Publisher Description

In this elegant self-portrait, the world's most outspoken and influential spiritual leader recounts his epic and engaging life story. The Dalai Lama's most accessible and intimate book, My Spiritual Journey is an excellent introduction to the larger-than-life leader of Tibetan Buddhism--perfect for anyone curious about Eastern religion, invested in the Free Tibet movement, or simply seeking a richer spiritual life. The Dalai Lama's riveting, deeply insightful meditations on life will resonate strongly with readers of Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hanh, or the His Holiness's own The Art of Happiness and Ethics for the New Millennium.

Back Cover

In His Own Words The Compelling Personal Story of the Spiritual Life of the Dalai Lama The world knows the public face of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. We have read about his near escape from Tibet after the Chinese invasion, his Nobel Peace Prize, and his friendships with world leaders, Hollywood actors, and scientists around the world. But what are his inner, personal thoughts on his own spiritual life? For the first time and in his own words, the Dalai Lama charts his spiritual journey from his boyhood days in rural Tibet to his years as a monk in the capital city of Dharamsala, to his life in exile as a world leader and symbol of peace.

Author Biography

His Holiness the Fourteenth DALAI LAMA, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and of Tibetan Buddhism. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. He is the author of, among many other books, the international bestseller An Appeal to the World and the New York Times bestseller The Book of Joy, which he coauthored with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He lives in exile in Dharamsala, India.Sofia Stril-Rever has coauthored four books with the Dalai Lama (including his My Spiritual Autobiography, translated in some twenty languages). With lawyers of the Paris Bar, international climate experts and renowned scientists, she has initiated the Better We Better World training program to tackle environmental and societal challenges with the practices of compassion and universal responsibility, promoted by the Dalai Lama as keys to human survival in thetwenty-first century.

Review

"Readers both well versed in and new to the Dalai Lama's teachings will make invaluable discoveries as the Dalai Lama emphasizes our common humanity, our interdependence, and the need for us to 'cultivate a greater sense of universal responsibility.'" -- Booklist"This gathering of insights on a variety of topics should ...please the Dalai Lama's English-speaking adherents." -- Library Journal"An important record of the mind and heart of one of the great figures of our times." -- New Age Retailer"In his moving new memoir, My Spiritual Journey, ... the Dalai Lama's immense hope and good humor shine throughout." -- Organic Spa Magazine"An intriguing portrait of the Tibetan spiritual leader." -- Los Angeles Times"'Spirituality'" may be the most nebulous word in the English language, but My Spiritual Journey provides a definition that both devotee and atheist might approve: 'the full blossoming of human values that is essential for the good of all.'" -- The Washington Post"When a spiritual leader banned from a small Asian nation galvanizes a worldwide following, attention must be paid. Reading My Spiritual Journey is an alternately inspiring, fascinating, frustrating, and hopeful way to do just that." -- AARP The Magazine

Review Quote

"When a spiritual leader banned from a small Asian nation galvanizes a worldwide following, attention must be paid. Reading My Spiritual Journey is an alternately inspiring, fascinating, frustrating, and hopeful way to do just that."

Description for Teachers/Educators

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has led a remarkable life. Named as the Dalai Lama at a young age, he was forced to flee Tibet after China invaded the country. He has since become an internationally renowned teacher and advocate for peace. In My Spiritual Journey, the Dalai Lama presents an autobiography of a different kind; here he traces his progress as a spiritual being, from his youth in a remote corner of Tibet to his studies in a Buddhist monastery, to his current role as religious leader and global icon of peace, compassion and the nonviolent struggle for justice. This fascinating book presents the Dalai Lama in an inspiring new light. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. Since 1959 His Holiness has received more than 80 awards in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. His Holiness has also authored more than 70 books. Sofia Stril-Rever is a Sanskrit expert and an interpreter for the Dalai Lama. She translated and published Kalachakra Buddhist Scriptures, and is co-founder of the website Buddhaline.net. "My dear friend His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not simply a holy man. He is recognized throughout the world as one of our few true moral authorities. In his new book, My Spiritual Journey, he shares lessons learned from a remarkable life, in turn showing us how to live our own lives with compassion, non-violence and love." -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu, author of Made for Goodness

Details