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Résumé
The Tibetan leader presents a plan for a new human and social paradigm, arguing that man is not inherently sinful, and discussing how redirection in the perception of our fundamental natures can bring positive change.
Critiques (5)
Critique de School Library Journal
YA-The Dalai Lama examines the world, its ills, and its coming changes in a disarmingly conversational style that engages readers. With a perspective that should appeal to teens weary of negativity, he offers an encouraging view of the future, arguing convincingly that we humans are better than we tend to believe. Avoiding technical terms and dogma, he presents Buddhist values and ethics, chiefly the dynamic of compassion and a recognition of the "complex interlinking of relationships," in such a way that individuals from a variety of cultural or religious backgrounds can understand their application to modern dilemmas and personal choices. Chapters focus on concepts such as restraint, discernment, non-harming, and responsibility as they apply to far-ranging subjects including the environment, disarmament, religion, science, and education. In a world in which many historical boundaries are becoming irrelevant, he focuses upon the essential qualities of humanity that we all share and from which new forms of social organization can evolve. An important book for thoughtful teens to muse over now, and return to in the future.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Critique du Publishers Weekly
"This is not a religious book," asserts the Dalai Lama about a volume that's his most outspoken to date on moral and social issues. "My aim has been to appeal for an approach to ethics based on universal rather than religious principles." The Dalai Lama adopts this approach because, he notes, the majority of humanity ignores religion, the traditional vehicle for ethics, yet observation shows him that happiness, which he discerns as the prime human goal, depends upon "positive ethical conduct." The entire book, written in simple, direct prose, reflects this sort of step-by-step reasoning, taking on color and drama with numerous anecdotes drawn from the Tibetan leader's personal experience. Methodically, the Dalai Lama explores the foundation of ethics, how ethics affects the individual and the role of ethics in society. He resorts often to Buddhist principles (as in employing the idea of dependent originationÄthat nothing arises or exists of itselfÄto demonstrate the interrelatedness of all life), but also to native Tibetan ideas and, occasionally, to secular thought or that of other religions. The book represents no radical departure from his previous work, but it does present a number of forceful views on issues ranging from cloning to vivisection to excess wealth ("the life of luxury... is unworthy"), as well as personal flavor not seen in his books since his autobiography, Freedom in Exile. The Dalai Lama refers, for instance, to his unwillingness to sell his watch collection for money to feed the poor as an example of ethical limitation. With its disarmingly frank, kindly manner and authoritative air, the book is what one would expect from a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and could appeal as widely as the Dalai Lama's current bestseller, The Art of Happiness. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Critique de Kirkus
This call to compassionate ethics fuses 1990s universalism with the Golden Rule. The Dalai Lama (Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama, 1990) bemoans the apparent erosion of ethical behavior around the world. People have embraced materialism, foolishly thinking that possessions will make them happy; they have turned to violence (both physical and ideological) because they no longer feel connected to one another. He calls for an ethic based on human interconnection. When we truly experience one another's pain, we learn compassion, which is the basis of morality. The exiled Tibetan leader is oh-so-careful to distinguish religion from spirituality; religion may or may not encompass the value of compassion, while spirituality always must. True happiness is based on an inner peace which is unperturbed by circumstance; such peace is only attained ""when our actions are motivated by a concern for others."" We need discipline to look beyond ourselves and past the fleeting pleasures of immediate gratification, toward a more rewarding (and permanent) quiet joy. And although we try mightily to avoid suffering, pain can engender the empathy which unites us with others and makes morality possible. As His Holiness himself says, very little in this book is original. But his message is so often neglected that it sounds very fresh indeed. Simple but not simplistic. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Critique de Booklist
Fascinated by science and technology as a boy living in isolated Tibet and certain that such advances would improve people's lives, the Dalai Lama was surprised to discover how prevalent feelings of isolation and despair are in affluent and developed societies. The more acquainted he has become with the West, the more he believes that the pursuit of material comfort and wealth is not only immoral but also leads to neglect of the "inner dimension," fostering emotional and societal chaos. In his most forceful book to date, the Dalai Lama responds to this malaise--which, along with American popular culture and computer technology, is spreading around the world--by calling for a spiritual revolution free of any religious trappings. Stating bluntly that it is far more important to be a good human being than to be a religious believer, the Dalai Lama encourages his readers to act out of concern for the well-being of others rather than indulge "our habitual preoccupation with self." This may sound simplistic, but there is nothing superficial about the Dalai Lama's argument or the ethics he defines. He possesses a deep and fluent understanding of the human psyche, and he writes about the true meaning of spirituality with unfailing wisdom and transcendent intelligence. His sophisticated yet commonsensical approach to spiritual practice does not involve rule-following; rather, it demands discipline. Learning to control negativity, the source of unethical behavior, is a "lifelong task," the Dalai Lama cautions, so practice compassion, share the wealth, aim for serenity, and don't worry about Nirvana. --Donna Seaman
Critique du Library Journal
The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetans, is highly respected for his gentleness and his constant quest for a reconciliation with the Chinese, who have oppressed Tibet for more than 40 years. This book proposes a morality of acceptance and compassion. The Dalai Lama encourages without being preachy and admonishes without being accusatory. He intends his book for the widest possible audience and writes in a simple, straightforward style that some sophisticated readers may find off-putting. Lacking footnotes or bibliography, this is not useful as a text for scholars or students, and it adds nothing new to ethical theory. The Dalai Lama explicitly avoids ethical principles derived from any religious doctrine; people often use religion, he says, to justify harming others. Instead, he counsels us to examine our motives and to try always to act with compassion. Though his emphasis on individual intention may alienate believers in Judeo-Christian and Muslim scripture, many others will find him persuasive. Recommended for public libraries.ÄJames F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.