How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life
Dalai Lama XIV
4.09
9,267 ratings365 reviews
As human beings, we all share the desire for happiness and meaning in our lives. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the ability to find true fulfillment lies within each of us. In this very special book, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, Nobel Prize winner, and bestselling author helps readers embark upon the path to enlightenment with a stunning illumination of the timeless wisdom and an easy-access reference for daily practice.
Divided into a series of distinct steps that will lead spiritual seekers toward enlightenment, How to Practice is a constant companion in the quest to practice morality, meditation, and wisdom. This accessible book will guide you toward opening your heart, refraining from doing harm, and maintiaining mentaltranquility as the Dalai Lama shows you how to overcome everyday obstacles, from feelings of anger and mistrust to jealousy, insecurity, and counterproductive thinking. Imbued with His Holiness' vivacious spirit and sense of playfulness, How to Practice offers sage and practical insight into the human psyche and into the deepest aspirations that bind us all together.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
Original title
How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life
This edition
Format
240 pages, Paperback
Published
August 19, 2003 by Atria Books
ISBN
9780743453363 (ISBN10: 0743453360)
Language
English
Sean Barrs
1,099 reviews44.1k followers
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October 7, 2017
“I accept everyone as a friend. In truth, we already know one another, profoundly, as human beings who share the same basic goals: We all seek happiness and do not want suffering.”
The Dalai Lama is incredibly quotable and there are so many fantastic examples of his simple wisdom in here. Well, I say simple but it can’t be that simple if people still fail to follow it after all these years. Despite living in an age of globalisation, we are still tragically divided. Senseless wars plague our history books and they continue to dog our steps. When will the world learn that we are all the same despite nationality, religion or skin colour?
The Dalai Lama preaches that all men are equal. Despite having his own philosophical beliefs, he respects all other belief systems and encourages members of other faiths to pursue their path and attain their ultimate goals of peace and happiness. Such things should never divide us nor should politics. It all sounds extremely idealistic, but if everybody adopted a similar approach then the world would be a more peaceful place. If we all called our neighbours our friends, and ignored the minor differences and strove towards human equality and peace, rather than goals such as wealth and power, then hatred would start to die.
“More dangerous than guns or bombs are hatred, lack of compassion, and lack of respect for the rights of others. As long as hatred dwells in the human mind, real peace is impossible.”
History, unfortunately, shows us the truth of these words. In this helpful guide, The Dalai Lama offers advice on how to cope with life and deal with such frustrating situations. Hating the hater achieves little. What is needed in such a situation is compassion, the first step on the road to inner-peace.
4-star-reads spirituality-buddhism-self-help
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Calista
3,792 reviews31.2k followers
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October 28, 2018
I really needed this read right now. School has been very stressful this trimester and I feel constantly behind. Still, I did pass my comprehensive exam to graduate from the program once Clinic and classes are done. I still have the herbal program and doctoral work left to do. Then, all the hate pouring out of DC right now and just how ugly politics has become has taken a spiritual toll on me. It has really worn me down and I have had to disengage from news and stop watching and reading.
This book was a balm to me. I love to hear the wisdom from the Dalai Lama. He is such an amazing heart centered person. I have heard him speak and it was amazing. I did listen to this in my car on the way to school and back. I don't remember much from it, but I do remember how it lifted my soul up and calmed my aching spirit. His discussions on suffering were amazing and it did help me put my suffering in somewhat of a new perspective.
He had a great meditation in there and some good tips to raise my vibration spiritually - which I can use right now. I kept my eyes open, obviously, and I did do the meditation with the reader and the visualization. It's interesting, the traffic becomes part of the meditation. You observe the traffic and left go of the emotions of being in it. I feel like I need to line up books like this and read more healing stuff for my soul. I am stretched thin. This was a big help to me. I probably enjoy storytelling to much to give it up though. I need a balance.
If I can reach half the level of wisdom the Lama has, I will have done some amazing work in this life. I have much more to do. His holiness also speaks so openly about the pain and suffering caused him by losing his people and his city and country. It was a terrible pain he lives with. He has suffered plenty in this life. I suppose if he can survive that, then I can make it through my coarse work and stress.
Listening to master of this philosophy make everything sound so easy and simple. It is very simple until you try and live it and your emotions surge and take you along for the ride and then it feels like the most impossible thing in the world. I have so much to learn and so much to grow. It's simply one day at a time.
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Froztwolf
51 reviews14 followers
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May 7, 2011
This is an odd book that seems to span the entirety of Buddhist practice from beginning to end.
The first third of the book was easy to connect with. It talks about things in our daily lives, what the tenets or Buddhist practice are, how these two relate, and basically what Buddhism encourages people to do and why. Having studied Buddhism a little before, there were few surprises there for me but it was yet a welcome reminder and well structured.
The middle part of the book tackles subjects that are somewhat familiar and desirable to me but out of my reach as of yet, like deep meditative states, practicing extreme generosity and benevolence, complete non-harm and such.
The last third of the book flew right over my head. Among the subject were the luminous nature of the mind, the inherent emptiness of all things, concepts of (non-sexual) Tantra and other concepts I seem ill-equipped to fully grasp.
The feeling I get from this book is that the reader's experience is going to be extremely personal. It is suitable for newcomers to Buddhism, as all the basics are described in full detail in the first sections, but they might find themselves frustrated by the last few chapters.
Likewise, those that have practiced Buddhism for a long time might be bored with the level of details in the first basic chapters, but more interested by the last sections.
Worth reading, but don't expect the whole book to be useful and relevant to you at any one time.
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Rustam
187 reviews
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March 27, 2008
I find this man really fascinating, but this book didn't quite get there for me. I wonder if what he preaches is too simple to be interesting in a literary format. I would be interested in reading his auto-biography. His English isn't all that hot, but his occasional anecdotal digressions are very interesting.
I can't believe I'm giving the Dalai Lama TWO stars!? The good news is, I'm not going to Hell, but rather, I may be reborn as a desert rodent.
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Z
117 reviews141 followers
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June 6, 2012
Although I have immense respect for the Dalai Lama's teachings and for traditional Buddhist doctrine, I would not recommend this book as a primer for someone who wants to learn more about Buddhism and/or meditation. The first half of the book is very general, very lightly describing basic Buddhist tenets and advising on concentrated meditation. The second half focuses on the concepts of 'emptiness,' 'inherent existence' and 'dependent-arisings' - and I came away feeling like none of these were really adequately explained. I would imagine that they do not lend themselves to easy explanation. The fallout is that the reader could lose his/her way through this maze of abstractions and wind up at the end of the book blinking in confusion.
What this book did bring home to me was how little time we have in our lives to improve ourselves and be more compassionate, intelligent beings, and what a long, long road lies ahead of us. Perhaps the latter half of this book could make sense to someone who has achieved enough success with concentrated meditation to have somewhat more of a grip on the notion of emptiness. For a more detailed, less abstruse exposition of Buddhist doctrine, I would recommend Sogyal Rinpoche's The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.
2012
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Tess
60 reviews
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December 20, 2008
I still read this book. Recently, I needed something to bring me peace during a small conflict. I opened the book arbitrarily and found just what I needed. I love this little book. It can be a wonderful guide to living peacefully and spreading peace among others.
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Rimantė :)
125 reviews28 followers
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April 2, 2019
"Na jei pasirodys, kad mano samprotavimai jums praversti negali, tiesiog numokite į šią knygelę ranka" - paskutinis šios knygos sakinys.
Visiškai nenumosiu ir parašysiu 2,5* ,nes didžioji dalis knygos turinio liko nesuprasta arba suprasta dalinai. Nepraktikuoju ir neplanuoju praktikuoti budizmo artimiausiu metu, tad aiškinimai apie dvasines praktikas, jų aprašymai kelyje nušvitimo link man buvo visiškai neaktualios ir dažnai nesuvokiamos.
Kas buvo pasakyta apie gerumą, atjautą, dvasinį tobulėjimą buvo geras priminimas daryti gerus darbus, rūpintis artimu, lavinti kantrybę, išmokti nuraminti sąmonę. Šitai man jau buvo aktualiau, tad iš tų nedideliu suprantamų man ištraukų pasiėmiau, kiek galėjau.
Į visą kitą kaip patarė pati jo šventenybė Dalai Lama - numosiu ranka :)
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robin friedman
1,769 reviews204 followers
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January 23, 2021
To Practice Peace And Kindness
This book by H.H. the Dalai Lama may be read by those wishing an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and by those wishing to begin or develop their practice.
The Dalai Lama attempts to answer the basic question: "How can people be happy?" His answer outlines a path of spiritual growth and practice. Although based upon Tibetan Buddhism, there is wisdom in the book for anybody seeking spiritual growth, within or without any specific religious practice.
The book consists of six short sections. It begins with a brief discussion of the life of the Buddha which, as the Dalai Lama points out, encompasses the basic teachings of the Buddhist path: morality, concentrated meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama then explains the basis of each teaching in short chapters. It is good that the book gives its focus to moral practice -- curing anger, lust, hatred, and aggression and wishing well to oneself and others.
Chapter III of the book discusses meditation practices and will introduce the beginner to the value of meditation and to several meditation techniques. The Dalai Lama stresses the need for consistent practice and for patience and for the need of controlling one's expectations.
There are several chapters which discuss the difficult but key Buddhist teaching of dependent origination. Much of this material the Dalai Lama also covers in an earlier book called "The Meaning of Life."
There is a concluding section on Tantra, a uniquely Tibetan practice. I think it is better for the average person to remain with the practices of morality and concentration described earlier in the book.
Some of the unique features of this book are the Dalai Lama's anecdotes of his life in Tibet before the Chinese Invasion of 1950 and of his teachers. There is a substantial discussion of sexuality in the book and of how it may be used (and abused) in the search for peace and kindness. (pages 192-196) There is a translation of the Heart Sutra, a key Buddhist text with a commentary by the Dalai Lama. (159-163)
I found the Dalai Lama's concluding paragraph captures much of the tenor and the value of this book (page 223):
"Though my own knowledge is limited and my experience is also very poor, I have tried my best to help you understand the full breadth of the Buddha's teaching. Please implement whatever in these pages appears to be helpful. If you follow another religion, please adopt whatever might assist you. If you do not think it would be helpful, just leave it alone."
Robin Friedman
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Callie
621 reviews19 followers
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May 18, 2010
A bunch of quotes from this book I need to get down, because they are valuable.
"By greeting trouble with optimism and hope , you are undermining worse troubles down the line."
CONTENTMENT REGARDING FOOD< CLOTHES< SHELTER:
SHELTER "Lay people can reduce the neverending quest for a better home and for the funiture and decorations in it." Imagine! This is an outright unequivocal, unapologetic suggestion that we just stop acquiring things and be happy with what we have.
"Examine your attitudes toward food, clothes, and shelter. By reducing expectations you will promote contentment. The extra energy which is released should be devoted to meditation and to achieve cessation of problems."
"We should be contented in material areas, for those are bound by limitation, but not with regard to the spiritual which can be extended limitlessly."
"In a sense, all human beings belong to a single family. We need to embrace the oneness of humanity and show concern for everyone--not just my family or my country or my continenet. We must show concern for every being, not just the few who resemble us. Differences of religion, ideology, race, economic system, social system, and government are all secondary"
"When you are concerned about others your own welfare is fulfilled automatically."
Another one about SHELTER! "If you practice more kindness and tolerance, you will find more peace. There is no need to change the furniture in your house or move to a new home. Your neighbor may be very noisy or very difficult, but so long as your own mind is calm and peaceful, neighbors will not bother you much. However, if you are generally irritable, even when your best friend visits, you cannot become really happy. If you are calm, even your enemy cannot disturb you."
"Generating concern for others has vast power to transform your mind. If you practice compassion for the sake of all living beings--including animals--then that same limitless merit will accrue to you."
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Abe
264 reviews74 followers
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October 25, 2019
A book replete with wisdom. Finding contentment in material things is undoubtedly the practice that has brought me the most happiness in this life.
I must agree with a lot of reviewers here: the last third of the book is far more advanced than the first two thirds. He provides no definitions, he just jumps right in, so if the reader isn't aware of topics such as dependency, emptiness, etc., it would prove to be a difficult read.
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How To Practise: The Way to a Meaningful Life Kindle Edition
by Dalai Lama (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,097 ratings
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How To Practice is a major inspirational work, by one of the world's greatest spiritual teachers. It is broken down into the basic steps to enlightenment: how to practise morality, how to practise meditation, and how to practise wisdom - at the same time, delving deeper into His Holiness' more general Buddhist teachings, his spirit, wisdom and sense of humour. The book, meant to be used as part of daily practice, is easy to understand and filled with anecdotes. It includes guidance on mental calm, altruism and compassion, refraining from harm, focussing the mind, and much more.
Beautifully packaged, this is the ultimate gift from the Dalai Lama, and a wonderful gift to give to anyone interested in having a richer, more fulfilled life.
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Print length
224 pages
Jeffrey Hopkins, Ph.D., served for a decade as the interpreter for the Dalai Lama. A Buddhist scholar and the author of more than thirty-five books and translations, he is emeritus professor of Tibetan and Buddhist studies at the University of Virginia, where he founded the largest academic program of Tibetan Buddhist studies in the West.
--This text refers to the paperback edition.
From the Back Cover
In this very special book, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will lead you towards opening your heart and finding true peace in a troubled world.
Set out in a series of distinct steps towards enlightenment, How to Practise is a constant and daily companion for spiritual seekers of all faiths in their quest to practice morality, meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama shows us how to overcome everyday obstacles, from feelings of anger and mistrust to jealousy, insecurity and counterproductive thinking. Imbued with His Holiness' vivacious spirit and sense of playfulness, this guide to a meaningful life offers his sage and very practical views on the way we live today and what binds us all together. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's important and accessible handbook on how to live a meaningful life --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Simple, clear advice" (Yoga and Health) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Product details
ASIN : B007D15WW0
Publisher : Ebury Digital; Classic e. edition (31 March 2012)
Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,097 ratings
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Top review from Australia
Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars How to Practise
Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on 4 February 2016
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I've read a few Buddhism books but I am in no way an "expert" in it. But this book by the Dalai Lama was the best of what I've read so far. His cheeky humor plus his keen insights into the human condition made this a very enjoyable read. At the moment I've been simply trying to get a better understanding of the 8-Fold Path as a way to lead the middle way in my everyday life, and this book helped me understand how to do that a lot better. Highly recommended!
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Andrew Cree
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a mirror into your soul
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 10 February 2020
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A must read for everyone who wants to learn about themselfs and obtain some self improvement. As for myself. Because I think differently as a result of reading this book it has produced more positive interactions with other people and has made them feel better as a result. I buy this book regularly as a present for others.
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Lara Croft
3.0 out of 5 stars Boring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 19 September 2018
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I brought three books by the Dalai Lama and no disrespect but he does repeat what he has said in all three books so I might as well have just brought the one on this subject. He does like to elaborate the fact we don’t exist over and over. Well if we don’t exist then what is the point of being nice to anyone and Buddhist ways wouldn’t matter and karma wouldn’t bother us anyway ????????
5 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting account of the background and life of a Dalai Lama, and a basic guideline into Buddhism.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 23 November 2021
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I am still learning what Buddhism is about. Being a comparative beginner, I could not understand the chapters on Wisdom, though I did read through them. Besides that, the book is very informative, and gives us an idea of how we should conduct our lives, and lead towards the ulitimate Enlightenment.
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Nisha
5.0 out of 5 stars Systematic Guide as a supplement; Teacher still required
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 18 March 2021
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Clear, concise, and applicable knowledge. Wish I found this 20 years ago when I started practicing. Rest assured this guide will not lead you astray or abandon you. It will keep you on the path.
3 people found this helpful
A M van Dyk
5.0 out of 5 stars But it could so easily ahve been one star!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 31 December 2003
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Why? Sheer frustration at my own inability to put the contents into practice!
Leaving that to one side, it is clear to me that if everyone read and implemented this book, and showed compassion to each other for one's efforts in striving to do so, the world would be a so much better place. The great thing about this great man's writings is that they are disarmingly simple in their wording, without ever becoming simplistic nor conning yo uthat implementation is easy.
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