His Holiness the Dalai Lama is celebrated as Buddhism's preeminent spiritual master and teacher, embodying the highest aspirations of this rich tradition that is more than 2,500 years old. With both profundity and simplicity, he has carried the nuanced teachings of the Buddha to the far corners of the globe, and in the process has touched and transformed millions of lives. Like the Buddha himself, the Dalai Lama, with his ever-smiling face, reaches out to people in ways that connect to their individual mental dispositions, abilities, and everyday realities. Buddhism, which never seeks to proselytize, has been made accessible by the Dalai Lama to both non-Buddhists and Buddhists alike so that we may all learn from one of the most valuable strands of our shared heritage.

This fascinating book brings together extracts from some of His Holiness's most powerful writings and talks. As he explains the elements of the Buddha's teachings and the basic practices of meditation, he also engages and reconciles the innovations of modern science with Buddhist perspectives. Ultimately, His Holiness calls for the celebration of diversity and the recognition of interdependence that breeds a sense of Universal Responsibility - which must govern all of our relationships in this increasingly fragmented world. Serving as the perfect introduction to the Dalai Lama's philosophy, both Buddhist and secular, An Introduction to the Dalai Lama is just the book for gleaning insights into the mind of one of the world's greatest spiritual icons.

In My Own Words, H H Dalai Lama, Hay House, Paperback, 210 Pages, 2008, $16.99

Tenzin Gyamtso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born on July 6, 1935 in a small village called Takster in northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, His Holiness was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalaia Lama. He was enthroned at the age of five and assumed full political power in 1950. In 1959, His Holiness was forced into exile and has striven ever since for a peaceful solution to the the Sino-Tibetan crisis. He continually promotes his compassionate approach to life struggles, whether personal or global, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Tenzin Gyamtso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born on July 6, 1935 in a small village called Takster in northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, His Holiness was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalaia Lama. He was enthroned at the age of five and assumed full political power in 1950. In 1959, His Holiness was forced into exile and has striven ever since for a peaceful solution to the the Sino-Tibetan crisis. He continually promotes his compassionate approach to life struggles, whether personal or global, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

	Contents: In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy
	Introduction	ix
1.	On Happiness	1
2.	What is Buddhism?	19
3.	Essential Buddhist Teachings	33
4.	The Law of Karma	47
5.	Transforming the Mind	73
6.	How to Meditate	93
7.	The Awakening Mind	109
8.	Eight Verses for Training the Mind	131
9.	Meaningful Living and Dying	143
10.	Understanding Emptiness	155
11.	Universal Responsibility	169
12.	Science at the Crossroads	187
	Acknowledgments	202
	Copyright Acknowledgments	205
	The Foundation for Universal Responsibility	206
	About the Author	209