BECOMING ENLIGHTENED / DALAI LAMA

Translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins.

This is a sharing of the above book – rather than a review. Each reader will have his/her idea and opinion of a book which could be different to the views of another person. Here more details are given on the book, so you can decide whether to pick up the book or not to. 

In this book, the Dalai Lama writes in his usual style about how to achieve a fulfilled spiritual life. The book begins with a ‘background’ – comparing religions; the Buddhist framework; Practicing Buddhism; Knowing the qualifications of a teacher and Buddhism in India and Tibet.

The next parts – Initial level of practice;  Middle level of practice and High level of practice, he talks about different topics and each topic ends with notes for Contemplation which are effectively a summary of the topic which also includes suggestions for practice e.g.

On Altruism, the Contemplation covers: (an extract)

“Consider:

1. We like life stories motivated by altruism, whereas hearing about the lives of of those whose actions stemmed from wanting to harm others evokes fear and apprehension.

2. A beautiful internal attitude is more important than external beauty.

3. Only you can make your mind beautiful.”

Then in the chapter on Engendering great compassion, the Contemplation notes say:(again an extract)

1. Imagine your best friend in front of you and meditate on each of the three strengths of love until you deeply feel it:….

2. Extend this meditation to more friends, one by one.

3. Imagine a neutral person in front of you and meditate on each of the three strengths of love until you deeply feel it ….

Some of the topics covered include:

Thinking about future lives, Identifying the refuge, Karma, the implication of impermanence, viewing reality, Buddhahood, reviewing the steps …

It also has selected readings if you would like to follow through.

The book is available for borrowing at the Buddhist Library.