THE MEANING OF LIFE: Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect, by the Dalai Lama, trans. & ed. by Jeffrey Hopkins, foreword by Richard Gere

THE MEANING OF LIFE: Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect

by H.H. the Dalai Lama, trans. & ed. by Jeffrey Hopkins, foreword by Richard Gere

Basing his explanation on the twelve links of dependent-arising as depicted in the Wheel of Life, the Dalai Lama presents Buddhism's worldview while answering some of life's most profound questions: Why are we here? How should we live our lives?

Each of us struggles with the existential questions of meaning, purpose, and responsibility. In The Meaning of Life, the Dalai Lama examines these questions from the Buddhist perspective, skillfully guiding us to a clearer understanding that can liberate us from the prison of selfishness and suffering, expanding our capacity to feel love for all beings. The Dalai Lama bases his explanations on the Buddha's teachings of dependent arising, showing how every aspect of our suffering--unhappiness, pain, even old age and death--can be ultimately uprooted through a profound understanding of our true nature.

"Studded with jewels...The Meaning of Life brings together the theory of Buddhist teachings and the practice of ordinary life. The Dalai Lama's exposition--thorough, gentle, and precise--reflects the depth and breadth of his training, communicating the living quality of the tradition."--Shambhala Sun

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. Since fleeing the Chinese Communist takeover of Tibet in 1959, he has dedicated his life to teaching compassion and understanding, placing special attention on interreligious dialogue and the sciences. His tireless efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in his homeland earned him the Wallenberg Award (conferred by the U.S. Congressional Human Rights Foundation), the Albert Schweitzer Award, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and the Nobel Peace Prize.