How to See Yourself As You Really Are
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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Book Summary Information
Author: His Holiness the Dalai LamaEditor: Jeffrey Ph.D. Hopkins
Translator: Jeffrey Ph.D. Hopkins
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-11-06
ISBN: 0743290461
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Atria Books
Accessories:
- How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life
- The Art Of Happiness: A Handbook For Living
- How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life
Book Reviews of How to See Yourself As You Really Are
Book Review: Informative But Not Great
Summary: 3 Stars
In this book, the Dalai Lama explains the concept of "emptiness," or the absence of inherent existence. He explains that we mistakenly view people, things, and other phenomena as inherently existing in their own right, but in fact their existence is dependent on their parts, their causes, and thought (i.e., our perception). The Dalai Lama expresses that by understanding emptiness, people will be able to free themselves of negative emotion, become more compassionate, help others, and end their cyclic of rebirth).
What I liked: The Dalai Lama explains concepts that I may have been aware of but had not really reflected on. He repeats most concepts enough that you are easily able to remember them. I also thought the introduction was excellent; it was inclusive, open-minded, and it laid out why this book is important.
What I disliked: The concept of the absence of inherent existence is repeated far too often. I tend to be a concrete thinker and don't do as well with abstractions, so if halfway through the book I felt like I was being beat over the head with the repetition of ideas, I can only imagine how less concrete thinkers felt. I also think it would have been helpful for the Dalai Lama to provide some more examples, especially as there were a few parts where I actually needed elaboration and did not get it, as opposed to much of the rest of the book in which there was, in my opinion, unnecessary elaboration on the concept of emptiness. Also, he does not explain how individuals can help others by using these principles. The approach seems almost naive; even if one were to commit oneself fully to helping others understand emptiness and the importance of compassion, there is no discourse regarding how to do this. Many people are not open to new ideas unless they are ready to be open to new ideas. I kept being reminded of the proverb that you can lead a horse to water . . .
Finally, in the introduction the Dalai Lama explains that he values all religions, all are important, and his goal is to lay out some Buddhist principles that he thinks will help encourage love and concern for the welfare of others, which he believes to be of vital importance. However, I think he goes too far by talking about ending the cycle of rebirth. I don't take issue with the concept of rebirth; however, it seems counterproductive to his goals to repeatedly emphasize that understanding emptiness and cultivating love and compassion will help end cyclic existence. This end result is the carrot, so to speak. However, for those who do not believe in cyclic existence, they may lack a reason to follow the tenets the Dalai Lama describes. He particularly thinks it is important for world leaders to have insight and compassion, and I don't see this book as being much of a catalyst for those who do not believe in rebirth.
Summary of How to See Yourself As You Really Are
According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we each possess the ability to achieve happiness and a meaningful life, but the key to realizing that goal is self-knowledge. In How to See Yourself As You Really Are, the world's foremost Buddhist leader and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize shows readers how to recognize and dispel misguided notions of self and embrace the world from a more realistic -- and loving -- perspective. Through illuminating explanations and step-by-step exercises, His Holiness helps readers to see the world as it actually exists, and explains how, through the interconnection of meditative concentration and love, true altruistic enlightenment is attained.Enlivened by personal anecdotes and intimate accounts of the Dalai Lama's own life experiences, How to See Yourself As You Really Are is an inspirational and empowering guide that can be read and enjoyed by anyone seeking spiritual fulfillment.
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