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Dalai Lama for Beginners

MidpackMidpack
edited April 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I am very new to this, but fascinated and reading everything I can. There are so many books by/with the Dalai Lama, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good one to start with for an absolute beginner? Or are they not for beginners? Thanks so much, hope to go to the library Sat morning!

Comments

  • StarbreezeStarbreeze
    edited April 2010
    The Art of Happiness. It is the book that got me interested in Buddhism. I personally think it is absolutely brilliant.
  • physicsstudentphysicsstudent
    edited April 2010
    Seconded. The Art of Happiness was my introduction to Buddhism, too. It is an amazing book by any account.

    One book that I would not recommend for beginners is "Essential Teachings", as it wasn't intended for a western audience and has lots of semi-translated words that didn't make sense to me.

    In general, I've found his books to either be either of the 'amazing life changing wisdom' variety, or of the 'completely incomprehensible' variety, with essentially no middle ground. The latter are always books that have been created from lectures intended for a non-western audience.

    I note this because I'm sure everyone will say what all the amazing books he's written are, and he's written so very, very many of them. He's one of my favorite authors, period. But you should be equally aware of what books are not as useful.
  • ManiMani Veteran
    edited April 2010
    The above recommendation is a good one. For another one, I might suggest "How to Practice- The Way to a Meaningful Life" also. I found it to be useful when I was first starting out.

    M
  • MidpackMidpack
    edited April 2010
    About half-way through Art of Happiness now, thanks. Also picked up the update Art of Happiness in a Troubled World also.

    "How to Practice- The Way to a Meaningful Life" was checked out by someone else, but I requested it so I plan to read that one too.

    Thanks folks...
  • David_2009David_2009
    edited April 2010
    I've got his 'How to Practice', I haven't finished it yet (and really need to start reading it again), but, it is definitely really helpful and inspiring.
  • shenpennangwashenpennangwa
    edited April 2010
    Mani wrote: »
    The above recommendation is a good one. For another one, I might suggest "How to Practice- The Way to a Meaningful Life" also. I found it to be useful when I was first starting out.

    M
    Yes, this is an excellent suggestion for someone who wants to put HHDL's teachings into practice.
  • SimonthepilgrimSimonthepilgrim Veteran
    edited April 2010
    If you want to understand where HHDL is coming from and what is his underlying belief structure, I would recommend the book he gave to my son, The World of Tibetan Buddhism:

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/World-Tibetan-Buddhism-Overview-Philosophy/dp/0861710975/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271431300&sr=8-2

    He is an inveterate scribbler and there are shelves of his books, including two autobiographies (which are interesting to compare).
  • harlanharlan
    edited April 2010
    All I need is a picture of his face. Pure joy. That's all I need to know. :)
  • TheswingisyellowTheswingisyellow Trying to be open to existence Samsara Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Hello,
    I would recommend "How to see yourself as you really are" I found it to be very informative and thought provoking, I liked it alot. I just picked up 'The world of Tibetan Buddhism" but have not started it yet.
    Yours in the Dharma,
    Todd
  • LifeIsSufferingLifeIsSuffering
    edited April 2010
    I am just as much of a fan of the Dalai Lama's teachings as anyone - but I would actually suggest not starting with him. This is even more true with his audio teachings than with his books. So state why I would say that he switches back and forth - In his teachings between both Tibetan and Indian Buddhism. Jumping between the two and the sanskrit/tibetan/english terminology could become a bit confusing.

    On the extreme opposite some of his books simply "Based on and Influenced by Buddhist Thought" rather than a specific Tibetan Buddhist Practice. He does this often for his western audience who may not have had much contact with Dharma. I in no way mean any harm when I say this - it is merely my observation.

    As far a good book I suggest "Fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism" (Novick).
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