Books Authored by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

An Author Too

MY LAND AND MY PEOPLE (1964)

The most famous autobiography by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. It is the only life account written by the Dalai Lama himself.

AN INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM (1965)

HAPPINESS, KARMA AND MIND (1969)

THE OPENING OF THE WISDOM EYE (1972)

THE BUDDHISM OF TIBET AND THE KEY TO THE MIDDLE WAY (1975)

THE BUDDHISM OF TIBET (1975)

The Buddhism of Tibet is a concise introduction to the principal topics and central practices of Buddhism. Included are: The Key to the Middle Way by the Dalai Lama — an acute and precise presentation of the nature of emptiness. The Precious Garland by Nagarjuna — describes the Bodhisattva path of compassion and a clear, concise analysis of the Buddha's teaching on emptiness. The Song of the Four Mindfulnesses, a 7th Dalai Lama poem with commentary by the present Dalai Lama, contains all the essentials of sutra and tantra. It is to be used as a basis for meditations on mindfulness of the guru, altruism, deity yoga and emptiness.

UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE GOOD HEART (1977)

TANTRA IN TIBET (1977)

Tantra in Tibet consists of three parts published under the auspices of the Dalai Lama

DEITY YOGA (1981)

Deity Yoga describes the profound process of meditation in Action and Performance Tantras. It is the basis of all higher tantric practices. This is a invaluable book for anyone who is practicing or interested in Buddhist tantra.

FOUR ESSENTIAL BUDDHIST COMMENTARIES (1982)

The Dalai Lama discusses the meaning of four central texts on Tibetan Buddhist practice: Thirty Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, the Three Principle Aspects of the Path, the Eight Verses on Mind Training, and the Song of Four Mindfulnesses.

KINDNESS, CLARITY, AND INSIGHT

This best-selling book contains a collection of talks given by the Dalai Lama to Western audiences during his tours of North America. His Holiness covers a wide variety of spiritual and human concerns in a practical and direct manner with his characteristic warmth, wit and perception.

THE UNION OF BLISS AND EMPTINESS (1988)

This book presents a practical instruction which blends the essential aspects of the sutra path together with the profound tantric techniques that activate the latent spiritual forces within us. By laying the basic framework of the entire Buddhist path, it also sets down the guidelines for undertaking a complete form of practice on a daily basis.

COMMENTARY ON SHANTIDEVA -- TRANSCENDENT WISDOM (1988)

"The Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life" is one of the books most highly-recommended by the Dalai Lama for Mahayana practice. The ninth chapter of that book, the chapter on Transcendent Wisdom, is known among Buddhist scholars as a challenging and profound exposition of the Madhyamika philosophy. This extraordinarily clear exposition by the Dalai Lama with its precise elucidation of core issues of Tibetan Buddhism, stands as a key work in Buddhist literature. B Alan Wallace has translated, edited and added explanatory notes to this extraordinarily clear and valuable commentary.

THE BODHGAYA INTERVIEWS (1988)

In these sparkling interviews (1981-85), His Holiness the Dalai Lama covers a spectrum of religious and secular concerns in a most candid and stimulating manner. Psychology, tantra, politics, emptiness, Christianity, reincarnation, liberation, meditation, mantra, gurus, protector deities, and particle physics are some of the topics discussed-much of this information is unavailable elsewhere. These interviews were held at the close of annual teachings and initiations in Bodhgaya, India, the place most sacred to Buddhists.

THE DALAI LAMA AT HARVARD (1989)

In 1981, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave an in-depth introduction to Buddhist theory and practice in a series of lectures at Harvard University. Using the foundational Buddhist topic of the Four Noble Truths, he covers a spectrum of topics such as: The Psychology of Cyclic Existence; Consciousness and Karma; Cessation and Buddha Nature: Paths and the Utilisation of Bliss; Techniques for Meditation; Altruism; Valuing Enemies; Wisdom.

THE DALAI LAMA: A POLICY OF KINDNESS (1990)

"'The Dalai Lama: A Policy of Kindness' brought me gently and pleasantly into the life and mind of this extraordinary spiritual leader and assured the success of my interview with him." — Bill Moyers, PBS Television, Public Affairs TV, Inc.

PATH TO BLISS (1991)

Path to Bliss presents a systematic approach to personal development through visualisation, reason and contemplation. The presentation is clear and eloquent. It does not presuppose any prior experience on the part of the beginner, while providing rich material for the more advanced practitioner. Beginning with practices that develop an effective mental outlook in one's life, this book guides the student to more advanced techniques for developing the mind's deepest potentials and happiness.

THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY AND THE NEED FOR UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY (1991)

COMPASSION AND THE INDIVIDUAL (1991)

CULTIVATING A DAILY MEDITATION (1991)

The Dalai Lama explains how one should proceed to cultivate a daily meditational practice. He presents tantric meditations and discusses how and why they are effective in transforming the mind. The visualisations used are that of the Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani and Arya Tara.

FREEDOM IN EXILE (1991)

The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama. In this landmark book the Dalai Lama tells his story — from his remarkable childhood as the leader of 6 million Tibetans through the crisis of the Chinese invasion up to the present life in exile and re-establishment of his culture in India.

MY TIBET (1991)

By the Dalai Lama & Galen Rowell. 1991 Oversize cloth edition, 108 color photos and essays on different themes.

A FLASH OF LIGHTNING IN
THE DARK OF NIGHT (1994)

This is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on the Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. The theme is the development of compassion — the guiding principle of the bodhisattva. The bodhisattvas' enemies are the ego, passion, and hatred; their weapons are generosity, patience, perseverance, and wisdom. The Dalai Lama teaches the way to make the bodhisattva ideal a living experience.

ESSENTIAL TEACHINGS (1995)

This is an oral teaching on the path of the Bodhisattva — the 37 practices for the cultivation of bodhichitta, the mind of awakening. The Dalai Lama offers instruction on how to follow these guidelines for compassionate living. Also included is a teaching to the middle way beyond all dualistic perceptions and thought.

VIOLENCE & COMPASSION/POWER OF BUDDHISM (1995)

French film writer Jean-Claude Carriäre engaging conversations with the Dalai Lama give readers a wonderful opportunity to understand their views and insightful guidance on a wide range of topics — issues and problems important to everyone in the world. Women's rights, education, terrorism, the population explosion, environmental dangers, violence — the Dalai Lama cuts through to the essence of each issue and offers insightful guidence. Jean-Claude Carriere has been the screen writer of more than fifty films, including the Return of Martin Guerre, the Unbearable Lightness of Being, and the Mahabharata.

DIALOGUES ON UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY & EDUCATION (1995)

Result of two workshops held in New Delhi between His Holiness and a group of Indian scholars, philosophers, teachers and social reformers in which the participants discuss ways to bring about humanitarian change in our society, whilst also focusing on education to effect positive change.

THE WORLD OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM (1995)

In this landmark work, His Holiness explains the Tibetan Buddhist path to enlightenment and the book consists of a general overview of the basic theories and practices of Tibetan Buddhism, a commentary on selected readings from Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara, focusing on the practice of love, kindness, and compassion, and lastly, a discussion of Vajrayana Buddhism and the path of Tantra.

THE POWER OF COMPASSION (1995)

Drawing upon contemporary themes, the Dalai Lama offers timeless knowledge to give readers courage to face the confusion and suffering of the world and bring wisdom and compassion into their lives. His Holiness emphasises the vital need for peace and tolerance as they apply to modern issues — such as the strife in Bosnia, racial hatred, abortion, the environment and relationships.

THE WAY TO FREEDOM (1995)

The Way to Freedom is considered by Tibetans to be the essence of Buddhist teachings and the heart of Tibetan practice for 600 years. Presented in easy to understand steps, this is the essential primer on Tibetan Buddhism for both non-practitioners and avid students.

AWAKENING THE MIND, LIGHTENING THE HEART (1995)

Dalai Lama shows how the feeling and activity of compassion can be developed through simple practices that incorporate past and present relationships. He offers techniques for increasing the experience of compassion in our lives.

THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT (1995)

His Holiness Dalai Lama provides an extensive teaching on the path to enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism. His discourse draws out the meaning of the Third Dalai Lama's famous "Essence of Refined Gold" and he speaks directly to the reader offering spiritual advice, his personal reflections, and scriptural commentary. He elucidates in practical terms what the student must do to attain enlightenment. This book is one of the most accessible introductions to Tibetan Buddhism available.

OPENING THE EYE OF NEW AWARENESS (1998)

A succinct yet thorough presentation of the doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism written by the Dalai Lama for those who do not have the leisure to study the great texts. It is a good survey of the theory and practice of Buddhism.

ART OF HAPPINESS (1998)

by HH the Dalai Lama and Howard C Cutler. Published by Riverhead Books, New York, USA.

ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN WORLD: ETHICS FOR A NEW MILLENNIUM (1999)

The first major publication in recent years since the best selling autobiography 'Freedom In Exile', His Holiness calls for a revolution — not a political, an economic, a technical or even a religious revolution, but a spiritual revolution to help us through the moral maze of modern life.

THE LITTLE BOOK OF BUDDHISM (1999)

by HH the Dalai Lama. Compiled and edited by Dr Renuka Singh. Published by Penguin Books, India.

THE HEART OF THE BUDDHA'S PATH (1999)

by HH the Dalai Lama. Translated by Dr Thupten Jinpa and edited by Dominique Side and Dr Thupten Jinpa. Published by Thorsons, London.

TRANSFORMING THE MIND (2000)

by HH the Dalai Lama. Translated by Dr Thupten Jinpa and edited by Dominique Side and Dr Thupten Jinpa. Published by Thorsons, London.