月刊 海印 2005 실상사 화림원 각묵 스님

月刊 海印



실상사 화림원 각묵 스님이전 게시물다음 게시물
호계삼소 - 김영옥2005년 12월 286호

전북 남원시 실상사, 일주문 대신에 절 대문 구실을 하고 있는 사천왕상 앞에서 잠시 걸음을 멈춘다. 가을걷이가 끝난 늦가을 들은 텅 비어 있다. 절과 너른 들을 내려다보고 있는 저 봉우리, 소설도 입동도 되기 전, 아니 서리도 내리기 전에 눈 모자를 하얗게 뒤집어쓰곤 하는 저 봉우리, 경상과 호남의 경계도 산 이름 하나로 허물어버리고, 수다한 봉우리와 계곡과 개울을 품되, 첫 시작은 모두 하나임을 선언하고 마는 산, 평지 사찰인 이곳에서는 지리산 천왕봉이 한눈에 바라다보인다.
실상사 큰절에 있는 화엄학림은 개혁불사 이후로 1995년에 개설된 조계종 최초의 전문교육기관이다. 승가대 졸업 이상의 학력을 소지한 사람들에게만 수강 자격이 주어지는 곳, 두 해의 과정을 끝내면 교수 아사리(강사 자격증)가 주어지는 이곳을 졸업한 학인들은 지난해 8기에 이르기까지 일흔 명쯤 된다. 《중론》, 《유식》, 화엄사상사, 화엄 본경, 그리고 《화엄현담》 등을 공부하는 본 수업말고도, 초기 불교, 팔리어, 아비담마 불교, 한문 등의 특강으로 커리큘럼이 짜여지는 이곳 학림은 한 해에 두 달 방학 기간을 제외하고는 일 주일에 나흘 수업의 일정으로 진행된다. 수업 중에 사제간의 의견 나누기에는 격의가 없다. 인천의 스승이 되어야 할 사문들, 그러나 작금의 한국불교가 풀어야 할 ‘교육 부재’라는 문제점은, 문제 의식을 함께 촉발시켜 가면서 격렬한 공부 과정을 거쳐 배출되는 스님들이 강단에 서게 될 즈음에는 적잖은 변화를 가져올 것임을 화엄학림 강사 중 한 분인 각묵 스님은 확신한다.
현재 학림의 강사 스님은 넷, 그들은 전공에 상관없이 화엄 본경 수업을 ‘의무적으로’ 이끌어야 하는데, 산스크리트어본 《유식》을 강의하고 있는 각묵 스님은 화엄이 전공은 아니지만 수업이 ‘재미있다’. 인도에서 십 년 동안 유학하면서 그가 연찬해온 초기 불교의 관점에서 보아 논리적으로 모순되는 데나, 상치되는 점을 짚어주면서, 또한 자신도 학인들과 ‘함께’ 배우기 때문이다. 각묵 스님이 큰절에서 천천한 걸음으로 10분쯤 걸리는 곳에 있는 화림원을 처소로 삼은 것은 2003년 3월부터이다. 학인들을 가르치는 일, 그리고 함께 배우는 일의 즐거움이 없지 않지만 그가 금생에 해마치고 싶은 일, 그래서 ‘일의 순번’에서 양보할 수 없는 것은 따로 있다. 부처님이 45년 동안 설법한 당시에 쓰셨던 언어인 팔리어로 적힌 경·율·논 삼장을 모두 우리말로 번역해 내는 일이다.
칠십년대 중반쯤에 출판물로써 그 징조를 드러내 보이기 시작했던 초기 불교에 대한 사회적 관심은, 대학 재학 시절 대불련과 부산대학교 불교학생회에서 활동했던 그에게도 예외는 아니었지만 그때만 해도 그것은 미미한 것이었다. 졸업을 얼마 앞두지 않은 때, 안정된 미래에 대한 기대 같은 것은 이미 안중에 없어져버린 그로서는 선방의 좌복 위에 앉으려는 마음뿐이었다. 중학교 3학년 때에 모친을 사별한 그의 아린 마음에서 비롯된 삶에 관한 작지 않은 물음이 그 바탕이 되었을 것이다. 나는 누구인가. 대학 시절에 만난, 구척 키만큼 뿜어내는 기가 엄청났던 스님, 버릴 수 있는 것 다 버리고 나면 무엇이 남느냐? 아무 것도 없다! 그렇게 대답한 그를 향해 벼락처럼 내린 할, 저놈 갖다 묻어버려라! 마조의 할로 백장의 귀가 사흘 동안 들리지 않았다더니, 사흘 동안 정말로 아무 소리도 들리지 않았던 일을 몸소 겪으면서 그는 출가를 마음먹었었다. 그러나 7대 장손의 처지로 뜻을 세우기가 쉽지 않더니, 수련대회에서 사흘 용맹정진 끝에 천배 절을 하고 우물가에서 지쳐 쓰러졌다가, 눈을 뜬 순간에 홀연히 정리가 되었더라 했다.
《선문염송》 수준의 책까지 섭렵해버린 뒤이기도 했지만, 강원 과정은 그의 관심사가 아니었다. 제방 선원에서 참구하는 세월은 7년, 나름대로 애썼던 시간들이었다. 새벽잠을 이기려고 오후는 불식하고, 주린 배를 물로 채우다 말고 조석으로 백팔배로 몸을 이기려던 시절, 뼈만 남은 그때의 그를 기억하는 사람은 20kg쯤 몸무게가 늘어난 지금의 그를 못 알아 본다.
인도행도 ‘수좌식’으로 결정한 일이라며 그는 오늘 웃었다. 마지막 선방, 칠불암에서 결제중이었는데 한 달 보름이나 외국 망상이 그를 떠나지 않았다. 꿈에도 생각해보지 않았던 외국행, 푸나대학 입학 허가서를 받고 인도로 떠난 것이 89년이었다. 그리고 십 년 동안 그곳에서 산스크리트어와 인도 철학을 전공, 박사 과정을 마치는 동안에 팔리어와 프라크리트어를 익혔다. 인도의 고문헌에 관한 폭넓은 섭렵도 이 기간 동안 이루어졌다. 성지를 순례할 때마다 엎드려 절하면서 올린 기도는 ‘이생에서 팔리어 삼장을 완역할 수 있게 해주십사’는 것이었고, 그것은 기도로 끝나지 않고, 학업을 계속하는 동안 역경을 위한 방대한 자료 저장도 함께 병행했으니, 지금 그의 컴퓨터에는 경전 주석서만도 일백오십 권 정도, 그리고 20만 단어를 자신이 뽑아 담은, 사전 여덟 권 분량의 자료가 입력되어 있다. (그는 요즘도 국내에서 역경 일에 전념할 형편이 못 된다고 판단이 되면 이 자료가 담긴 노트북 하나만 가지고 외국으로 ‘피신’을 간다)
그가 산문 안팎으로부터 주목을 받게 된 것은 2001년에 《금강경 역해》(부제:금강경 산스끄리뜨 원전 분석 및 주해)를 출간하고 난 뒤부터였다. 산스크리트 원문을 싣되, 그의 주관적 과목 나누기(이것도 경전 해석의 관점이 된다)와 함께, 구마라습의 의역과 현장의 직역을 일일이 대조시키면서 역해해 낸 그의 역작물은 경전 연구의 새로운 관점을 제시해주었다는 평가를 받았다. 2002년 겨울, 이 책을 교재로 삼아, 그는 논주로서 사부대중 대상의 동안거 간경看經 결제를 이끌면서 논의를 심화시켰다. 참선이 아닌 간경식 결제 형식도 그러했거니와, 승속이 함께 결제에 동참하는 일도 세간의 관심을 끌 만한 일이었다. 40명의 스님들, 그리고 일천삼백 명쯤의 일반인이 참여, 한겨울 시린 지리산 자락을 후끈 달구었던 법석이었다.
“부처의 가르침은 ‘무아’로서, 실체화될 어떤 것도 상정할 수 없다. ‘실체’란 없으며, 그저 인연의 조건(관계)에 따라 이루어지는 ‘연기’가 있을 뿐이다. 그래서 무아는 곧 연기이다. 《금강경》이 설파하고 있는 핵심적 내용이다. 주인공도, 여래장, 불성, 진아, 참나라는 것이 따로 있는 것이 아니다. 만약에 그렇게 생각한다면 이는 불생불멸의 생명 자리가 따로 있다고 믿는 힌두의 믿음과 다를 것이 없다. ‘공空’을 꿰뚫어보는 것이 ‘반야’이며, 이는 허무가 아니라 ‘연기’인 것이다.”
그로서는 부처님의 원음을 접하면서 겪어야 했던 지독한 충격 속에서도 접지 못한 간화선에 대한 애정이었다. 간화선이야말로 ‘무전제’의 수행이고, ‘무전제’는 바로 ‘무아’라는 초기 불교의 근본 입장을 그대로 계승한 것이며, 그래서 최상승의 수행법이라 자부할 만한 것이었다. 그러나 자신의 것만이 옳다고 주장하는 태도는 도그마이다. 간화선이 동북의 전통에 맞는, 팔정도를 구체적으로 실천하는 수행 테크닉이듯, 비파사나 또한 구경 열반을 위한 또 다른 방법이라고 그는 생각한다. 아니, 실은 자신에게는 그런 구분조차 이제 더 이상 의미가 없다.
그의 관심은 부처의 가르침을 어떻게 ‘바르게’ 이해할 것인가, 하는 점이다. 말의 문제, 결국 뜻을 전하는 말의 문제였다. 그는 그 답을 ‘초기 불교’라는 길에서 찾을 수 있다고 본다. 이를테면, 팔정도 가운데서도 수행의 핵심이라고 할 수 있는 ‘정념正念’을 이해함에 있어, 그는 ‘마음 챙김(마음이 대상을 챙김)’이라고 이해하고 그렇게 적고 있거니와, 한국불교 간화선이 화두를 들되, 면밀하고, 세밀하고, 정밀하고, 엄밀하고, 그리고 간절하게 챙기는 것이 아니라, 실은 주객을 초월하고 있지는 않은지 따져보자는 것이다.
그 자신도 역경을 하는 사람으로서 구마라습이나 현장에 대한 놀라움은 금할 수 없지만, 잘못 옮겨놓거나, 고의는 아니었더라도 ‘의도’가 배제되어 있는 것은 아니라 여긴다. 5세기에 구마라습이, 7세기에 현장이 정착시킨 한문은 현재의 이해 방식과는 큰 차이가 있을 수밖에 없다. 한역 경전이란 결국 2차 자료일 뿐이다. 팔리어나 산스크리트어로 적힌 원전을 우리말로 옮김으로써, 한역의 오류와, 그 오류를 답습한 우리의 역사까지 객관화할 수 있을 터였다. 그런 작업은 1600년 한국불교사에서 처음으로 중국불교의 아류에서 벗어나 자주 불교를 실현할 기회가 되어줄 것이라고 그는 굳게 믿는다. 그는 다시 강조해서 말했다.
“역경에 한국불교의 미래가 달려 있습니다.”
그가 세운 원력의 내용인 바, 팔리어 삼장을 제대로 역출해 내는 데 필요한 기본 소양은 어떤 것일까. 언어학적 이해나 소양, 그리고 아비담마와 이를 바탕으로 삼고 있는 주석서를 섭렵한 뒤에 얻을 수 있는 경에 대한 안목 등을 꼽을 수 있을 터였다. 그러나, 역경의 소양과 깊은 이해를 갖추었다 하더라도, 이를 지금 여기 내 삶에 적용시켜 해탈 열반을 실현하리라는 원력이 뒤따르지 않는다면, 삼장을 통해 전승되고 있는 불사의 메시지는 바르게 읽을 수 없을 것이라고 그는 이어 말한다. 새삼 옷깃을 여미게 하는 말씀이 아닐까보냐.
그가 지도 법사로 있는 초기불전연구원은 그에게 아비담마의 의미를 다시금 깨우치게 한 소중한 도반인 대림 스님이 이끌고 있는 곳이다. (대림 스님은 남방 불교 부동의 준거, 번역하기 까다롭고 어렵기로 정평이 난 《청정도론》을 번역해 행원문화상 역경상을 받았다) 그가 사문의 몸으로 소홀히 할 수 없다고 여기는 홍법과 포교의 뜻은 책으로뿐만이 아니라, 회원 수효가 이천 명이 넘는 곳, 월 회비로 후원금을 내는 회원 수도 적지 않다는 인터넷 까페(다음, 초기불전연구원)를 통하여 열정적으로 펼쳐지고 있다. 초기 불교와 아비담마에 관한 한 다른 어느 사이트보다도 풍부한 자료를 담고 있다고 자부하는 곳이다.
그에게 한 해에 여섯 달은 다른 어떤 일과도 타협할 수 없는 역경 작업 시간이다. 한참 일에 매달릴 때는 열 시간쯤 사분정근 하듯이 시간을 정해놓고 작업을 한다. 여섯 시간 잠을 자도 나머지 여덟 시간 동안 인터넷으로 세상 돌아가는 소식도 알고, 포행도 하고 그런다. 열 시간 작업, 눈에는 알 수 없는 흰 반점까지 생겼지만 뭐 괜찮겠죠, 그러면서 하하 웃는 그는 그간 《금강경 역해》를 비롯, 《아비담마 길라잡이》(공역), 《네 가지 마음 챙기는 공부》(대념처경과 그 주석서)를 세상에 내놓았고, 올해가 가기 전에 《디가 니까야》(장부)도 책으로 나오게 된다.
여름내 화림원 맑은 흙벽을 붙잡고 기어올라간 아기 담장이들, 이 늦가을 잎은 다 지고, 잎맥만 바닷가 새 발자국처럼 애잔히 남아 있다. 서쪽 하늘에 낮게 떠올랐던 개밥바라기가 큰절로 내려가 공양을 하고 돌아오는 그를 반짝, 하고 맞아주었다. 별의 눈빛이 한결 서늘해졌다. 가을이 또 그렇게 지나가나보았다. 팔리어 삼장을 한글로 완역해 내는 것말고도, 주요 팔리어 주석서, 그리고 《아비담마》, 《중관》, <유식》 등을 비롯한 주요 산스크리트 불전을 한글로 번역하고, 초기 불전의 이해를 돕기 위해 인도 주요 고전도 번역해보고 싶어하는 각묵 스님, 바람맞이 언덕에서 눈부신 등불처럼 저를 켜들었던 은행나무 잎도 다 지고 만 줄을 알아챌 겨를이나 있으신지.

각묵스님의 마음이 무엇인가 - YouTube[1-12]

각묵스님의 마음이 무엇인가 - YouTube










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전봉준은 왜 독립유공자가 아닌가

전봉준은 왜 독립유공자가 아닌가



전봉준은 왜 독립유공자가 아닌가

입력2020.01.21. 오후 12:25

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일본군과 정면으로 대결한 전봉준 장군... 정부, 독립유공자로 서훈해야



[오마이뉴스 박용규 기자]



동학농민혁명의 상징적인 대표 인물이 전봉준 장군이다. 중고등학교 국사교과서에도 전봉준의 얼굴이 나온다. 우리 국민들은 전봉준에 대해서 대체로 고부 군수 조병갑과 같은 탐관오리를 응징하고, 전라도 일대에 집강소를 설치하여 잘못된 정치를 고쳐나간 인사로 알고 있다. 조선왕조의 잘못된 정치를 개혁하려고 한 인물로만 이해하고 있다.



그런데 정작 전봉준이 우리 역사 발전에 기여한 점은 항일투사로 맹활약을 했다는 데에 있었다. 그는 일제의 국권 침탈에 맞서 항일 구국 투쟁을 전개한 동학농민혁명의 총사령관으로서 혁혁하게 활동한 인물이었다. 한국 역사학계는 동학농민혁명에서 전봉준이 항일 구국 투쟁의 선봉장이었음을 수많은 연구 성과를 통해 입증하였다.



2004년 '동학농민혁명 참여자 등의 명예회복에 관한 특별법'이 국회에서 통과하여, 동학농민혁명 참여자들이 역적의 누명에서 벗어났다. 그 뒤 동학농민혁명이 국가 기념일로 지정되어, 대한민국 정부에서도 2019년 5월 11일에 동학농민혁명 기념일 행사를 치렀다.



'독립유공자예우에 관한 법률' 제4조(적용 대상자)에 따르면, "일제의 국권침탈 전후로부터 1945년 8월 14일까지 국내외에서 일제의 국권침탈을 반대하거나 독립운동을 위하여 일제에 항거하다가 그 반대나 항거로 인하여 순국한 자(순국선열)"는 독립유공자가 된다.



전봉준은 일제의 국권침탈(1895년)을 반대하여, 1894년과 1895년에 걸쳐 일본군을 몰아내기 위해 2차 동학농민혁명을 일으켜 일본군과 싸웠고, 일본군에 맞서 항거하다가 체포되어 순국하였다. 2차 동학농민혁명을 이끈 총사령관 전봉준(1855∼1895)은 여기에 해당한다.



그러함에도 불구하고 전봉준은 지금까지도 독립유공자로 인정되어 있지 않다. 이 글에서는 동학농민혁명의 총사령관이었던 전봉준이 일본 제국의 일본군과 어떻게 싸웠는지에 대해 소개하고자 한다.



전봉준은 일본군과 어떻게 싸웠나



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▲ 전봉준 장군의 모습 전봉준 동상

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1894년 7월 23일 일본군이 경복궁을 점령하여 고종을 겁박하고 친일 정권을 세웠다. 일본군의 '경복궁 점령 사건'은 조선의 국권을 침탈한 중대한 역사적 사건이었다.



같은 해 7월 25일 일본 제국은 풍도해전을 시작으로 청일전쟁을 일으켰다. 일본군은 청일전쟁을 수행하면서, 동학농민군을 섬멸하는 데에 나섰다. 일본이 조선에 군대를 보낸 이유는 척왜(斥倭)을 부르짖는 동학농민군을 제압하고, 동시에 청나라 군대를 조선에서 몰아내어 조선 지배를 확고히 하는 데에 있었다.



조선이 일본에게 지배되지 않으려면 초대받지 않고 들어온 일본군을 조선 땅에서 몰아내야 했다. 동학농민군이 일본군을 몰아내려고 거병한 것은 외세의 국권 침탈을 막고 나라의 주권을 유지하는 구국투쟁이었던 것이다.



전봉준은 일본군의 경복궁 점령 소식을 같은 해 8월 전라도 남원 땅에서 들었다. 당시 그는 전라도 지역을 순시하며 잘못된 정치를 바로잡는 폐정 개혁을 실천하고 있었다.



그는 일본군을 몰아내고자 1894년 10월 8일에 전라도 삼례에 도착하여 대도소를 설치하고, 동학농민군에게 다시 봉기할 것을 촉구하는 통문을 보냈다. 통문에서 그는 "충의지사(忠義之士)는 같이 앞장서서 정의를 부르짖으라"고 호소하면서 "이 의거에 호응하지 아니하는 자는 충성스럽지 못한 무도(無道)한 자"라고 질타하였다. 그러자 4천여 명의 동학농민군이 합세하였다. 이후 그는 동학농민군을 이끌고 북상하였다. 충청도 은진, 논산, 공주에 이르며 동학농민군이 1만여 명으로 늘어났다.



전봉준은 <전봉준 공초>에서, 2차 거병 이유를 경복궁을 점령한 일본군을 몰아내기 위해서였다고 아래와 같이 밝히고 있다. 전봉준을 심문할 때에는 일본 영사가 참가하였다.



심문자 : 다시 군대를 일으킨 연유는 무엇인가?

전봉준 : 일본이 개화라 일컬으며 처음부터 한마디 말도 민간에 알림이 없고, 또 군대를 이끌고 우리 도성에 들어가 저녁에 왕궁을 격파하여 임금을 놀라게 하였다 하기로, 초야의 선비와 인민들이 충군애국의 마음으로 비분강개함을 이기지 못하여, 의로운 군대(의병)를 규합하여 일본과 싸워 이 사실을 일차로 따지고자 함이었다.



심문자 : 일본군의 대궐 침범을 어느 곳, 어느 때에 들었느냐?

전봉준 : 7월 사이에 남원 땅에서 처음으로 들었다.



심문자 : 재차 기포는 일본군이 대궐을 침범하였다는 연고로 다시 봉기하였다고 하니, 다시 봉기한 뒤에는 일본군에게 무슨 조치를 하려고 하였느냐?

전봉준 : 대궐을 침범한 연유를 따져 묻고자 함이었다.



심문자 : 그렇다면 일본군이며 외국인으로 경성에 거주하는 자를 모두 몰아내려고 했느냐?

전봉준 : 그렇지 않다. 외국인은 다만 통상만 하는데, 일본인은 군대를 거느리고 경성에 주둔하기 때문에, 우리나라의 영토를 침략하는가 하는 의심이 있지 않을 수 없었다.



동학의 최고지도자 최시형도 1894년 10월 16일 항일전에 나서라고 동학교도에게 총기포령을 내렸다. 최시형은 충북 보은 장내리에서 손병희를 통령에 임명하고, 손병희에게 통령기를 주어 일제히 일어나 항일 전선에 나서게 하였다. 이처럼 그는 손병희에게 동학농민군에 대한 지휘의 전권을 주었다.



같은 해 11월 12일경에 손병희 통령이 동학농민군 5천 명을 이끌고 논산에 이르렀다. 논산에서 전봉준이 이끌고 온 동학농민군 부대와 연합하였다. 전봉준과 손병희는 형제의 우의를 맺어, 전봉준이 형이 되고, 손병희가 동생이 되었다. 동학농민군은 공주를 향해 나아갔다.



전봉준과 손병희는 동학농민군을 이끌고 같은 해 11월 20일에서 11월 22일까지, 12월 4일에서 12월 7일까지 2차례에 걸쳐, 일본군과 일본군 편에 선 관군과 공주에서 최대의 전투(우금티 전투가 대표)를 치렀으나, 패배하였다. 죽창과 창·칼과 화승총으로 무장한 동학농민군이 스나이더 소총과 무라타 소총과 신식 기관총 등 우세한 화력으로 무장한 일본군을 당해 낼 수가 없었다.



동학농민군 학살의 전담 부대였던 일본군 후비보병 제19대대 미나미 고시로 소좌 휘하의 모리오 마사카즈(森尾雅一) 대위가 지휘한 제2중대가 12월 4일과 5일에 걸친 우금티 전투에서 동학농민군을 대량 학살하였다.



전봉준은 당시의 전투 상황을 이렇게 밝혔다.



"일본군이 먼저 공주를 차지하였으니, 사태가 접전하지 아니할 수 없어, 2차 접전 후 1만여 명의 군사를 점고한즉 남은 자가 불과 3천여 명이요, 그 뒤에 또 2차 접전 후 점고한즉 군사가 5백여 명에 불과하였다. 그래서 패주하여 금구에 이르렀다." (<전봉준 공초>)



일본군과 전투를 치르면서, 1만여 명의 동학농민군의 군사가 3천여 명으로 줄어들고, 급기야 남은 군사가 5백여 명에 불과하였다고 밝히고 있다. 동학농민군의 전사자가 많았음을 밝힌 증언이라고 하겠다.



"적국인 일본에 내 살 길을 구함은 본의가 아니라"



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▲ 동학혁명군 위령탑 공주 우금티 고개에 있음

ⓒ 박용규



12월 8일 우금티 전투에서 패배한 전봉준의 동학농민군은 노성으로 이동하였다. 전봉준은 이곳에서 '경군과 영병에게 고시하고 인민에게 교시함'이라는 글을 발표하였다.



"금년 6월 개화 간당이 왜국과 손잡고 밤을 틈타 경복궁을 넘어와 임금을 핍박하고 국권을 제멋대로 하였다...... 살육을 좋아하고 인민을 도탄에 빠트리고 있어, 우리 동학 교도가 의병을 일으켜 왜적을 소멸하고...... 임금에 충성하고 나라를 근심하는 마음이 있거든 곧 의리로 돌아오면 상의하여 같이 척왜척화(斥倭斥和)하여, 조선이 왜국이 되지 않게 하고, 같은 마음으로 협력하여 대사를 이루게 할지라. 갑오 십일월 십이일 동도창의소."



이렇게 전봉준은 관군에게 골육상전을 그만하고, 척왜의 기치에 동학농민군과 함께 연합하여 일본군을 물리치자고 호소하였다. 이후 전봉준과 손병희의 동학농민군은 12월 일본군과 금구의 원평 전투(12월 21일)와 태인 전투(12월 23일)를 치렀으나, 패배하였다. 전봉준은 태인 전투에서 패배한 이후 동학농민군을 해산하였다.



전봉준은 동지 3∼5명과 의론하여 각자 옷을 갈아입고 몰래 서울 한성으로 들어가 정탐하고자 하였다. 그는 12월 25일 입암산성으로 피신하였다. 이때 동학농민군 학살 현지 사령관인 미나미 고시로(南小四郞)의 명령을 수행하고 있는 아카마쓰 고쿠호(赤松國封) 지대가 전봉준을 추적하고 있었다. 같은 달 26일에 전봉준은 백양사로 피신하였다. 상인 모습으로 바꾸고 혼자서 상경하려고 태인을 떠나 순창으로 들어갔다. 12월 28일 밤에 순창 피노리에서 체포되었다. 이후 순창관아에 수감되어 있었다.



12월 30일 미나미 고시로는 아카마쓰 지대로부터 전봉준을 체포하였다는 보고를 받았다. 같은 달 31일에 미나미 고시로는 순창에 도착하여 아카마쓰 지대와 합류하여 전봉준을 인계받아 부상을 치료하였다.



1895년 1월 1일에 미나미 고시로는 자신에게 "동학당은 모조리 죽여 없애라"라고 훈령을 내린 인천병참사령관 이토 스케요시, 주한 일본공사 이노우에 카오루, 조선 정부에 전봉준을 체포하였다는 전보를 보냈다. 미나미 고시로는 1월 2일 순창에서 동학농민군을 진압하는 본부가 있는 나주 초토영으로 전봉준을 이송시켰다.



당시 일본군이 조선군대에 대한 지휘권·명령권을 가지고 있었고, 동학농민군 지도자에 대한 체포·관할권도 가졌다. 조선의 관군은 일본군의 지휘를 받는 신세로 전락해 있었다. 조선의 관아도 마찬가지였다. 전라감사 이도재가 체포된 전봉준에 대해 개입하려고 하자, 미나미 고시로는 "전봉준의 압송에 관한 것은 이미 우리 공사로부터 명령이 있었다. 이에 대해 다른 사람의 참견을 받지 않는다"(<동학당 정토략기>)라고 회신하였다.



원본보기

▲ 미나미 고시로의 <동학당 정토경력서>(1895) 표지 동학농민군 학살 집행 내역을 상세히 기록한 문서

ⓒ 박용규



나주 초토영에서 미나미 고시로는 1월 9일 동학농민군 포로에 대해 취조를 시작하면서, 주한 일본공사관에 전봉준 호송과 전봉준 부상 치료의 건을 보고하였다. 다음은 미나미 고시로가 전봉준을 취조한 공술서의 내용이다.



미나미 : 너희들이 거병한 대목적을 숨기지 말고 말해보라.

전봉준 : 7월 일본군이 경성에 들어가 왕궁을 포위했다는 것을 듣고 크게 놀라 동지를 모아서 이를 쳐서 없애려고 다시 군대를 일으켰다. (<사회와 사상>, 1988. 9, 261쪽.)



미나미 고시로 소좌의 서울 압송 명령에 의하여, 전봉준은 1895년 1월 30일 나주를 출발하여 같은 해 2월 18일 서울로 압송되어, 일본영사관 순사청에 수감되었다. 들것에 실려와 일본공사관 앞뜰에 앉아 있는 전봉준에게 이노우에 카오루 공사가 묻자, 전봉준이 다음과 같이 당당하게 대답하였다.



이노우에 : 어찌해서 이 폭거를 일으켰는가?

전봉준 : 작년 6월(음력) 일본병이 경성에 들어왔다는 것을 듣고, 함께 물리치려고 마침내 의병을 일으키기에 이르렀다. 우리 동학당의 군, 그 무리들은 훈련이 없고 무기는 완구적인 것이다. 사람, 무기 모두 정예한 일본병에 비길 수 있다고는 본디 믿지 않았던 바, 그렇지만 임금이 굴욕당하면 신하는 죽는 법, 죽음을 당하고서 끝낼 결심을 가지고 일어섰다. (위의 책, 256∼257쪽.)



전봉준에 대해 법무아문 권설재판소에서 총 다섯 차례 재판이 진행되었다. 그 가운데 일본영사 우치다 사다즈치(內田定?)가 1895년 3월 15일, 4월 1일, 4월 4일에 3차례 걸쳐 전봉준을 심문하였다. 조선 정부의 비자주성이 극렬히 드러나는 부분이다. 조선의 국권을 침탈하고 있는 일본, 그 영사에게 전봉준을 심문하도록 방치한 것이었다.



재판이 진행될 때, 일본인들이 전봉준에게 접근하여, 일본인 변호사에게 위탁하여 재판을 받아 살 길을 구해 보라고 회유까지 하였다. 전봉준은 이렇게 말하여 단호히 거절하였다.



"일본은 곧 나의 적국이다. 내 구구한 생명을 위하여 적국에 살 길을 구함은 본의가 아니라." (오지영, <동학사>(초고본))



법관이 형을 집행하기 전에 마지막으로 "가족에게 할 말이 있거든 말하라"는 말을 듣고, 전봉준은 다음과 같이 말하였다.



"나는 다른 말은 없다. 나를 죽일진대 종로 네거리에서 목을 베어, 오고 가는 사람에게 내 피를 뿌려 주는 것이 좋겠다. 어찌 컴컴한 적굴(賊窟) 속에서 몰래 죽이느냐."



전봉준은 1895년 4월 23일에 사형 선고를 받았고, 4월 24일 새벽 2시에 의금부 전옥서에서 교수형이 집행되어, 순국하였다. 그의 나이 41세였다.



전봉준은 항일 구국 운동인 2차 동학농민혁명을 총지휘한 장본인이었다. 이제라도 대한민국 정부와 국가보훈처는 일제의 국권 침탈에 맞서 항일투쟁의 총사령관으로 활동한 전봉준의 업적을 제대로 반영하여, 그를 독립유공자로 서훈하기 바란다.



저작권자(c) 오마이뉴스(시민기자), 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지

글쓰는 시골 농부가 전하는 ‘마음 농사 짓기’ - 전라일보

글쓰는 시골 농부가 전하는 ‘마음 농사 짓기’ - 전라일보


글쓰는 시골 농부가 전하는 ‘마음 농사 짓기’<마음 농사 짓기>_전희식 지음이병재 기자l승인2019.03.25l12면




글 쓰는 농부 전희식이 내 마음 농사를 짓는 이야기들을 담은 <마음 농사 짓기>(모시는 사람들)를 펴냈다.
‘마음 농사’는 농작물을 기르고, 사람과 더불어 일하고, 세상을 살리는 ‘농사 너머의 농사’다.
‘마음 농사’의 필요성은 우리가 처한 암울한 현실에 있다.

1인당 소득 1000불일 때도, 자식 둘 셋은 대학을 다녔는데, 소득 3만 불이 되어서는 아이 하나 키우기도 힘들고 50, 60대는 일할 곳이 없는 데 산업현장에서는 일손이 부족하고, 5000만이 넘는 인구에도 ‘출산율’이 안 오른다고 아우성인 실정이다.
‘나는 자연인인다!’ 같은 프로그램이 장년층에게 인기 프로그램으로 자리 잡은 이유는 역설적으로 우리 스스로가 행복한 삶이 무엇인지 숙고하기보다 여전히 외형의 크기와 성장 신화에 매여 있는 현실에서 살기 때문이다.

그런 우리들을 스스로 해방시키 위해서는 ‘농사 너머의 농사’가 필요하다는 생각이다.
이 책에 등장하는 ‘농사 너머의 농사’는 참으로 다양하다. 먹을 것을 기르는 일, 입을 것을 만드는 일, 살 집을 만들고 가꾸는 일, 함께사는 세상, 더불어 행복한 나라를 만들기 위해서 하는 일이 모두 농사가 된다.

마음(영성)수행, 민주화운동 역사증언, 이웃 할머니와 어울리기, 마실 다니기, 농촌 체험 단체손님 안내, 해외 명상 유적 탐방, 귀농과 마음수양 강연, 동네 쓰레기 청소, 환경 친화적 난방(땔감나무), 강아지 분양, 농사 용품 재활용, 친환경 생활여건 조성 공공신고 활동, 촛불시위 참여, 동네 어른들 봉양, 동네사람들, 농부의 시각으로 세상 바라기, 농업 관련 국제행사 참가, 귀농 강연, 시민사회활동, 한울살림 활동, 한울농법 보급, 사회장 장례 치르기 등 다 열거하기도 힘들다.

“나도 살고, 농사도 살고, 땅도 살고 그래서 지구도 살 수 있는, 글 쓰는 농부 전희식의 지혜가 아름답고 즐겁다.”(강성미 사단법인 유기농문화센터 원장)
전희식은 2006년부터 장수에서 농사짓고 산다. 농민단체와 생명평화단체, 채식과 명상단체에서 활동하고 있다. 저서로 <똥꽃>(2008, 그물코), <소농은 혁명이다>(2016, 모시는사람들), <옛 농사 이야기>(2017, 들녘) 등 여러권이 있다.

'노자'를 좋아하고 닮고자 했던 장일순 - 오마이뉴스

'노자'를 좋아하고 닮고자 했던 장일순 - 오마이뉴스

• [김삼웅의 인물열전] 무위당 장일순평전

'노자'를 좋아하고 닮고자 했던 장일순[무위당 장일순평전 64회] 장일순이 오염되지 않는 정신과 품격을 유지할 수 있었던 이유
19.01.27 15:16l최종 업데이트 19.01.27 15:16l
김삼웅(solwar)


▲ 장일순 선생의 생전의 모습 장일순 선생의 생전의 모습
ⓒ 전희식

관련사진보기
한국사회의 고질적인 병폐의 하나로 지도층 인사들의 언행불일치를 드는 사람이 많다. 말은 '요(堯)'처럼 하면서 행동은 '도척(盜拓)'을 방불케 한다는 점이다. 요는 중국 고대 전설상의 성군, 도척은 공자 시대 도적 무리의 수괴를 일컫는다. 정치인ㆍ언론인ㆍ종교인ㆍ재벌ㆍ문화계의 내로라하는 작자들의 언행이중성을 보면 실망을 넘어 분노케 한다.

그래서 어떤 분은 대한민국 엘리트의 능력과 도덕성이 일치가 될 때 민주공화국이 제대로 자리잡게 된 것이라고 말하였다. 말 따로 행동 따로를 밥 먹듯이 하면서, 시민들은 감쪽같이 속거나 더러는 알면서도 공범의식에서 뽑아주고 덮어준다.

그리고 무의식적으로 출세자들의 모습(방법)을 따르려 든다. 그것이 빠르다고 판단하기 때문이다. 일제강점기와 군사독재 그리고 그 아류들이 집권하면서 보여준, 변칙과 탈선의 행태이다.


광란의 시대에도 정도를 당당하게 걷는 분들도 없지 않았다. 장일순도 그중의 한 분이다.

'수심청정(守心淸淨)'이란 글씨를 자주 썼다.
"맑은 심성을 지니고 착하게 살라"는 뜻이다. 착하게 살려면 맑은 심성을 지녀야 한다. 도척의 마음을 갖고 요처럼 행동하기란 불가능하다.

장일순은 일체의 삿(邪) 됨과 속(俗) 됨이 없는 품격 있는 생각과 행동을 하고자 하였다. 세속에 살면서 그렇게 살기도 쉽지 않은 것이 현실이다. 하지만 그는 궁하면서도 흐트러지지 않았고, 가득 차 있는 것 같지만 비어 있는 사람 같았다. 기교를 모르고 어리숙하지만 진정성이 있고, 신분을 뛰어넘어 사람들과 사귀었다. 그가 태어난 시기, 그러니까 일제말기부터 이승만~노태우로 이어지는 야만성이 짙은 한국사회에서 지명도 있는 사람이 품격을 지키며 살기는 쉽지 않았다.

그런 시대에 장일순이 오염되지 않는 정신과 품격을 유지할 수 있었던 것은, 마음과 행동거지의 준거는 어디서 기원하는 것일까. 큰 줄기의 밑둥은 해월의 사상과 노자의 사유가 아닐까 싶다. 장일순은 노자를 유독 좋아하고 그를 닮고자 하였다.


▲ 교재로 쓰고 있는 "무위당 장일순의 노자이야기"이다 교재로 쓰고 있는 "무위당 장일순의 노자이야기"이다
ⓒ 장재완

관련사진보기
돌이켜 보면 속물들이 주류가 되던 시절에 장일순은 인품이 속되지 않고 고아한 자세로 살았다. 행동이 형식적인 인습의 굴레에서 얽매이지 않고 활달 무애하였다. 일반적으로 유교를 중정지도(中正之道), 불교를 원명지도(圓明之道), 도교를 현허지도(玄虛之道), 풍류도를 현묘지도(玄妙之道)라 하는데, 장일순은 도교와 풍류도 쪽에 가깝다.

노자를 좋아하고 그의 저술 『도덕경』은 늘 착상머리에 놓여 있었다. 사마천의 『사기』에 따르면 노자는 초나라 고현(苦懸) 여향(厲鄕) 곡인리 사람으로 성은 이(李) 씨이고, 이름은 이(耳), 자는 담(聃)이라 하였다. 주(周) 왕실의 수장실(守藏室)의 사(史)를 지냈다고 한다. '사'는 주나라 천자의 궁전 안에 있는 장서실의 책임자를 말한다.

우리 나라에는 오래 전부터 노자와 장자를 중심으로 하는 노장사상ㆍ노장철학이 들어왔다. 하지만 조선왕조 500년 간 공자의 유교사상이 중심이 되면서 노장사상은 아웃사이드의 처지였다. 하지만 사람들의 마음과 습성 속에는 노자의 사상이 살아 있다.

"지금도 우리는 아름다운 자연 속에 삶을 즐기는 사람들의 흐뭇한 광경에서, 또는 각박한 세파 속에서도 자기 분수를 알고 여유 있는 태도를 취하는 의젓한 사람에게서 또는 온갖 불행의 도전에 조금도 굴하는 법 없이 초연한 모습으로 자기소임을 다하는 사람에게서 늘 노자의 도가적 낌새를 느낀다. 그만큼 노자는 동양인의 생활 속에 또는 동양의 문화 속에 깊숙이 자리 잡고 있는 것이다." (주석 1)

그중의 하나가 장일순이었다.

속물의 시대에 구원을 찾던 장일순이 노자를 놓칠 리 없었다. 노자의 사상은 그의 생활철학이 되고 마음의 안식처로 자리 잡았다. 각박한 세태, 속물의 시대에도 청아한 마음과 청초한 생활을 지킬 수 있었던 것은 노자의 영향이 컸다.

주석
1> 김학주,『노자의 도가사상』, 3쪽, 명문당, 1998.



덧붙이는 글 | [김삼웅의 인물열전] 무위당 장일순 평전은 매일 여러분을 찾아갑니다.

[마방] 왜 사는가? 1-유초하_20160128

The Meaning of Life: From a Buddhist Perspective

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The Meaning of Life: From a Buddhist Perspective

byDalai Lama XIV

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Dave Benn

5.0 out of 5 stars Tibetan Book of the Dead

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2011

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Prior to the publcation of {The Tibean Book of the Dead} published 1927 by Evens Wentz & Lama Kazi Dawa Samdup there was a need for a more in depth teachings around rebirth.

A few years ago there eventualy came out a more definitive verson Gyurme Dorje & edited by Graham Coleman with Geshe Thupten Jimpa the above book was the first version to give direct instructions into the after death process leading towards a new rebirth.

Bit the first book that gave in depth instruction into this after death topic was {The meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspctive} comes from a series of talks by the present Dalai Lama on the after death experince in lectures given in 1984.

The text centres around famed picture the wheel of life.

From the central hub in which are three creaturs {A Pig, a Snake & a Cock that is at times depicted as a pigeon}. These creatures represent greed, anger & desire fueld by ignorent greed.

Beyond the next circle which is of ordinary people who develop into monks from lay practitioners into a new re-birth.

Another circle dispays varied realms from Hellish realms via Animal to Human which is the only realm from which escape is possible.

There are realms for Gods & Demi Gods which is a realm of super celbrity star light splendour which all are temporary in nature which coem to an end eventualy.

Around the edge of the wheel is sections of twelve links of dependent arising or different states & actions which from actions done & devlop into new situations.

The book is very lucid & is a book that needs to be followed as a meditaion practice guide after reading slowly to aid digestion.

Even if as an individual we still are not aware of the time of our death.

The Buddhist practioner aims towards a form of control that creates the karmic actions that help create a future re-birth in able to be able to help all being's devlop.

Take your time and digest this book slowly, you have all the time in eternity to mature & grow up to our full potential.

All the book is centred around a drawing tradionaly made as a teaching device created by the historic Buddha to explain Buddist rebirth teachings to a lay practioner.

Translated by Jeffey Hopkins this is a good book that covers a concept which all Buddhism follows no mater what tradition is followed or counrty of origin.

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Big Bill

4.0 out of 5 stars Good , but not the first book on the Subject to Read

Reviewed in Canada on 23 July 2017

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This is a translation of lectures given by The Dalai Lama. It is quite comprehensive , chapter titles include : The Buddhist Worldview ,

Life Impelled by Ignorance , Levels of the Path , The Value of Altruism , and Compassion and Wisdom Combined , with a foreword by Richard Gere and introduction by the translator Jeffery Hopkins. At the end of most sessions The Dalai Lama took and answered questions from the audience

, some of which are related to the lecture and some of which enter other areas , all are of benefit to the student. On a slightly more advanced level , it would not be considered an introduction to the subject.

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Tenzin Dudul

2.0 out of 5 stars The meaning of life from a Buddhist Perspective

Reviewed in Germany on 29 December 2019

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The book cover was not in a good condition

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Thomas F. Wold

5.0 out of 5 stars Important to understand

Reviewed in the United States on 23 February 2014

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Brings additional meaningful clarity to the concept of cause and effect. I recommend this book by the Dalai Lama as an important resource text.

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Kathy

5.0 out of 5 stars know words to be able to read this and have ...

Reviewed in the United States on 8 September 2016

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know words to be able to read this and have time to contemplate it, not what you want if your looking for easy

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Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama eBook: Goleman, Daniel: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama eBook: Goleman, Daniel: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store



Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama Kindle Edition

by Daniel Goleman (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars    122 ratings

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*Why do seemingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?



*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?



*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?



*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?



Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, provides the illuminating commentary—and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.



Destructive Emotions



Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the “three poisons”: craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psychological sophistication--which are now being confirmed by modern neuroscience. With new high-tech devices, scientists can peer inside the brain centers that calm the inner storms of rage and fear. They also can demonstrate that awareness-training strategies such as meditation strengthen emotional stability—and greatly enhance our positive moods.



The distinguished panel members report these recent findings and debate an exhilarating range of other topics: What role do destructive emotions play in human evolution? Are they “hardwired” in our bodies? Are they universal, or does culture determine how we feel? How can we nurture the compassion that is also our birthright? We learn how practices that reduce negativity have also been shown to bolster the immune system. Here, too, is an enlightened proposal for a school-based program of social and emotional learning that can help our children increase self-awareness, manage their anger, and become more empathetic.



Throughout, these provocative ideas are brought to life by the play of personalities, by the Dalai Lama’s probing questions, and by his surprising sense of humor. Although there are no easy answers, the dialogues, which are part of a series sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute, chart an ultimately hopeful course. They are sure to spark discussion among educators, religious and political leaders, parents—and all people who seek peace for themselves and the world.





The Mind and Life Institute sponsors cross-cultural dialogues that bring together the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist scholars with Western scientists and philosophers. Mind and Life VIII, on which this book is based, took place in Dharamsala, India, in March 2000.



—



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Length: 450 pages Word Wise: Enabled Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled

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Product description

From the Inside Flap

ingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?<br><br>*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?<br><br>*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?<br><br>*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?<br><br>Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of <b>Emotional Intelligence</b>, provides the illuminating commentary--and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.<br><br><b>Destructive Emotions<br><br></b>Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the “three poisons”: craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psyc --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"One of the most absorbing and, yes, entertaining reports of brainstorming in the public interest since Plato wrote up those symposia of Socrates." --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Book Description

In March 2000 a group of world-class scientists and philosophers sat down with the Dalai Lama to discuss the question of destructive emotions and how and where they originate from. In this illuminating commentary on the ensuing exchange, Daniel Goleman, author of the international bestseller Emotional Intelligence reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired, and th --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Daniel Goleman, PhD, covers the behavioural and brain sciences for the New York Times and his articles appear throughout the world in syndication. His previous books include Vital Lies, Simple Truths, The Meditative Mind, Emotional Intelligence and Working with Emotional Intelligence. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

*Why do seemingly rational, intelligent people commit acts of cruelty and violence?

*What are the root causes of destructive behavior?

*How can we control the emotions that drive these impulses?

*Can we learn to live at peace with ourselves and others?

Imagine sitting with the Dalai Lama in his private meeting room with a small group of world-class scientists and philosophers. The talk is lively and fascinating as these leading minds grapple with age-old questions of compelling contemporary urgency. Daniel Goleman, the internationally bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, provides the illuminating commentary--and reports on the breakthrough research this historic gathering inspired.

Destructive Emotions

Buddhist philosophy tells us that all personal unhappiness and interpersonal conflict lie in the "three poisons": craving, anger, and delusion. It also provides antidotes of astonishing psychological sophistication--which are now being confirmed by modern neuroscience. With new high-tech devices, scientists can peer inside the brain centers that calm the inner storms of rage and fear. They also can demonstrate that awareness-training strategies such as meditation strengthen emotional stability--and greatly enhance our positive moods.

The distinguished panel members report these recent findings and debate an exhilarating range of other topics: What role do destructive emotions play in human evolution? Are they "hardwired" in our bodies? Are they universal, or does culture determine how we feel? How can we nurture the compassion that is also our birthright? We learn how practices that reduce negativity have also been shown to bolster the immune system.Here, too, is an enlightened proposal for a school-based program of social and emotional learning that can help our children increase self-awareness, manage their anger, and become more empathetic.

Throughout, these provocative ideas are brought to life by the play of personalities,

by the Dalai Lama's probing questions, and by his surprising sense of humor. Although

there are no easy answers, the dialogues, which are part of a series sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute, chart an ultimately hopeful course. They are sure to spark discussion among educators, religious and political leaders, parents--and all people who seek peace for themselves and the world.

"The Mind and Life Institute sponsors cross-cultural dialogues that bring together the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist scholars with Western scientists and philosophers. "Mind and Life VIII, on which this book is based, took place in Dharamsala, India, in March 2000.



"From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to the paperback edition.



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Product details

File Size : 3509 KB

Print Length : 450 pages

Word Wise : Enabled

Publisher : Bantam; Reprint Edition (19 November 2008)

Enhanced Typesetting : Enabled

X-Ray : Not Enabled

Text-to-Speech : Enabled

Screen Reader : Supported

Language: : English

ASIN : B001LOEG22

Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars    122 ratings

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Top review from Australia

Manan.cm.au

TOP 1000 REVIEWER

5.0 out of 5 stars Sheer brilliance

Reviewed in Australia on 27 February 2019

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The book is a dialogue to analyse what constitute destructive Emotions. What triggers any emotions at all. And if there's a way to better understand and control destructive Emotions. Its a dialogue between bhuddist school of thought ( in a secular way) and western school of thought ( mostly neurology).



Dalai lama ( and other bhuddists) understanding of emotions is surprisingly simple and powerful.



Western psychology ( broad generalisation) focuses too little on generating awareness of emotions and understanding of emotions. It focuses more on external causes which caused the Emotional disturbance and then try to resolve them. Bhuddists come with a very clear distinction between reality as-is ( phenomenology) and our interpretation of reality. It then attempts to control our interpretation of reality by rationalising the thoughts.



From neurology point of view, the book highlights how certain part of brains are more lit on different emotions. There's no solutions though as neurology sits more on the symptom analysis side.



Book also touches on bhuddists understanding of self and western interpretation of self. Then it touches on impact of culture on our interpretation of self.



Its a brilliant read, full of wise contrasts from multiple school of thoughts.



The only negative I felt in the book was its writing style. Since it was a logical discussion, it's not easy to give it topical coherence.

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Nushinha

5.0 out of 5 stars Really good book!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2020

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Love this book by the first few pages I read!

Easy reading, and a good contexts.

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Tom H.

5.0 out of 5 stars 10/10

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2020

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Nice hardback, great book to read for a sense of calm

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goodallrounder

2.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 August 2017

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Not as good as Emotional Intelligence by Goleman. This book is written as more of an account of various conversations and it is difficult to find the facts among it.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2017

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Great book would reccomend to anyone having a bad time in their head

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MISS H COBLEY

4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 April 2018

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Nice quality paper back

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Aimee

Aug 08, 2009Aimee rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

I'm an atheist, but I find Buddhism to be a compelling religion. I admire the Dalai Lama (duh), but what is truly stunning is his scientific curiosity. Never before have a I heard a religious leader say that if scientific evidence contradicts the dogma of a religion, that religion *must change* to accommodate this new data - that's exactly what the Dalai Lama states in this book. Read it!

flag17 likes · Like  · 1 comment · see review

Michael Vagnetti

May 15, 2012Michael Vagnetti rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

It's unfortunate that this book is titled what it is. It's really a book of comparative psychology/philosophy of mind: Western vs. Buddhist. It explores in detail the complex Buddhist concept of emotions/afflictions, and how Western language and philosophy have framed ideas of compassion, mind, and ethics in contrasting ways. A practical bridge between the mythical elusiveness of concepts like nirvana and samsara and the way that the brain actually handles emotions across cultures. The scientists here major innovators in their fields, and each of them have published separately. (less)

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J

Nov 16, 2012J rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

This is not an easy read. This is not the kind of material that I breezed through and I've found that while the rational and logical aspects kept me rooted, some realizations along the way were pretty painful. I read this with a journal next to me. And I'm not finished reading it yet. The book offers a lot of self-reflection and one of the most poignant takeaways I received from this is how the Dalai Lama had to take a break during one seminar when he learned that Westerners hated themselves. He never thought that anyone can be capable of that.

I can read this over and over again, but in different phases of my life. Really grateful for this book. (less)

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KarmA1966

Nov 03, 2015KarmA1966 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

The structure of the book took some getting used to with its propensity for "dialogues". But the book holds many gems. One of my favorites takes place when the Dalai Lama is asked how we're supposed to have compassion for others.

This is paraphrased:

He said the greatest example of compassion is the compassion a mother has for her child. If we can take that type of compassion and focus it on all we come in contact with. That is compassion. That is love.

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Andreea

Jul 16, 2014Andreea rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

The book was written as the proceedings of the eighth Mind and Life meeting, having as the main topic destructive emotions. The biographies of the participants are as interesting as the topic of the discussion. In order to better portrait the participants, The author also gives some short information about their lives and what motivates them in their research. We are told about the Dalai Lama’s childhood and his interest in science from a young age. Another nice example is Jeanne Tsai, who was born in the US to Taiwanese parents. She was studying how cultural influences affect emotions and self perception. While reading the book I was left with the lasting impression that the scientists participating to the talk were doing this research out of altruism. They were motivated by how their findings could help people have a better mental state, be happier and increase their interior well-being.

One of the many interesting ideas shared during the Mind and Life meeting is that mediation can lead to changes in your neural circuits. In order to support this claim, Richard Davidson’s research regarding mental activity of subjects with a long experience in mediation is presented.

Each of the participants tried to bring their contribution to the topic being discussed. Alongside scientific results, views on the Western and Buddhist philosophy regarding emotions were presented.

The downside of this book was the form in which the information was organized. Throughout this book it I was under the impression that the author was doing exercises on how to turn direct into indirect speech. This made it quite hard to read.

Before encountering this book I had almost no knowledge about Buddhism or meditation practice. Although it does not give you an introduction into any of these topics, it has sparked my interest in both of them. (less)

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Raheel

Nov 08, 2012Raheel rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

A great primer for anyone who wants to get some knowledge on neuroscience. Additionally one would appreciate how the author explains on length different sections of the brains anatomy ,for many of the uninitiated it would be their first time coming across terms such as as Amygdala, Hippocampus , Frontal Lobes et al.

Going beyond just explaining brain anatomy , Daniel Goldman illustrates how all of these parts have a great bearing on our personalities and behavior.The book breaks through the Freudian consensus that has developed over the past century when it comes to behavior to a new paradigm .All in all a great reader for the specialist and the layman alike! (less)

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Lisa

Jan 21, 2008Lisa rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Unfortunately, Daniel Goleman rather gets in the way of the "dialogue” to which the title refers. He seems much more intent on creating a Dalai Lama hagiography than presenting the reader with a pellucid transcript of the proceedings of what, to be fair, does seem to have been an amazing colloquium. Notwithstanding the annoying smarminess of Goleman, the book has its moments. In particular I found discussions in which neuroscience research findings were described and related to Tibetan Buddhism to be extremely interesting. (less)

flag3 likes · Like  · 2 comments · see review

Kat, lover of bears...

Aug 02, 2018Kat, lover of bears... rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-reads, audible-read

The title of the book says it all, "A Scientific Dialog..." I should have realized that it would read like a "presentation" and not like the casual but informative "Book of Joy".

It was good and I enjoyed the information, but it was just a tad too "scientific" for me.

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Dawn Frese

Mar 03, 2017Dawn Frese rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

This book was perspective-changing for me. I came across this book when I was in a state of hurt and uncertainty. The combination of Western science and Eastern philosophy, and how to apply both to our lives, was incredibly engaging. If more people read this book, I think a lot of lives would be changed.

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Arber Halitaj

Sep 16, 2020Arber Halitaj rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Definitely one of my favorite books. Besides being very informative on emotions, it is a great example of religion and science working together towards a common goal.

I enjoyed every part of the discussions.

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Carlos

Jul 02, 2012Carlos added it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Perhaps one of the most important books I have ever read. I am quite impressed with the Dalai Lama and his interest in science. Specially in the area of Mental Health where western psychology is failing the citizens by ignoring the science they should be knowing. The Dalai Lama is not only interested in rational thinking, but in the quantitative empirical research which provides answers to important questions. I too am impress with this religious leader's statement indicating that when complelin ...more

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Christi

Mar 21, 2008Christi rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

Recommended to Christi by: Brandon DeCuir

Fascinating! While it was a long read (because I kept re-reading), it was worth every minute. This book is the account of the eighth Mind and Life meeting, held March of 2000 in Dharamsala, India.

While reading, I actually felt as if I were sitting amongst the renowned scientist, monks and philosophers. This conference combines ancient Buddhist wisdom and breakthroughs in a variety of fields of scientific study (neuroscience to child development). The relevant discoveries illustrate how we can recognize and transform emotions that pose threats to us as individuals and our collective fate. To say the least, I found this book an intellectual feast of dialogue.

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Luke Fullagar

Oct 20, 2015Luke Fullagar rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

I *loved* how this potted summary of the conference afforded the narrative a relaxed feel.

It was so much fun hearing the way each of these luminaries would interject with their two cents when the conversation would turn to points of cultural difference.

The extended treatment of the three poisons and their twenty derivatives was the best I've come across.

Just so many subtle moments in this book where he smallest of distinctions opened whole new possibilities for how I conceive of the role emotions play in experience, and especially the destructive activity of very subtle 'negative' emotionality.

Top shelf read, cover to cover. (less)

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Elizabeth

Jan 18, 2009Elizabeth rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

This record of conversations between the Dalai Lama, Buddhist scholars and American & European psychologists and neuroscientists was absolutely delightful. There were big, complicated ideas discussed, but explained! This book gave me a lot to think about, (like the idea that anger isn't necessarily something innate we can't get rid of). Hmmmmm. (less)

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Krystal

Oct 23, 2009Krystal rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

Everything I love, spirituality, psychology, neurology.

flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review

Maximilian Stark

Oct 06, 2020Maximilian Stark rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: american, philosophy, psychology, nonfiction

By now, this book is twenty years old, so some of its core ideas have since seeped into mainstream psychology and do not look as radical today as they must have back then. Social-emotional learning is a well-known idea, even if implementation is slow; putting experienced meditators, monks etc. into brain MRTs to see the changes in their brain function as they meditate or pray is not an esoteric idea anymore; and practices like mindfulness are considered fairly standard fare in modern psychological treatment.

This change is at least in part due to the efforts of the participants of the Mind and Life symposiums who worked to bring Buddhist practices and ideas into the view of Western psychology and validating these ideas and the efficacy of these practices under modern scientific scrutiny. in "Destructive Emotions," some of the most respected contemporary psychologists and neuroscientists work with the Dalai Lama and a delegation of Buddhist monks and philosophers to answer one core question: How can the methods of either of these schools of thought be employed to resolve destructive emotions in people all over the world--emotions which lead to bad mental health, interpersonal conflict, bigotry, and even violence. It's a true dialogue, and thus makes for an extremely interesting read.

If I have one criticism about this book, it is in the overall form. Daniel Goleman (the inventor of the idea of emotional intelligence) chose to structure it as a fairly close retelling of the symposium, sometimes slipping into a descriptive prose that has nothing to do with ideas or science and instead describes the weather or certain people's facial expressions. There is also an entire chapter that is simply a biography / glowing endorsement of the Dalai Lama, which seems out of place.

However, this is not enough reason for me not to consider this a five-star-book. The overview of two different, yet often surprisingly similar understandings of the human mind and two philosophies of emotion makes for a fascinating read. (less)

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Sarah Rigg

Nov 23, 2018Sarah Rigg rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

The book is largely a transcript of a multi-day meeting between Buddhists and brain scientists, and one of the big topics in the book is how to teach children "emotional and social intelligence"; that includes things like recognizing and coping with your own negative emotions, learning to recognize emotions in others, and learning to calm down and not react violently in response to negative emotions that arise. I was really impressed that he and the brain scientists agreed that it was necessary to find a secular way of presenting the information. How many evangelistic Christians would be so enthusiastic about turning the precepts of their religion into something secular to make it more widely accepted and applicable?

One highlight:

Typically, therapists who work with people who have explosive anger issues try to lengthen the time between when the person gets angry and when they act on that anger (i.e. "Take a deep breath and count to ten."). In Buddhist psychology, they believe in trying to catch the anger even earlier, and learning to notice the thought processes that lead up to the feeling of anger. Say a man is in line and someone cuts in front of him. He begins to think, "That's not fair. That person is a jerk." Then he gets angry. Then he is tempted to push the person or say something nasty. Traditional therapy would tell the man to breathe deep, count to ten, and not take action until he'd calmed down. The Buddhist approach is to try to catch yourself earlier, while you're in the "unfair" part of the thought process, and re-frame. "Maybe he didn't see me. Anyway, it's no big deal, and nothing worth losing my cool over." That way, you might even be able to stop yourself from getting really angry, much less acting on it. (less)

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Manan Younas

Feb 27, 2019Manan Younas rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Sheer brilliance

The book is a dialogue to analyse what constitute destructive Emotions. What triggers any emotions at all. And if there's a way to better understand and control destructive Emotions. Its a dialogue between bhuddist school of thought ( in a secular way) and western school of thought ( mostly neurology).

Dalai lama ( and other bhuddists) understanding of emotions is surprisingly simple and powerful.

Western psychology ( broad generalisation) focuses too little on generating awareness of emotions and understanding of emotions. It focuses more on external causes which caused the Emotional disturbance and then try to resolve them. Bhuddists come with a very clear distinction between reality as-is ( phenomenology) and our interpretation of reality. It then attempts to control our interpretation of reality by rationalising the thoughts.

From neurology point of view, the book highlights how certain part of brains are more lit on different emotions. There's no solutions though as neurology sits more on the symptom analysis side.

Book also touches on bhuddists understanding of self and western interpretation of self. Then it touches on impact of culture on our interpretation of self.

Its a brilliant read, full of wise contrasts from multiple school of thoughts.

The only negative I felt in the book was its writing style. Since it was a logical discussion, it's not easy to give it topical coherence. (less)

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Leila Dedovic

Nov 26, 2018Leila Dedovic rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

The book is great!

I especially liked the part about neuroscience, which explains how the brain reacts to certain emotions.

I would also point out the part about the education of children with the exercises for understanding and overcoming negative emotions, which certainly improves their quality of life. I would like this part to be read as much as possible by teachers, pedagogues, parents and others who cooperate with little children. It can potentially improve the whole world.

I liked the closer presentation of the participants. All of them are eminent personalities that I would like to know more about and of course their work.

What I would change is the title of the book since it is actually a matter of comparing the Western and Buddhist perspectives to emotions, or mental states, with the intention of getting the best of both of them in order to make the world a better place.

All in all, I'm satisfied with the book. I would recommend it primarily to psychologists, teachers and all of those who want to better understand the nature of emotions and oneself so they and the whole world could be happy. (less)

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Amy

Apr 09, 2019Amy rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

Having attended a speaking event with the Dalai Lama in college and taking up the practice of mindful meditation a few years ago, this book's description intrigued me. I listened to the full unabridged reading of this and found the topics discussed interesting even though it did read almost as a transcript or a textbook of neuroscience, biology, and philosophy. (Seriously....sometimes you have to push through in places). Perhaps the abridged version would be better? Don't know.

The Mind and Life meetings sound fascinating and I wish I could attend them.

Here are a few of the topics discussed: Eastern vs Western thinking, the affectation of physiological components on mood, emotion and brain areas, the brain workings of meditators, ponderings of teaching/training methods to help childrens and adults with destructive emotions, the negativity of dreams, and anger with the delusion and decrease in intelligence that comes with it. (less)

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Ray Lo

Dec 25, 2019Ray Lo rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: makes-u-think, whatchutalkin-bout-willis

I think this book is 200 pages too long. It s the result of a five day conference between HH Dalai Lama and others, but it is just too big. Also it tends to get too technical and theoretical. So in that way it is not self help! Good points for comparative study east-west though.

Another issue is that in some way this book is outdated, after all it is 20 years old, that is before mirror neurons and mindfullness got famous, so the techniques and methodology of the researchers is maybe a little old by now. One should also bear in mind that you should read Golemans books in chronological order, where as I went backwards (Meditation, Emotional Intelligence, Destructive Emotions) and was faced with facts now being widely accepted, but in this book rather experimental. (less)

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Gina McNiel

Jul 13, 2019Gina McNiel rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

I enjoy any article or book connected to His Holiness the Dalai Lama so it was inevitable that I would eventually read this book. The format of the book was a little difficult to track at times as the author was the recorder and mediator over a week long conference which included the Dalai Lama and various psychologists, monks and professors. The book was thought provoking but lacked a continuity that I could not explain. It could be from the observer point of view that it took or in that the purpose of the meeting was to just start a dialogue on destructive emotions. I went a away a little more confused than I started. (less)

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Five-Toed Sloth Bear

Aug 15, 2017Five-Toed Sloth Bear rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

A little background on me: At a time when adversity led to anger that was destroying my physical and mental health (those that know me can easily locate that abyss in time), I found the book Destructive Emotions by the Dalai Lama and Daniel Goleman. It brought together the more philosophical side of Buddhism (which could be considered one of the world's oldest and most effective psychologies) with Western psychology. It really brought me out of the nosedive and led to the journey of reading that has me currently on The Book of Joy. (less)

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Shrestha

Dec 13, 2018Shrestha rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

I really appreciated the melding of minds between neuroscientists and Buddhist monks. It helps you rethink and delve deeper into basic human interactions and feelings. Also makes you think about how you can apply the findings of the meeting that was discussed in this book to your personal life. I am also glad to know that many more fruitful discussions were carried on after this event and I am curious to know more about them. Hopefully one day that day will come when we can all be Masters of our emotions and increase understanding and tolerance in the society. (less)

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John Kemp

May 15, 2019John Kemp rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

It's always good to hear that the human race is capable of bettering itself in these depressing times. Even better if this hope is supported by hard science and fuelled by buzzwords like neuroplasticity and mindfulness. My question is then what has happened in the near twenty years since this meeting was convened? It does not feel like we have entered a new world of positive psychology and grounded optimism. Perhaps the polarisation of Western culture is just a symptom of the scale of this struggle... (less)

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Sushma Suresh Babu

Jun 02, 2019Sushma Suresh Babu rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Highly informative. It's really really cool that the Dalai Lama concerns himself with keeping Buddhism abreast with scientific findings. His insight into the psychology of the brain is remarkable.

Through the book Buddhist and English vocabulary for describing mental states/emotions are discussed which clearly draws out how much of an impact the vocabulary you familiarize yourself with can have on a society's emotional literacy and temperament.

My only misgiving with this book is the perceptible effort Goldman makes to deify the Dalai Lama. (less)

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Jayana Charles

Jul 27, 2018Jayana Charles rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: books-for-2018

I took a really long time to read this book. I tried to glean as much as possible but for some reason I did not like it as much as I thought I would. It is the snapshot of what happens at a popular seminar so maybe it was not my style. I was strongly tempted to DNF it a lot of times, but I powered through. I I really like the authors other works, so I wont give up on him as yet.

Or maybe I was just in a reading slump or just depressed and did not enjoy the book as much as I should have.

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Melissa

Nov 19, 2018Melissa rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

This read is like putting an ear to the door of many scholared people having intimate discussions about their specialties. The marrying of eastern and western perspectives is valuable, informative, and much needed. Though the publication date of this book predates many of the current findings on the power of meditation and mindfulness in countering some the negative states of mind, it gives rise to an understanding of where and why some of that research started.

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Lauren Ocean

Jan 19, 2019Lauren Ocean rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Hard to explain the 3 stars since this is totally up my alley in terms of topic and information presented. I just didn’t care for the “book about a seminar” aspect. I would have rather seen the conversations as they occurred or have a book primarily about the conclusions reached, versus this retelling of a weekend full of discussions and lectures.

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Steven Day

Oct 29, 2016Steven Day rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

The 3rd of these books I've read and it had some really interesting points but there was no real conclusion other than read the books by the others involved in the discussion! Kept my attention but heavier going than the other books.

The Meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspective by Dalai Lama XIV | Goodreads

The Meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspective by Dalai Lama XIV | Goodreads
Using the traditional Buddhist allegorical image of the Wheel of Life and the teaching of the twelve links of dependent origination, the Dalai Lama deftly illustrates how our existence, though fleeting and often full of woes, brims with the potential for peace and happiness. We can realize that potential by cultivating a wise appreciation of the interdependency of actions and experience, and by living a kind and compassionate life. A life thus lived, the Dalai Lama teaches, becomes thoroughly meaningful for both oneself and for others.

The Meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspective

by Dalai Lama XIV, Jeffrey Hopkins

 3.81  ·   Rating details ·  248 ratings  ·  33 reviews

The Dalai Lama explains the spiritual path based on the famous Buddhist image of the Wheel of Life.

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Paperback, 128 pages

Published June 25th 1993 by Wisdom Publications (MA) (first published 1993)

ISBN0861710967 (ISBN13: 9780861710966)

Edition LanguageEnglish

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The Meaning of Life: Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect

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 Average rating3.81  ·  Rating details ·  248 ratings  ·  33 reviews



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Caroline

Jun 21, 2008Caroline rated it really liked it

I listened to this book while running, as I have taken to listening to books while on a trail, in my Zen zone. So some of my difficulty following it may have been related to that. However, in my opinion, this is one of the most complicated books the Dalai Lama has written. Many parts of it make an, "aha!", with me, however, it was still difficult to understand and I found myself rewinding a few times.



However, it resonates with Jungian philosophy, the concept of the collective unconscious as well as object relations theorists. Basically, one of the main points is that attachment to objects commences with projective tendencies, or objects or situations or people that have collective meaning from reincarnation. So we already have a preconceived notion of meaning from objects. We must meditate on actual meaning in order to infer truth in order to explore inner truth.



(less)

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Nate

Sep 29, 2012Nate rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: eastern-literature, buddhism

This book describes the 12 stages of dependent-arising through life as depicted by the complex image that appears on the back of the book (unfortunately I forget the name). The Dalai Lama also describes how each of these stages resolve not only through life but how tantra, yoga, and the process of meditation/Buddhist practice will affect your journey in cyclic existence. While explaining cyclic existence and how it applies to [your] life could be read as "The Meaning of Life", those looking for a Viktor Frankl type explanation should look elsewhere. The density of this material makes its accessibility suspect. (less)

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Billie Pritchett

Aug 26, 2017Billie Pritchett rated it liked it

Shelves: buddhism

Dalai Lama's Meaning of Life... has some good merits. He describes some of the major Buddhist artworks that illustrate the cosmology and metaphysics of Buddhism; I'd like to get my hands on some of these prints. I also enjoyed how practical some of the teachings could be. For instance, the Dalai Lama recommends that we can learn most about ourselves in how we handle adversity. The drawbacks to the work are the particulars of Buddhist doctrine. If you're into learning the ins-and-outs of the dogma, this might suit you, but for my own taste I wasn't as interested in the specifics of Tibetan Buddhism in this work as I was in the practical advice. I'll read another book to get to know more about Tibetan Buddhism. (less)

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Sarah

Oct 16, 2011Sarah rated it it was ok

Shelves: nonfiction, religion

This book is a little dense for a reader who is unfamiliar with the basic tenets of buddhism. It describes the 12 stages of dependent arising through life and the buddhist tenets of reincarnation. For non-buddhist readers, it does not give much advice on the meaning of life - except seeking to become compassionate to all living beings. There are some issues with the translation of this book, which may make the subject matter seem denser than it really is.

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Kate

Feb 24, 2014Kate rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Regardless of your religious affiliation, the Dalai Lama's books are always insightful and beautifully written. The text is a tad more complex than some of his other writings. For some people, this book may be a little too advanced in the teachings of Buddhism. However, for those who are deeply curious about having a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, this is the book for you. The Dalai Lama always teaches a way to help people find more meaning and purpose in their life.

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Frank Cardenas

Apr 18, 2010Frank Cardenas rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

An honest account of Dalai Lama's beliefs and teachings. As the title goes, we might finally find a sense to our very nature, maybe are we here for a purpose? and in his answers you can find a possibility that makes more sense to what I have been taught so far.

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Victoria

Jan 27, 2019Victoria rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

This book is definitely full of "gems of wisdom." Unfortunately, most of these gems will be lost on western audiences. This book was made for western audiences as it is a compilation of lectures given by the Dalai Lama in London but most westerners will not understand some of the concepts presented in this work. One of the things that The Meaning of Life does really well is to describe the Wheel of Cyclic Existence. After this discussion, the book should have gone into how westerners should/could operate within this wheel as certain passages seem to reflect that westerners cannot escape the cycle of rebirth. The book should have gone into how ignorance can be mitigated and how compassion and altruism could grow within a western framework and also from the layman's Buddhist perspective that the Dalai Lama briefly mentioned. (less)

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Dubzor

Mar 08, 2017Dubzor rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

A great "next level" book for those who practice and have already gained a moderate understand and the Way.



The deeper analysis of cause and effect in relation to cyclic existence and karma helps provide a better understanding of how your actions influence and have been influenced by previous actions. In this way, one who practices may find a themselves more effective in their attempts to understand what it means to practice in everyday life.



On the downside, the final two chapters focusing on enlightenment and buddhahood are amazingly complex and difficult to decipher. I know I didn't get it at all, and will most likely have to read these pages again many times before I ever will. (less)

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Elisabeth Blue

Jun 30, 2019Elisabeth Blue rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Quite intriguing and complicate book. Complex insight and interesting questions. I don’t understand why the name of the book is the meaning of life when the inside is not that much about life but more about Buddhism points and answers to some questions or too many details on vacuity and lamas.

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Navneet Nair

Mar 09, 2020Navneet Nair rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

From the 12 links up to tantra



A quick overview of the middle scope, great scope and tantra. Very concise and very useful. His Holiness is amazing at condensing vast teachings into easy and digestible chunks

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Seth

Oct 10, 2020Seth rated it it was ok

A collection of essays/speeches given by the 14th Dalai Lama.

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robin friedman

Nov 21, 2016robin friedman rated it it was amazing



As with the other books of the Dalai Lama I have read, this book combines difficult and obscure teachings with the simplicity of the everyday. The book consists of the text of a lecture series the Dalai Lama gave in London in 1984, before he received the Nobel Prize. The title of the book together with its subtitle "Buddhist perspectives on cause and effect" give some idea of its breadth.

The first two lectures in the book, together with Professor Jeffery Hopkins's introduction discuss the fundamental Buddhist doctrine of Dependent Origination. The discussion is based upon an exposition of a famous Tibetan painting of the Wheel of Existence which is beautifully reproduced, in whole and in a number of details following page 40. Turn to the painting before beginning to read the book and refer to it while reading both Hopkins and the Dalai Lama.



The Doctrine of Dependent Origination teaches the both the impermanence and interrelationship of things we take in our everyday lives as substantial. It talks about the pervasive effect of ignorance and its immediate consequences, lust and hatred, in poisoning our lives and attitudes. It offers an antidote towards breaking the wheel of selfishness in the doctrine of non-self.

If this sounds obscure, it is. In a famous Sutra in the Pali canon, the Buddha rebukes his disciple Ananda when Ananda thinks he understands the teaching. The Dalai Lama presents the doctrine not as a dispositive treatment, which can't be done, but to stimulate reflection and meditation by the reader.



Following the discussion of Dependent Origination, there are almost equally difficult discussions of the Buddhist doctrine of Karma (causality and intentionality) and discussions of specifically Tibetan Tantric practices. Interlaced with the specifically Buddhist doctrinal discussions are discussions of the goal of the doctrines which the Dalai Lama describes (page 34) as "to tame one's mental continuum-- to become nonviolent." This in turn is divided into two levels: altruism, or helping others, and, perhaps more broadly, doing no harm. According to the Dalai Lama (page 35) "The chief quality of a buddha is great compassion; this is why it is appropriate to take refuge in a buddha."



As always with the Dalai Lama, his goal is to teach and not to convert. He seems somewhat skeptical in this book with the rush of Westerners to adopt Tibetan Buddhism which, he points out, is a form of Buddhism adopted to the specific culture of Tibet rather than to Western culture. Although Tibetan Buddhism does not recognize a creator God, he urges those people comfortable with their own religions to adhere to them as proper sources of spiritual realization and inner peace. For those unable to adopt any religion, (those committed to Western secularism) he urges reflection and self-understanding as a means to end suffering.



Similarly, the Dalai Lama emphasizes that the Buddha taught different people in different ways depending on their background and their readiness for religious teachings. Many people, particularly those in the West, must find their path through life in the everyday workaday world rather than meditating in a forest. The Dalai Lama recognizes and encourages people to work through to their salvation in a way appropriate to and consistent with their individual situation. Wise advice.



This is not one of the Dalai Lama's easier books to read. But it will stay with the careful reader. The painting of the Wheel of Dependent Origination is well reproduced, Professor Hopkins's introduction is valuable, and the book has a good bibliography for those wishing to pursue sources further. The teachings may not make the reader a Tibetan Buddhist; indeed that is not their intention. They may, however, bring some guidance and insight to the reader.



Robin Friedman (less)

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Mary

Feb 28, 2011Mary rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: anyone who has read the Dhammapada or other beginning books on Buddhism.

Very good, nice explanations of some of the truths and other Buddhist teaching. My fave part is: "Because sentient beings are of many and various dispositions and interests, Buddha set forth many different levels of practice. Recognizing this is helpful not only in gaining a proper perspective on Buddhist teachings but also in developing respect from the depths of the heart for the different types of religious systems that are present in this world, since they are all beneficial to those who believe in them. Even though the differences in philosophy are tremendous, often fundamental, still one can see that, relative to the interests and dispositions of various types of beings, those philosophies are appropriate and beneficial in the conduct of the persons' lives. Through understanding this, deep respect will be engendered. Today we need this kind of mutual respect and understanding." THE DALAI LAMA (less)

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Lizzie

Jan 24, 2016Lizzie rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Buddhists

Shelves: matters-of-mind

I, too, was expecting another book than the one I got and had to recalibrate my expectations based on the book I actually bought vs. the book I thought I was buying. This is an insightful, semi-digestible (though not nearly as accessible as the Dalai Lama's other writings and transcribed lectures). As a spectator of Buddhism, but not a participant, I appreciated the detail of the proposed process of reincarnation and it is sprinkled with Dalai Lama-sized truth bombs throughout. I tend to think this would be a more appropriate read for someone who is already practicing Buddhism and who is looking for more of an advanced, nuanced look at the Buddhist Wheel of Life. But as someone simply curious about religious practices, it was still a worthwhile read and didn't take too long to finish, despite the weightiness of its content. (less)

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Emna

Jan 04, 2013Emna rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Excellent read, full of wisdom and important teaching about the aim that we need to define for our lives..I always find some sense of serenity when reading the books from Dalai Lama indeed! I will definitely read the rest of his writings. The major points of Buddhism referred to in this book are the 3 main evils for the mind : ignorance, attachment and aversion. In the opposite, the perfections of the mind are six points and are: generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom. The section of questions / answers is very enjoyable as it tackles pragmatic questioning from the audience (the book is indeed a transcript of a conference that took place in London with the Dalai-Lama). (less)

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T

Jul 10, 2014T rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: diverse-interesting-learning

While rather esoteric at times and clearly meant to be a deep dive rather than an introduction (NOT for people new to Buddhist philosophy), I found this to be a deeply fascinating exploration of the Tibetan Buddhist world view. At times it skewed to belief systems that are specifically Tibetan (I think), but at other times it also included really excellent summaries of general Buddhist teachings on a philosophical level with a bit of humor thrown in here and there as well. It made me wish I'd been at this conference. (less)

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Elixxir

Apr 08, 2010Elixxir rated it liked it

If I had half an ounce more smarts I'd be able to rate this book much higher. As it is I was in way over my head, so I just plowed through and tried to glean as much from it as I could. Which was a surprising amount. The Dalai is a funny guy and he has the ability to force A-HA! moments on even the newest of us. Definitely a book I want to re-read when my Buddhist knowledge base is a little more extensive.

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Kevin Summers

Apr 01, 2016Kevin Summers rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: adult

Most of this book is esoteric, so I couldn’t highly recommend it to non-Buddhists. Regardless, the book has several nuggets of wisdom.



Sample quote:

“Question: I find it difficult to comprehend all the different levels of practice. What is a simple, basic practice that I could bear in mind? Answer: At best, if you are able to do so, help others. If you are not able to do so, at least do not harm others. This is the main practice."

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Juliane Roell

May 02, 2010Juliane Roell rated it liked it

Shelves: dharma, buddhism

I read the Q+A-parts and only skimmed the rest of the book. The questions touch many topics, not just the 12 links of dependent-arising, which is the subject of the lectures transcribed in this book. I found the Dalai Lama's answers to the questions interesting, wise and practical. Will probably come back to the book at a later time.

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Sean

Jan 12, 2014Sean rated it did not like it  ·  review of another edition

Surprisingly difficult, metaphysical, and unapproachable. I'd expected something a bit more applicable to daily life, written for the common man/woman, rather than for students of esoteric aspects of Buddhism.

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Sabio

Jul 15, 2007Sabio rated it it was amazing

Shelves: buddhism

As always, very solid !

====

The Meaning of Life: From a Buddhist Perspective

byDalai Lama XIV

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Dave Benn

5.0 out of 5 stars Tibetan Book of the Dead

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2011

Verified Purchase

Prior to the publcation of {The Tibean Book of the Dead} published 1927 by Evens Wentz & Lama Kazi Dawa Samdup there was a need for a more in depth teachings around rebirth.

A few years ago there eventualy came out a more definitive verson Gyurme Dorje & edited by Graham Coleman with Geshe Thupten Jimpa the above book was the first version to give direct instructions into the after death process leading towards a new rebirth.

Bit the first book that gave in depth instruction into this after death topic was {The meaning of Life from a Buddhist Perspctive} comes from a series of talks by the present Dalai Lama on the after death experince in lectures given in 1984.

The text centres around famed picture the wheel of life.

From the central hub in which are three creaturs {A Pig, a Snake & a Cock that is at times depicted as a pigeon}. These creatures represent greed, anger & desire fueld by ignorent greed.

Beyond the next circle which is of ordinary people who develop into monks from lay practitioners into a new re-birth.

Another circle dispays varied realms from Hellish realms via Animal to Human which is the only realm from which escape is possible.

There are realms for Gods & Demi Gods which is a realm of super celbrity star light splendour which all are temporary in nature which coem to an end eventualy.

Around the edge of the wheel is sections of twelve links of dependent arising or different states & actions which from actions done & devlop into new situations.

The book is very lucid & is a book that needs to be followed as a meditaion practice guide after reading slowly to aid digestion.

Even if as an individual we still are not aware of the time of our death.

The Buddhist practioner aims towards a form of control that creates the karmic actions that help create a future re-birth in able to be able to help all being's devlop.

Take your time and digest this book slowly, you have all the time in eternity to mature & grow up to our full potential.

All the book is centred around a drawing tradionaly made as a teaching device created by the historic Buddha to explain Buddist rebirth teachings to a lay practioner.

Translated by Jeffey Hopkins this is a good book that covers a concept which all Buddhism follows no mater what tradition is followed or counrty of origin.

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Big Bill

4.0 out of 5 stars Good , but not the first book on the Subject to Read

Reviewed in Canada on 23 July 2017

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This is a translation of lectures given by The Dalai Lama. It is quite comprehensive , chapter titles include : The Buddhist Worldview ,

Life Impelled by Ignorance , Levels of the Path , The Value of Altruism , and Compassion and Wisdom Combined , with a foreword by Richard Gere and introduction by the translator Jeffery Hopkins. At the end of most sessions The Dalai Lama took and answered questions from the audience

, some of which are related to the lecture and some of which enter other areas , all are of benefit to the student. On a slightly more advanced level , it would not be considered an introduction to the subject.

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Tenzin Dudul

2.0 out of 5 stars The meaning of life from a Buddhist Perspective

Reviewed in Germany on 29 December 2019

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The book cover was not in a good condition

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Thomas F. Wold

5.0 out of 5 stars Important to understand

Reviewed in the United States on 23 February 2014

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Brings additional meaningful clarity to the concept of cause and effect. I recommend this book by the Dalai Lama as an important resource text.

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Kathy

5.0 out of 5 stars know words to be able to read this and have ...

Reviewed in the United States on 8 September 2016

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know words to be able to read this and have time to contemplate it, not what you want if your looking for easy

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