Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World

by Robert A.F. Thurman

he suppression of Tibet’s cultural heritage has the potential to set a precedent for all oppressed peoples of the world. Perched on the top of the world. changes in Tibet’s ecosystem affect the entire global climate. And, most importantly, Tibet is the spiritual and physical home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to which he can never return.

But why does Tibet matter to you? Tibet is more than its mountains, its monks, and its martyrs. Robert Thurman, renowned Tibetan scholar, teacher, and activist, presents his provocative, five-point plan that will enable China to win the respect of the entire world by allowing Tibet to regain its cultural, economic, and political autonomy. Thurman shows how the Dalai Lama's tireless work is the harbinger of peace for the world yet to come and essential for human survival.

The book outlines several key factors that will educate and empower readers to take What is the history of Tibet, and how do the political, religious, ecological, and social factors affect each other?- Who is the Dalai Lama, and why does his work matter to the world?- What does the China-Tibet relationship represent for the global community?- What can individuals do to bring attention to this issue, and make a change where they are?- How can the five-point plan be used as a model of peaceful change in the world?

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Politics, Spirituality, Biography, China, Religion

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Tenzin Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, holding the first endowed chair of Buddhist Studies in the United States. He is the author of the bestseller Inner Revolution, as well as Anger, Infinite Life, and other popular books. He is also a translator of Tibetan texts. He serves as co-founder and president of Tibet House US, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the endangered culture of Tibet.

Reviews

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned a lot by reading this book. A small step to enlightenment.

Its just sad that China did not take the opportunity they had during the 2008 olympics, they did not do the steps, the author had written in the book. If China had taken those steps, it would had been wonderful for the Tibetans and other Asians.

Instead, it seems the Chinese government is intent on being an agressive super power, because as of now, China is claiming that they own an island that is under the Philippines. Not only the Philippines, China is claiming other territories from its neighbor. I just hope that the government would follow the Dalai Lama's Middle Way path, the non violence.

I do not want war, I mean who does? Not only will the Philippines lose, but the sufferings the people will experience.

And I hope China will open their eyes, the Dalai Lama is willing to give up Tibet's independence, he is willing to be just an autonomous region, but it seems China is not happy with the Dalai Lama's advice/suggestions/ideas.

I will be reading more on the Dalai Lama

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a critical book to read even if one is not Buddhist. China will play an important role in the 21st century whether we like it or not. How it has dealt, and could deal, with cultural diversity at its doorstep has profound implications for our global future. The Dalai Lama is for the world what Martin Luther King Jr. was for the U.S. We would do well to become educated about the issue of Tibet, to become better advocates abroad for the human rights that we hold so dear here.

[Karla Strand · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative book why the Dalai Lama (the 14th and the position in general) is important: he is a scientist, a political leader, a role model, a Buddhist monk and teacher, a philosopher, a leader, and more. Also about Chinese/Tibetan relations and suggestions for how the two nations can go forward together in harmony.

"Dr. Paul Ekman, the world authority on emotion revealed in facial expression, was unable to find the slightest trace of artificiality in the Dalai Lama's smile." Page F in picture section

"Here we are all together in the soup. Hope is essential for the quality of our being - and for our potential saving of the world - for the sake of our children and children's children." page XI

"I call it an inner revolution, a revolution in human consciousness." page XII

Why should we care about Tibet?
"We should care because China's actions have implications for the entire world. As human beings, it's impossible not to care when you know of the appalling manner in which the Tibetans are beung treated." page XV

"...Buddhism is fundamentally a scientific worldview and a variety of therapeutic practices, aiming at healing suffering through understanding and compassion more than through a particular credo or the intercession of a creator diety." page 4

"The Tibetans' and Mongolians' amazing institution of the Dalai Lamas is a formal pattern of specifically inviting the Buddha of Infinite COmpassion to reincarnate again and again as a leader and teacher of the nation." page 21

"When properly appreciated and understood, these [Tibetan origin] myths should also help the Chinese leaders realize that it is impossible to eradicate the Dalai Lama fromt he Tibetan soul." page 22

"But [the Dalai Lama] firmly rejected in that conversation my proposal for a constitutional lamarchy (a reincarnate lama monarchy)." page 33

"In regard to the Dalai Lama's efforts to liberate his people, Elie Wiesel once said in public, 'Your Holiness, prayer is not enough!'" page 46

"This is the way compassion moves you toward great tolerance of your own hardships and even happiness, and thus greater intolerance of others' sufferings. And this is the secret of the Dalai Lama's famous cheerfulness and grace under pressure." page 104

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even as a practitioner, I learned a lot about HHDL, but mostly in terms of his political goals for Tibet post-Chinese occupation. The book dragged, but it was useful for that reason, even if it was a little depressing to be reading nearly 15 years later.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing,I wouldn't really recommend it. Although I did pick up some additional information about the Tibetan situation, I was familiar with much of it from my time in Dharamsala India in the Tibetan refugee community and from reading the Dalai Lama's two autobiographies.

However it could be useful to some people. The explanation of Tibetan Buddhism's roots is informative, if a bit complex.

I reacted to a couple of aspects of the book: firstly that a Westerner, although educated in Asian studies and briefly a monk, would presume to fully understand the situation and psyche of Tibetans and of His Holiness; secondly Thurman's recommended plan for the Tibetans was a tad strange.

Ellen Besso
Author of An Indian Sojourn &
Surviving Eldercare: Where Their Needs End & Yours Begin

[John Eliade · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overly sentimental piece that's already dated with constant references to President Hu Jintao. I recommend it for people who are already deep into the Tibet debate, but not for those new on the scene (it'll probably cement an overly idealistic image). While Thurman does openly call himself idealistic, he at least tries to broaden our minds into the possibilities and his approach to the issue is way more balanced than the Tibet as Independent State vs. Tibet is Chinese debate that it is usually framed as. However, he wrote this book in the leadup to the 2008 Olympics, after the events of 6 years ago, I highly doubt much of this book can be accomplished as such.

Anyway, an interesting read if nothing else. A lot of good environmental stuff on Tibet to look into.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

As we enter the 50th anniversary of the complete takeover of Tibet by China and the beginning of the Dalia Lama's exile from his home land, one of America's great Buddhist Scholars Robert Thurman explains why the cause of Tibet deserves more than mere lip service and what the Dalai Lama offers to the world.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have tickets to see Robert Thurman in February so I wanted to read his book before then. I was amazed to find myself starting to believe that is is possible that China could come to see the advantage of an independent Tibet. Per Thurman, think of the end of apartheid in South Africa and of the dissolution of the former Soviet Union.

[Danielle Strickman]

Heard Robert Thurman speak at the University of Miami. He is quite extraordinary. He is a professor at Columbia University and co-founded Tibet House with Richard Gere. His plan for the future of Tibet is reasonable and inspiring. A must read along with, apparently, many of his other books.

[Indigo Editing/Ink-Filled Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I edited this book for Beyond Words/Atria books. I found it extremely informative about the situation in Tibet and the Dalai Lama's activism not only for Tibet's freedom but also for advancements in humankind.

I recommend this for people who are passionate about making the world a better place.

[Suzanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thurman is an apologist for the Tibetan independence cause, in addition to being a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism. What I gained from this book was a better idea of Tibetan history in relation to the Dalai Lama, and the way Tibet is physically separate from China.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book. But what I got was a very complicated discussion of Buddhism rather than a primer on the Dalai Lama himself. After floudering for a few days I gave up. If you want to read the book yourself, I have a copy that I'd love to give to you.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

reading for a book group - not overly impressed

[Fiona715 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent explanation of the Dalai Lama's position on Chinese/Tibetan relationships and an explanation of how the differences could be worked out.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horribly written and edited, not really worth you time. If you really want to know why HHDL matters, read one of his own books.

[Mary Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think, given his lectures, he's got me convinced. We'll see... :-)

[Rachel Swords · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't able to finish this book before it had to go back to the library. I was interested with the contents of the chapters I did get to read....China needs to listen to the Dalai Lama!

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it starts with H.H. Dalai Lama; it quickly moves into a discussion of China-Tibet relations and why the chinese should give up it's occupation.