Becoming Enlightened

by Dalai Lama XIV and His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Book Overview

In Becoming Enlightened, His Holiness the Dalai Lama draws from traditional Buddhist meditative practices to present step-by-step contemplative exercises designed to expand the reader's capacity for spiritual growth, along with clear milestones to mark progress. By following the spiritual practices outlined in Becoming Enlightened, readers can learn how to replace negative feelings with positive attitudes and embark on the path to achieving...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416565841
• ISBN13: 9781416565840
• Release Date: December 2009
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

A Big Help On My Personal Spiritual Path.

I'm sure that I drive my friends crazy talking about my latest read by the Dalai Lama. Well, this one for everyone. You don't have to be a Buddhist to be lightened by this read. As a fourth century Buddha is credited for saying, "When one reaches enlightenment who will as of the path?" This is a must read for anyone serious about their spirituality. Other Products I Recommend: Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World's Religions Can Come Together Kundun Seven Years in Tibet [Blu-ray] Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray] Seat of the Soul Amadeus - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition) Enemy of the State [Blu-ray] Don Quixote: Complete and Unabridged (Signet Classics) Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994 Hope You Enjoy!

Excellent book by H.H. Dalai Lama for the serious student

Beautifully presented hardcover book at a reasonable price. Excellent for the Buddhist student, interesting for others. Highly recommend.

A great book that deserves to be read more than once.

The Buddha says, "I as teacher show you the path to stop the pains of cyclic existence. You have to implement it." The purpose of Becoming Enlightened is to help the reader implement the teaching of the Buddha; it is a book to treasure. One or even two readings will not be enough to learn and put into practice the lessons the Dalai Lama draws from a lifetime of his thought and meditation as a practicing Buddhist. The First Noble Truth the Buddha taught is that life is full of suffering. The Dalai Lama teaches that altruism and compassion are the foundations for a life that helps to reduce suffering. The consequences of even the smallest thought, word, and deed to relieve suffering are incalculable. Like a stone thrown into the middle of a pool, a good deed radiates out to the farthest shore. Both the giver and receiver receive benefits. Becoming Enlightened is our guide to follow as we walk along our unique path paying attention to the needs of others and the help we can give to relieve suffering and distress. The Dalai Lama's universal message of love and forgiveness should find warm welcome no matter what faith tradition, or lack of one, a person possesses. The Dalai Lama welcomes everyone and attempts to convert no one to Buddhism. A life lived for others can be found in most religious traditions and also in those people with no religion. Suffering is the common denominator that connects us all and those whose true purpose it is to relieve it are the enlightened ones of this age and all ages. In the first reading of Becoming Enlightened we become familiar with the vast scope of the subject. In subsequent readings we are called to put the teaching into practice one page and one day at a time. To be awake, aware, and mindful in each moment and free from the illusions that cause so much suffering is the path the Dalai Lama is on himself and he invites us to join him. With our second reading we begin to understand our good fortune in living a life that allows us to practice the teaching of the Dalai Lama each day. One important insight we must understand from the beginning is the illusion of the independent "I." Understanding our interconnectedness with the world is a first step to reducing the narrow focus on self which is the cause of so much suffering. Our study and application of Becoming Enlightened is a work in progress. We are pleased to accompany the Dalai Lama on his path. The second noble truth the Buddha taught is: "Suffering is caused by attachment, greed, and desire." The Buddha says, "The varieties of lives in the world are impermanent like autumn clouds. The birth and death of beings are like watching a dance. The passage of life is like lightning in the sky. It moves quickly, like a waterfall." The Dalai Lama recommends that we do not put off for a moment our practice of the way, the truth, and a life, all too short, that leads to enlightenment. The way depends on dying to self-centered thoughts and desi

A Magnificent Text

There are many books on Buddhism these days. Of these, many sacrifice accuracy for clarity. Many more ignore the full power of Buddhism by watering down core beliefs for an audience looking for simple answers. This book rises far above these shortcomings. 'Becoming Enlightened' successfully describes the complete breadth of the Buddhist approach. Most importantly, the book bridges cultural and historical difficulties that readers often encounter by reading source texts. 'Becoming Enlightened' speaks clearly, but not simplistically, on what you need to do to truly be a Buddhist on the path. Even more comprehensive than Hopkin's `How to' series, I find this book to be a remarkable text for the modern reader. There is great value if you truly reflect on this text. I would also recommend Guy Newland's book 'Introduction to Emptiness.' In a similar manner, difficult concepts are explained within our cultural and historical context.

Awesome book for Buddhists and Non-Buddhists alike

Becoming Enlightened was written by the Dalai Lama, translated into English by Jeffrey Hopkins. If there was ever an "expert" on becoming enlightened, the Dalai Lama would be it! It is pretty amazing in this modern world that the entire world can easily get access to and read a book by a head of a giant religious group like this - and that the book is enjoyable! I usually take notes when I read books, and I took a TON of notes while reading Becoming Enlightened. This is definitely a helpful book for all people to read, not just Buddhists. First, it's always good to understand what people of a certain group believe in, no matter what that group is. Second, most of the tips are simply about living a content, stress-free life. That is something that all of us are striving towards! Interestingly, the book explicitly says that ALL religions are valid and each is suited well for a different group of people. It says Buddhists should never go around trying to "convert" others. Buddhism is not "better" than other religions. Each religion is a path, each one promotes peace, compassion and charity. The book goes step by step through a number of ideas to improve your life. You should make sure you are spending time on *important* things. Time is precious, don't waste it by hurrying to do thing you really don't have in your priority list. Cherish others, strive not to harm anyone or any sentient creature. You should try to bring under control your lust for objects and people. Our modern society hypes us to want more and more. Instead, learn to be content with what you have, to appreciate what you already own. Try to calm your angry feelings about things and people you find unpleasant. Instead, find ways to accept the way they are, to tolerate them. Always strive to learn, to grow your horizons. The book suggests you try to meditate daily, to give yourself some calm, quiet time. Focus on appreciating yourself and others. People pray all the time for more money, for a nicer body - but rarely do they simply focus on being content NOW. In fact, if people relaxed and were content with they had now, they would be healthier and happier now. I really found this quote powerful - "appreciate how rare and full of potential your situation is in this world, take joy in it, and use it to your best advantage." Half of the world lives in abject poverty and barely has enough food to survive the day. If you have access to a computer and running water, you are way ahead of the game! To help you focus, the book lays out, in order of severity, the list of activities to wean yourself off of. These start with killing, then go into stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, senseless chatter, covetousness, harmful intent, and finally wrong views. The book provides great summaries at the end of every chapter to help you review what was said. I liked one of the meditation exercises. You start by focusing on yourself - sending yourself love, acceptance and