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Liked It “The Dalai Lama is a GREAT man, and this was a GREAT book” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Overall this is an interesting read, and I am glad I have read it. I learnt plenty - including basic things like that the Dalai Lama had spent a period of time in China before his exile. The Dalai Lama admits that he is not a great writer - writing in English, and I think this is true, but what one learns makes up for this.
Jack B wrote this review Friday, November 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Perhaps my biggest (new) impression of the man is just how naive he was during the early years of the Chinese occupation. He continually, readily gives them the benefit of the doubt and trusts them / takes them on their word, despite all the evidence showing that they are acting without honour. This feels frustrating, but even if he had been more cynical it is hard to see how anything could've been done differently.
Also one learns of the DL's fascination with science and mordernity and is even up for science being allowed to conduct experiments on some of the more amazing Tibetan/spiritual practices and powers.
I should finally say that his commitment to non-violence (even thoughts) is inspiring, with him stating often his desire to help (also) the Chinese.
Below are some quotes of the bits I found most interesting:
p216 (In 1973) "From Switzerland I traveled to Holland where one of the people I met was a Rabbi. This was a particularly moving experience. Because of the language difficulties, we hardly exchanged any words, but there was no need. In his eyes I clearly saw all the terrible suffering of his people, and wept."
p220 "I do not consider those who support our cause to be 'pro-Tibet'. Instead I consider them to be 'pro-Justice". (I like this because it applies the same for Palestine too.)
p223 (On Edward Heath) "Like Nehru, on the occasion of our first private meeting, I found that he seemed to have some difficulty concentrating on what I had to say........we had long and frank discussions about Tibet and China, during which Mr Heath expressed his enthusiasm for Chinese successes in agriculture. As someone who has visited Tibet more recently than I have, he also said that I should realise that many changes have taken in my homeland - particularly with regard to support for the Dalai Lama. In his opinion, it is fast vanishing, especially amongst the younger generation."........ "I explained that my concern was not for the Dalai Lama's position but for the rights of the 6 million who live in Occupied Tibet. Having said this, I told him that as far as I was aware, support for the Dalai Lama amongst young people in Tibet was at its highest level ever and that my exile had united Tibetan people in a way that had never been possible before.
We still keep in touch, despite our differences of opinion, and I continue to value Mr Heath as a man with great knowledge of world affairs. Yet at the same time, I am highly impressed at the effectiveness of Chinese disinformation and deception even on such an experienced person as he is."
p237 (On reincarnation) "Therefore, if I die before Tibetans regain their freedom, it is only logical to assume that I will be born outside Tibet. Of course, it could be that by then that my people will have no use for a Dalai Lama, in which case they will not bother to search for me. So I might take rebirth as an insect, or an animal - whatever would be of most value to the largest number of sentient beings."
p265 "Also it is hard for people who grew up in the old Tibet to comprehend what is happening there. It is better that those who address these problems should not have to bear the burden of memory. Besides, it is for our children that the struggle to regain Tibet's rightful independence is being waged and it is they who must carry on that fight, if they still want to."
p275 "To improve relations between the Tibetan people and the Chinese, the first requirement is the creation of trust. After the holocaust of the last three decades, during which, incredibly, almost one and a quarter million Tibetans lost their lives from starvation, execution, torture ans suicide, and tens of thousands lingered in prison camps, only a withdrawal of Chinese troops could start a genuine process of reconciliation."
p276 "By the mid 1980s, it had become clear that the Government in Peking is pursuing a deliberate policy of Sinocisation: what some people have called a 'final solution' by stealth. They are doing this by reducing the native Tibetan population to an insignificant and disenfranchised minority in its own homeland."
p276 "For the Tibetans to survive as a people, it is imperative that population transfer is stopped and that Chinese settlers be allowed to return to China. Otherwise, Tibetans will soon be no more than a tourist atraction and relic of a noble past."
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“Brilliant in all aspects! You will lead a different life altogether after reading this book! My major goal is to meet this man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Vijay D wrote this review Friday, October 24 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“The Dalai Lama is a GREAT man, and this was a GREAT book”
Crystal K wrote this review Thursday, June 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“What more can you say about the Dalai Lama? A man who says, "Kindness is my religion." And he acts on that. His presence radiates compassion, as does his writing.”
Doug S wrote this review Wednesday, March 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of my favorite books. Truly a wonderful person.”
jeffshaggy wrote this review Monday, September 10 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really love this book. It was my gateway book into buddhism.”
bobby woodchip wrote this review Wednesday, August 1 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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