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Recommended Books
The followings are books that we have read and liked. They are good starting points if you would like to probe further on specific topics about Tibet. Since most conventional bookstores may not have a very complete collection of them, we try to provide the publisher information as well. In addition, each book is linked to Amazon.com, an on-line bookstore from which you can mail-order directly.
List By Category
Tibetan Buddhism
"Based on a 14th-century text and never before translated for a general audience, The Way to Freedom; is considered by Tibetans to be the essence of 1,000 years of Buddhist teachings and the heart of Tibetan practice. Presented in easy to understand steps, this is the essential primer on Tibetan Buddhism for both nonpractitioners and avid students. "
"In the second volume by the Dalai Lama in the historic new Library of Tibet series, His Holiness provides lucid, practical instructions for developing compassion in our daily lives. "
"His Holiness the Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. The Dalai Lama's gentle, accessible, and eloquently phrased teachings are one of the world's great spiritual treasures. In the third volume of the landmark Library of Tibet series on Buddhist spiritual wisdom, the Dalai Lama offers his teachings on death and dyingand living a meaningful life. "
"Collection of talks given by the Dalai Lama during his tour of North America. Discusses a wide variety of spiritual and human concerns. Not limited to Buddhists or to religious believers, the Dalai Lama's messsage speaks to people everywhere."
Tibetan People
"Phil Borges conveys the quiet dignity and determination of the Tibetan people through his simple black-and-white photos. Each portrait is accompanied by a short description of the subjects, offering glimpses into their extraordinary lives. The book also features quotes of H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is a book that can be appreciated even by someone who does not know much about the Tibetan cause."
Tibetan Culture
"Much more than a fancy coffee table book, this book introduces various aspects of Tibetan lives, faiths, and culture through its essays and photos. It is definitely worth keeping."
History / Memoir
"I recommend reading this book if you want to get to know more about H.H. the Dalai Lama first hand. His straight-talking style and compassionate humor really come through. You will get to understand that he is respected not just because of the esteemed status he was born to. He has won the respect of many people on the basis of his deeds and teachings."
"This book vividly recounts the modern history of Tibet. Its description is lively, lucid, and detailed, so it does not read like a dry history book. It follows the life of the fourteenth Dalai Lama as well as the lives of other Tibetans and illustrates the degree of suffering the Tibetan people underwent since the Chinese conquest and how they are preserving their culture in exile."
"This little book contains a very complete collection of the poems by the Sixth Dalai Lama, accompanied by an mesmerizing introduction to his intriguing life and nicely illustrated by the author of Goddesses."
Essays
"This book is a collections of speeches, eye witness accounts, testimonies, and investigative reports. It covers many aspects, including Tibet's legal status, human right situation and environmental condition, and reflects many viewpoints. Some of the descriptions, particularly those on human right violations, are truly painful to stomach, but are necessary to read if one wants to understand what goes on in Tibet and why people are struggling for her cause."
General
"A light and entertaining book recounting an extraordinary story. This book is written from the point of view of a Western Buddhist about her beloved tutor in both his past life as a Tibetan lama and his present life as a Spanish boy (now also a lama). Whether one believes in reincarnation or not, the spirit of Lama Yeshe (the tutor in his previous life) shines through the pages and is very inspiring."
"This book collects excerpts of the Dalai Lama's speeches. His words can be appreciated by people of all religions, and are definitely worth reading and re-reading. Here is an example: 'Right from the moment of our birth, we are under the care and kindness of our parents. And then later on in our life, when we are oppressed by sickness and become old, we are again dependent on the kindness of others. And since at the beginning and end of our lives, we are so dependent on others' kindness, how can it be in the middle that we neglect kindness towards others?'"
Directory of Publishers
