Nonfiction, Religious: The Spirit of Peace, Teachings on Love, Compassion, and Everyday Life.

Title: The Spirit of Peace, Teachings on Love, Compassion, and Everyday Life.
Author: His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright: 2002
159 Pages
Rating: 4.5

Lately, I've been reading a lot of Eastern philosophy and religion, coupled with literature on ancient martial arts. I received a copy of the Dalai Lama's Spirit of Peace as a gift, which is appropriate, as that is how I feel it was written. The book is a gift of insights and advice which we can accept or reject as we see fit. It is given with pure intention and honest gladness.

Most books on Buddhism, unless they deal with specific historical events or figures, are seldom narrative in nature. Buddhist books tend to be referential and are presented in small, bite-sized pieces that can be easily digested.

This book is no exception. No section is much longer than three or four paragraphs at a time, and some are as short as a couple of sentences. To read this book properly, one should read it cover to cover very slowly. Then, if you choose, it should be perused and referred to in a non-linear fashion. Each small piece of wisdom can be taken independently, and can sustain your thoughts or a conversation for some time.

I feel everyone should read this book, as it has a lot to teach. Sadly, many would be put off by some of its more religious/political statements, so let's put it this way: If you're looking for a basic introduction to the spiritual leader of Mahayana, or 'Middle-Path' Buddhism, then you've come to the right place. The text is not overly philosophical or spiritual in nature, but you can find that if you look hard. This text was meant for people who are looking for a little glimpse into Buddhism, through the eyes of one of the best authorities on the subject today.

In particular, the Spirit of Peace spends a good deal of time centering on the Dalai Lama himself and how he came to be where he is today. It's refreshing to read that someone in his position can harbor no hatred or ill-will towards those that put him in exile. That, alone, is a lesson unto itself, but there is far more.

One of the things I really liked about this book is that time was taken to reflect the more human side of the Dalai Lama. I never knew of his interest in gardening, and his skills at fixing clocks and watches. It's sometimes hard to humanize the high and mighty of the world. It's nice to see a world leader who is able to do that for himself.

On the back cover, and throughout the book, you'll see the entire religion of Buddhism summarized into two sentences. They are: 1. Benefit others. and 2. If you cannot benefit others, then at least do not harm them. This is the sagest advice offered in the book, and truly advice for life and living. The book reinforces and explains the ideas present in those two sentences. For each aspect of life, there is a way to be that is offered by this premise, and it is up to the reader to decide how best to implement those ideas. They are not hard to follow, and can bring great happiness to you.

Brandi has asked me to rate this book on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest. I give the book a 4.5, only because I wish it were longer. I think that everyone can enjoy this book, and I encourage you to check it out, and perhaps other works by the Dalai Lama, out at your local library. If it doesn't bring you peace, it just might give you something to think about. And that's worth the trip any day.

May all beings be at peace.

Reviewed by: Maxwell.
Maxwell writes the blog Maxwell's Alley.