Editorial Review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer?How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do Read more

Reviews (311)

Interesting introduction to the Dalai Lama's thoughts and beliefs
For anyone seeking a simple, introductory look into the fundamental beliefs and principles of the Dalai Lama, "The Art of Happiness" would be a great place to start. The book, authored by Howard C Cutler, MD, consists of excerpts and commentary from a series of documented conversations held between himself and the Dalai Lama.
one of the best self help book
everytime when I struggle with some emotional problem, this book always helps me to feel better and resolves my problem no matter which page I flip to.How amazing?It is a must-have book!

An interesting debate
A bit of a tough read, but worthwhile all the same! It takes the Dalai Lama's views and mixes them with explanations from an American psychiatrist (East meets West). The result is a useful tool kit for creating more happiness in your life, but beware, it requires some deep thought - and some very active mental changes in your normal patterns of behaviour. Happiness, it seems, requires a great deal of mental discipline! But remember, its the end purpose we are working towards, not the short term pleasure...so put those chocolates away, and read the book!
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Happiness    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Psychology    7. Religion    8. Religious Life (Buddhism)    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (90)

good advice, but mixed bag
There are three copies of this book at a local library.
I was spanked as a child
I was a strong-willed child and now have one of my own.
Review of Dobson's "The New Strong-Willed Child
Dobson combines common sense, excellent stories and biblical principles in his book.These features are weaved together to make the book compelling and practical.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child psychology    3. Child rearing    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    5. Discipline of children    6. Family & Relationships    7. Parenting - Child Rearing    8. Parenting - Discipline    9. Religion - Marriage & Family   

Editorial Review

Rising divorce rates inspired Dr. James Dobson, founder and president ofFocus on the Family, and his wife, Shirley, to author a devotional for couplesin an attempt to strengthen the marriages of younger generations. Read more

Reviews (23)

Jessica's review of the above book:
This devotional for couples has been a delightful read thus far.Please note, however, that my husband and I have only read the Sun., Mon. and Tue. devotional.Every day you and your spouse read a 1-2 page story or article and one bible verse relating to the same.The reading is followed by questions that you both answer to help you get to know each other's thoughts on certain topics that come up in marriage.I think the questions are an important part of this devotional, as they really create the opportunity to discuss topics you may not have brought up otherwise.After you read the story and answer the questions there is a short prayer that you and your spouse pray together.This is an easy way to introduce praying together into your relationship.This devotional has the potential to really solidify the bond you already have or create one, if needed.Please note that if you are looking more for a devotional that will allow you to complete a bible study together you may want to look for something else.This book definitely prods you to include God in your relationship, but it doesn't specifically focus on "bible study".Also, you may note that each daily devotional will only take about 15 min., which is good if you are tried for time.Please remember this review is only based on three days of reading; I have no idea if the book is going to do a complete turn around.Enjoy and may God bless your marriage!

The book that saved my marriage
When my husband and I came across this book a couple years ago, we were in a pretty bad spot. The strain of both of us working and trying to raise a family had brought us to the edge of a very unhappy place, and we were unsure of where to turn.
BEST DEVOTIONAL EVER WRITTEN!!
If you only own one couples devotional, please let it be this one.I bought this book for my wife for her birthday and she thought it was a silly gift, that is before I began to read it to her nightly while we were in bed.This book has truly strengthened our marriage and our communication.The stories are insightful and uplifting and the time you spend with your spouse will be worth every penny.Your love for one another will grow.God bless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Devotional    3. Devotional calendars    4. English    5. Married people    6. Prayer-books and devotions    7. Prayers    8. Religion    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. CHRISTIAN LIVING / RELATIONSHIPS / LOVE & MARRIAGE    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (83)

very good!!
Tired of your self???????? Read this and get harshly jolted awake, you will never be the same(thank goodness)

Yes, it technically is logically inconsistant, but that's OK
It's true and important to understand that De Mello often communicates through contradiction. For instance, he tells us "The only way someone can be of help to you is in challenging your ideas." (Awareness pg. 35) No doubt, all of us can think of countless other ways and specific situations in which someone could be of help to us in a way other than by "challenging our ideas". However, this is a style De Mello has intentionally chosen in order to battle the sea of misconceptions that he sees over flooding our society. Rather than go through the semantic hoops that are technically necessary in order to make the subtle distinctions that he is after, De Mello chooses to "shock the truth out of us". He says things that are not intended to be completely accurate, and are sometimes even logically inconsistent, but rather contradict our culture's common assumptions, forcing us to either totally dismiss what he says or, if we read with an open mind, to consciously think about the point that De Mello is trying to communicate.
the good from
the good from many religions, yet easy to read, creates a new understanding. I didn't know about this Fr. DeMello until a reading assignment, and now I have read most of his 9 books. Sermon on the Mount, this one deserves several readings. MAL ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Discipleship    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - General    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Religion    7. Spiritual life    8. Christian life & practice    9. Religion / Discipleship   

Reviews (5)

Meaty enough to read this year and next
This is a great devotional book, and I am not usually one that finds devotionals set up like this very interesting. It is set up to have a reading each day during Advent, Christmas and through to Epiphany, and the readings are all written by people like C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Annie Dillard, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, etc.This is no, "What was the innkeeper thinking" sort of advent reading book.It is thoughtful and insightful and has a lot to say that ties into the preparative nature of advent, that is the preparation for the messiah's return.The writings vary in length and type from scholarly writings to musings to poetry or introspection. The readings are meaty enough, too, that you could certainly read them this year and again next year and they'll still be good.

Much more than Advent and Christmas reading.
I really shouldn't write a review yet, because I haven't finished the book. I'm doing so in hopes that people will buy the book in time to use it this year. This is an excellent book of essays, a few poems, and some sermons. There are some very "heavy hitters" in the mix--check out the table of contents. I have only read through December 2 so far, but it has been a very rewarding journey just a few steps down the path. I particularly love the piece by Karl Rahner (1904-1984), a German Jesuit and theologian. It is very cutting edge theology for its time and even for today, and it reads beautifully and powerfully. Henri Nouwen is also excellent, along with Sylvia Plath's poem.
Watch For the Light
I have not read the book as it is to use during Advent and Christmas and the readings begin on November 24, 2005. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Holidays - Christmas    3. Religion    4. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    5. Spirituality - General    6. Bible readings or selections    7. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Editorial Review

In a modern society characterized by insensitivity to violence, ambivalence to the suffering of others, and a high-octane profit motive, is talk of ethics anything more than a temporary salve for our collective conscience? The Dalai Lama thinks so. In his Read more

Reviews (80)

Said the Buddhist to the hot dog vendor, "Make me one with everything!"
Very few religious leaders speak deeply about ethics in a manner that allows people to think deeply as a result. Too many religious leaders are authoritarian in their edicts about morality or lax because gaining converts and their money is foremost on their minds. (Yeah, I'm a little cynical.)
He knows what he's talking about...take notes and learn
The Dalai Lama considers the state of the world in relation to ethics with a fine-toothed comb. (I am currently borrowing "Ethics for the New Millennium" as an abridged audiobook from my local library. This is a tape I will repeatly listen to until its due date...)The Dalai Lama is such a sweetheart! I love how he perceives the world, suggests solutions and alternatives to global and ethical dilemnas, and remains optimistic about the future. He believes that we are a people who want to be happy while avoiding suffering.He acknowleges that we do have a dark side that we must keep in check and subdue; but to counter this dark side, the Dalai Lama believes that people are mostly gentle by nature and can return to that natural state with discipline and guidance. We deviate from our better nature when we try to find happiness the wrong way or in the wrong things, and thereby only feel transitory illusions of happiness that may cause harm to others.As a pop song claims, "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look in the mirror and then make a change...I'm looking at the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways...etc."The Dalai Lama is definitely in favor of the need for personal growth and an inner revolution for everyone.
A Simple and Comprehensive Study on Ethics
There are few books that I've read that have captured my interest so much as to inspire me to read them twice. This is one of those books. It is not a book about Buddhism. It is not a book about religion. Yet I am confident that most people will find the core values of their faith in these pages. "Ethics" is a book about morality. It teaches the reader how we benefit individually from living our lives in an ethical manner as well as how society as a whole benefits. And it describes how society suffers, and we suffer, when our actions are immoral and self-serving.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Buddhist ethics    3. Ethics    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spirituality - General    8. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (26)

The Key To Happiness!
Although this little book is titled "The Way To Love," it could also have been called "The Key To Happiness," because the real key to happiness is contained here.And what is that key?To let go of the idea that anything outside of yourself can make you happy. This book contains many inspiring messages. But above all, it focuses on the idea that happiness is your innate state, and you can choose to return to that state at any time. This little book inspires deep contemplation, and I recommend that you read it repeatedly.
Feel Troubled By The 'Real' World? Take Heart...
If you feel troubled by the "real" world - take comfort.In his final meditations, Anthony De Mello reminds us that it is all an illusion.Whenever I feel like it's all too much for me I open up The Way To Love. In this beautiful, tiny volume you will find larger than life inspiration.This book can and will change your life.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears
I have been searching for God for many years, and have had many "peaks and valley" experiences. I truly believe Jesus is the Messiah, but I need a teacher for my particular level. Anthony De Mello has really given me peace with this small but amazing book.
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Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Inspirational - General    3. Meditations    4. Reference    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Christian spirituality    7. Modern fiction    8. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (194)

excellent book; a must read!!
i thoroughly enjoyed this book!it's my first James Dobson (although I've heard his Focus on the Family broadcast quite a bit) and i thought it was excellent.as the mother of a two year old, i find myself concerned for is well-being and adjustment in a world that seems to have lost its belief in God.this book has provided me with new interpretations to raising boys that i don't get in many of my university psychology classes.as a psychology major, i found this book twice as gratifying due to its presentation of several researchventures.so not only does he have something to say, he has the facts to back it up.not to mention he's BRAVE enough to say it!!in the chapter on homosexuality, he presents a new concept to gay men that i had never heard in any of my psychology classes!no professors like to talk about it as an alternative to genetic make-up, even though there has been ZERO conclusions that homosexuality is genetic.it's interesting to hear a different perspective that makes just as much sense as the current, more popular one, that of genetics rather than environment.thank you, Dr. Dobson, for telling it how you see it, not just how people want to hear!!

Excellent Book for parents with boys of any age!
This is an excellent book for parents who have boys...any age, 1 or more! I plan to read it every couple of years as my boys get into new "phases" of their lives!

Bringing Up Boys
This is an excellent book that parents will find essential in helping to rear boys in today's world.The scientific evidence presented that differentiates boys from girls helps substantiate why boys act differently than girls.It shows that this difference is a strength and should be encouraged and celebrated, not minimized.I highly recommend that it be made a part of your library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boys    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    5. Family & Relationships    6. Parenting    7. Parenting - General    8. Religion - Marriage & Family    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (31)

Amazing, this book saved my marriage!
This book is about loving toughly and I believe what it says is true. I followed his advise and it saved my marriage. Its been almost a year and God has done so many miracles in my life. The people who write bad reviews of this book were the ones too afraid to follow the advise in it. You have to respect yourself before anyone else will. !! :)

Excellent book, but you must have the fortitude to follow!
Dr. Dobson is 100% correct in his methods.It IS guidance by the Lord.Showing TOUGH LOVE is the only way to help someone you love. Be it your spouse, a child or a relative.The methods in this book are not tricks.They delve into the psychology of what happens when someone feels "caged" in a relationship.It's based on the well known fact "the harder you try and hold on to someone, the harder they fight to get away."
Awful, Awful, Awful
If your husband or wife just left and you are in the middle of the confusion and despair of that situation DO NOT follow the suggestions in this book!Trust me, go to the Lord in prayer, seeking only Him for your answers, He is absolutely faithful.Don't talk to your neighbors, friends, relatives, counselors or anyone until you talk to Jesus.He is your only hope and this book's advise is definitely not recommended if you want your spouse back!!
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    4. Conduct of life    5. Marriage    6. Married people    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Spouses    12. CHRISTIAN LIVING / RELATIONSHIPS / LOVE & MARRIAGE    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (30)

When Science and Spirituality Collide
This is a completely fascinating book. The Dalai Lama has completed an amazing discourse comparing and contrasting the worlds of scientific and spirtual thought. Ultimately the goal of this book is to make the scientific community and the "world" community think about their present and future roles in the development of science, its' ethics and the reduction of suffering.
Truly, an Ocean of Wisdom
The title "Dalai Lama" is sometimes translated into English to mean something like, "ocean of wisdom."The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, proves--yet again--that he is deserving of this title.I was curious to see how a religious leader would handle the vast topic of science.While he humbly concedes that some of the complexities of scientific thought are beyond the scope of his knowledge, he delivers a book on science that is inspirational, possibly a literary first.
The Wisdom of the Spirit is the Most Powerful
The Dalai Lama's wisdom in one book on the whole nature of science, ethics, are as potent as they are profound. A significant questioning from a compassionate heart on the role of higher spirit in the application of science. In a world dominated by out-of-control ego ... this book is a demonstration of why complete freedom from illusion is the only guarantee of inner peace. One of those books to read over and over again. We owe it to ourselves to conquer Mara (illusion). The world and its treasure of riches and power in the misguided context are not real. The Dalai Lama so beautifully explains why. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - Tibetan    3. Buddhism and science    4. Religion    5. Religion & Science    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion And Science    8. Religion / Buddhism / Tibetan   

Reviews (151)

Violence Begets Violence
Dobson has it wrong. Children's susceptibility to God and the attributes of God has to do with rearing them with the love of God in their hearts from the beginning, praying and relying on God, and being taught to please God. Violence begets violence. To spank and be violent toward children is proof of the perpetrator's ignorance of modern scientific evidence that spanking is detrimental to the emotional, physical and spiritual evolution of children. Ignorance begets ignorance, and if you're in charge of children, feeding your mind with ignorance is no benefit to your child.

Helpful advice for the christian family.
My mother in law recommended this book to me after the birth of my first child.She had read the original version when her children were young.I also bought the original version and used it with my first child.Now that my son is firmly entrenched in his terrible two's I decided to update to this newer edition to see if Dr. Dobson had any new insights several decades later.I'm pleased to say he sticks to his guns and The New Dare to Discipline is almost word for word the same as the original.
Don't be misled
This is a great book.My parents used these principles and so do I.It advocates spanking among other forms of discipline.It contains balanced, tried and true principles for child rearing.This book never advocates abuse, beating, shoving, pushing or broken arms as some on this site have claimed.Almost of all of the kids I knew growing up got the occasional spanking.I can't name one, who feels that a spanking was abuse or who feels they were emotionally damaged by it. Child abuse is a horrific evil in the world, but this isn't child abuse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    3. Discipline of children    4. Parenting - Discipline    5. Religion    6. Religion - Marriage & Family    7. Family & relationships   

Editorial Review

If you dropped the Buddha into a modern metropolis, would he come off sounding like a 16th-century morality play or more like a drive-time disc jockey? Lama Surya Das doesn't spin platters for a living, but he does have a hip delivery that belies his years of sheltered training in Buddhist monasteries. In Read more

Reviews (86)

Great stuff!
Others have said it already. This is really an excellent book on Buddhism. Pretty complete for the neophite and insightfull for everyone. If you're looking into exploring Buddhism, and don't know for sure where to start, this could be your first book to read.The other great source of info for beginners is "Tibetan Buddhism from ground up" by A. Wallace. Peace to all sentient beings!

Great western Buddhism introduction
This book served as my introduction to Buddhism which has created asnowball effect. I've since read all of Lama Surya Das' books and then some and have given this book as a gift to close friends. I also highly recommend anything by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Give up on becoming a buddha...
...maybe a nice little monkey instead.You want to be all kinds of things.That's why the entire planet shudders at the thought of us.Monkeys that want to be saints, bodhisattvas, demigods, thinkers, planners, presidents, and ayatollahs.Sick little monkeys.Give it up.Put that "Buddha" inside you back to sleep...we've got enough ego dragging us into hells of our own making already.Surya Das is to buddhism as Dr. Phil is to psychology. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eightfold Path    4. Mind & Body    5. Philosophy    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spiritual life    8. Philosophy / Mind & Body   

Editorial Review

As a primer on living the good life, few books compete with Read more

Reviews (32)

A practical guide to change for the better
Just like the title, "How to Practice" is a gift to humankind to illuminate the right way to act. The goal of being human is to realize the potential within, which is a permanent state of happiness and peace. To achieve this, the beginner cultivates kindness and harmony for all beings.
living with peace of mind
The Dalai Lama teaches how to make every action part of your spiritual practice and, in doing so, create a meaningful life filled with happiness. He recommends disconnecting the attachment of your happiness from the material circumstances of your life and opening instead to the true source of your happiness which is your inner peace of mind. There is a section on Buddhist Tantra and a discussion of how sexuality can be used in the search for peace and kindness. Dalai Lama means "ocean of wisdom." The fourteenth Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 as the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet. At the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, he was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the thirteenth Dalai Lama. In 1950 (the year of the Chinese invasion of Tibet), at age 16, he was called upon to assume full political power and leadership. Since 1960 he has resided in Dharamsala, India, aptly known as "Little Lhasa," the seat of the Tibetan government in exile.

Very good book....a little history, some practical exercises, but at times a little complex for me
I'm not sure if my title suggests that I like it or have reservations.....well, I thought it was a great read.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Tibetan    4. Doctrines    5. Inspirational - General    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Spiritual    10. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

In the summer of 1999, the Dalai Lama addressed an audience of over 40,000 in Central Park on how to live a better life. Read more

Reviews (17)

Insightful!
This is an easy to read book with tons of insight into a better mindset.You should read the book slowly -- take time to reflect on each idea, such as compassion.Keep the topics of the book in mind throughout your day, whether you're a mom at home, a student at school, or working in your cubicle.It will be the first step into inner peace and practicing compassion in every day life.

A Delight to read...as usual.
I have yet to read a book by the Dalai Lama that I was not impressed and moved by. This little book is easy to read and full of insight as well as ways to incorporate the Buddhist ideal of compassion into our every day lives. You can't go wrong with this one.

His presence shines through
Of the 8 books I've read by Ngawang Losang Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, I like this one best (though I haven't read the Practice book others have mentioned).This one includes comments on several Buddhist texts (as have some of his others).However, this one is a bit more practical than the others--it includes some guidance on the 4 Immeasurables practices (loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, and joy--especially in others' happiness), Bodhichitta (Buddha Mind or universal compassion), and Shamatha or Shine (Calm or Tranquil Abiding).The last is the basic form of Tibetan Buddhist (Vajrayana) meditation.It is an essential starting point towards enlightenment--included in virtually all schools of Buddhism from Theravada (SE Asia) to Dzogchen and Mahamudra.All these teachings are presented in His Holiness' gentle, compassionate style, reflecting his own nature.I had the great fortune to meet him for a brief moment in Washington, DC and, IMHO, he is the most present and sincere and real person I've met.The value of his work (s) IMHO is more a reflection of what he is than who he is or what he says or writes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Tibetan    4. Eastern - General    5. Nature    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Religious aspects    9. Religious life    10. Spiritual life    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

After being introduced for a lecture, Ram Dass eschewed the stairs and, from his front row seat, leapt up on to the stage--or tried to, anyway, but age and gravity brought him crashing back to earth. Like other baby boomers, Ram Dass has learned the hard way that aging is unkind to the body. But he has also learned that it can be an opportunity for growth. While others begin to devalue you, you can reconnect with the spiritual, grow into wisdom, and create value for yourself. In Read more

Reviews (27)

wonderful
This is a wondeful book for baby boomers.
Peek-A-Boo...I See You
I remember when I first got into spirituality and metaphysics, I was so naive about certain things. I really thought that once a person begins to practice their True Self...their Inner Spirit...when they remember that they were a Soul with a body and not a body with a Soul...than they were automatically free from all things human; they were impervious to any thing from the sniffles to cancer to death. But the thing is, that no matter how "advanced" we are on the Spiritual Path, and I use that word with some hesitation, because there is no advancing on the Spiritual Path, we are already as Spiritual as we are ever going to be, the bottom line is that we are still in the world of form. This is where the words of Jesus ring so clear, "Be in the world, but not of it..." In other words, remember that no matter what may be going on in your world, you are still a Spiritual Being NO MATTER WHAT! Stroke Yoga And Beyond~Lessons In Living In The Present
Could anyone other than Ram Dass bring such a light-hearted, unattached, almost whimsical approach to the subject of aging and the accompanying physical problems that go with it as we journey towards death. Ram Dass shares his personal journey of aging with us just as he has everything else in his life for almost half a century now. Though his body has changed with time he still maintains that infectious smile, those bright, mischevious eyes and a beguiling wit and wisdom that has so endeared him to a generation of seekers who still look to him not so much for answers, but to posit the questions we cannot quite grasp ourselves.
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Subjects:  1. Aged    2. Aging    3. Aging - General    4. Gerontology    5. Psychological aspects    6. Psychology    7. Religion    8. Spirituality - General    9. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (7)

To much terminology
To my opinion the second part of the book it goes too deep into Buddhist terminology and into theories beyond the apprehension of a western reader.
Excellent
Snow Lion Publications is a landmark when it comes to Buddhist literature, up there with Wisdom Books and Shambhala Publications. The Dalai Lama faces the issues of our times in this book; for we live in times of so much violence and anger in various situations, no