A Simple Monk: Writings on His Holiness the Dalai Lama

If you follow the Dalai Lama at all, you have to have this book. The authors are people who are fortunate enough to be or who have been close to him, plus there is one essay he wrote himself. He may be just a simple monk, but the world loves him unconditionally.

A Simple Monk presents Robert Thurman's gathering of writings on the Dalai Lama, presenting such writings and reflections in a new visual biography which adds full-color images by photojournalist Alison Wright. The result is much more than your usual collection of quotes: a fine, rich gift edition.

The "a reader from Yellow River" inspired me to order this book and the corresponding video, as a message of compassion and peace, which is what we - and most of all me - needs in our world, at all times and right now.It's a message that in particular, we as Amercians, after the "events of September 11" - now and in the present - need to hear, listen and LEARN. This review was so thoughtful, comprehensive and detailed that I can't wait to get the book and read it "through and through." The "reader from Yellow River" made the money sound more than worth it, and I'm sure it will be! "What price peace?" What price is peace worth? "It's worth it's weight in gold."The question is, "how do we achieve this?" I hope the answer (or part of "the answer") can be found in this book. Will let you know what I learn.

HH The dalai Lama is a publishing industry unto himself. Nary an unpublished utterance has come forth in recent years,with mostly success. This volume is a tribute to the Dalai Lama,with gorgeous photos by Alison wright. Robert Thruman gives a rather quiet introduction , The Dalai Lama's mother, in an exerpt from her biography tells of how he was discovered,Spalding gray has a wonderful interview with some telling moments{descibing moments of doubt, violent thoughts and lust].Pico Iyer gives, for me, the best article in the book[the God in exile}and, throughout the volume, Alison wrights lovely photographs, of the dalai lama, of pilgrims prostrating themselves in prayer, of buddhist scripture lovingly pictured with some interesting quotes{TOM BROKAW"I LOVE A LIVING GOD WITH A BIG HEART."}and some not so interesting{STEven Seagalon the religious political conection] compliment the essays Over all, a lovely gift beautifully presented, wonderful endpapers and binding. an overall pleasure to read and to own. Similar books are A SIMPLE PATH{Thorsons publishing} and Alison Wrights THE SPIRIT OF TIBET{Snow LIon publications}. Excellent.

As the child Lhamo Dhondup born in the wood hog year of 1935, he was known for accepting candy only to pass on to someone else, usually an elder; the dignity of intelligent action and speech beyond his years; a dislike for cigarette smoking, dusty shoes, quarrelsome people, and tattered and torn clothing; and sitting only on eye level with others, never at anyone's feet, even before he was recognized as the incarnation of the Boddhisattva of Compassion and as the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. Under the name of Tenzin Gyatso, he became known, among other things, as a completer of the Geshe Lharampa, the highest level of scholarly achievement in Buddhist philosophy; Holder of the White Lotus; Ocean of Wisdom; Protector of the Land of Snows; and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace. Despite the worldwide recognition, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama describes himself as A SIMPLE MONK passionate about BBC world service news breaks, flowers, green as his favorite color [even though he is only seen publicly in Tibetan colors], small instrument and watch repairs, Tibetan dumplings made in the style of his native province of Amdo, and world culture and history. Editor Tom Morgan has brought five excellent writers together in a fascinating, reader-friendly book that leaves us better informed on Bstan-dzin-rgya-mtsho's ability to live in the present moment; capacity for operating with an open and practical mind; and commitment to compassion, meditation, peace, and responsibility. I particularly liked Columbia University Professor Robert AF Thurman's contributions to the book and the Dalai Lama's statement that he will die in a free Tibet if he lives to be 100. This beautifully illustrated and carefully put together book reads particularly well with THE DALAI LAMA'S SECRET TEMPLE by Ian Baker, KUNDUN [on which the video is based] by Mary Craig, PILGRIM by Richard Gere, THE BON RELIGION OF TIBET by Per Kvaerne, TIBET: THROUGH THE RED BOX by Peter Sis, and any book by Dr Thurman.