we are all devine of nature..how else could we be alive, conscience, aware of these cool and amazing words you are reading here...to realize such..and act in accordance w/the will of God/Universe...this is the tricky part for so many. But it works. this truth has been around since the ancients..before them even...why..before time itself. God is eternal(you too mortal! ;-) Not as cool as God though...and a bit confused, but anyways...there's a purpose for us all, even worms...most good one..most excellent purpose!
It is old school time ladies and gents/boyz and girlfriends...but you can have fun...don't worry. We all have a reason for our life here on this ball in outerspace. Muahhahaha. Anyways...For an eternal all knowing God/creator...one would presume things are pretty well thought out here...for real. ;-) Practice "good karma" it is the best way to fly. Destiny is for real.."good"or "bad"...but can be changed, focus on the real..you know what it is...and and faith in God is for real, and there is no denying even if you do...God is not some spirit punk out to punish you..although you may deserve it and God has not choice...I believe every devine decision is ultimiately for the may lay down some hurt on your ass...but you will be better off in the long run, may desrvee it, and become stronger, wiser...So you earth bound mortals..it is a magic thing...not about stocks and bonds...take a guess...its inside you...provided by God. living it...of course...one can never be overly cautious...especially of the Borg! Take no fear thoug "God makes everything right in the End"...PEACE !:-)
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelievably sentimentalistic book!
ByG. Stuccoon January 4, 2007
Format: Paperback
OK. This book was obviously written from the perspective "Thou art holier than I". At times it gets so sugary it makes me want to gag...Everybody is complimenting the Dalai Lama right and left, but unfortunately, despite the Dalai Lama's warning that one should not try to put a yaks's head on a sheep body, these Christian morons consistently fail to ask tough questions, tripping on themselves to avoid pointing out insurmountable divergencies between the two traditions.
The Dalai Lama basically uses the Gospel texts to teach Buddhist doctrine, a strategy the Jesuits used to be masters at (in reverse). He is charming, profound as usual, but obviously totally unaware of the Christian tradition. So, next time, instead of getting into the business of "uh-oh-ah, please teach us how to read OUR OWN TEXTS!", I would like to see Dalai Lama's interlocutors do their job in a hopefully more critical and challenging way. And next time, please, oh, please, choose better texts!!!!
9 people found this helpful
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