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The Dalai Lama undeniably is a learned scholar with gifts of human compassion and critical thinking. This book is a good introduction to Buddhist thinking and the Dalai Lama's philosophies.

I purchased this book looking for ways to improve my own happiness, better understand the person I wanted to be, and provide a frame of reference for some of the more difficult life decisions. In this respect, I found the book less pragmatic and more educational about the foundations and beliefs of Buddhism.

Despite great discussion of the value of meditation and of subjects to meditate on, the section on the mechanics of meditation was very short. There were also many sections that I needed to reread because of the broad use of words found in spiritual practice but rarely in daily life (inherent existence, enlightenment, impermanence, obstructions to omniscience, afflictive emotions, etc.). It's definately a book that you get more out of by re-reading and slowly contemplating its elements.

As I read it, there were lots of 'what if' situational questions that came out seemingly contrary to some of the jewels of wisdom. This book does not provide those kinds of practical answers. It does, however, provide more insights into Buddhist beliefs of reincarnation and philosophies regarding how life is defined by suffering.

Of the Dalai Lama's titles, I think "The Art of Happiness" is a more pragmatic read, while "How to Practice" spoon feeds you less and challenges your spiritual beliefs more.

I am completely new to Buddhism and am thoroughly impressed by the Dalai Lama's clear, simple explanation. He effectively describes how even a complete Western beginner like myself can begin to end suffering by practicing. Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama's enlightenment and compassion shine off of the pages through modest stories of his life and experiences. The Dalai Lama starts out the book with the basics of Buddhist morality, moves on to the practice of meditation, and ends with the details of wisdom and tantra. There are images for meditation, lists of moral and amoral thoughts and deeds, and even a short explanation of the concept of emptiness.

Most striking of all is the Dalai Lama's comment at the very end of the book, "Though my own knowledge is limited and my experience is also very poor, I have tried my best to help you understand the full breadth of the Buddha's teaching." With these words, the Dalai Lama sets a startling example for the aspiring student by both showing humility and providing a reminder of the breadth and depth of Buddhist enlightenment. I higly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in beginning to follow the Buddhist path.

H.H. the Dalai Lama is the worlds best known monk, without a doubt. In "How to Practice" he provides us with useful techniques and disciplines to train the mind. In it he will not only cover the basics for beginners, he also has translation and commentary of The Heart Sutra for us. Covering Tantra, and steps designed to develop one's concentration of mind, it's hard to name anything The Dalai Lama did NOT put in this book. For those interested in Tibetan Buddhism who are looking for a "step in the door", this book is probably your best bet.

Just to give you an idea of what is in this work, I would like to share an excerpt from the Introduction with you:

"I believe that the practice of compassion and love-a genuine sense of brotherhood and sisterhood-is the universal religion. It does not matter whether you are Buddhist or Christian, Moslem or Hindu, or whether you practice religion at all. What matters is your feeling of oneness with humankind."

This, for me, sums up what our practice is all about. Instead of focusing only on our differences, we should always strive toward finding common ground. To go further, this snip actually expresses how this book is really for anyone. The Dalai Lama doesn't make it a secret that he wrote this book for Buddhist practitioners, yet also points out it is really for anyone in pursuit of "happiness."

Truly, it's a good book. The further you read in, the more you get out. Please enjoy this book, it's a sure winner!