Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World

This is a book that I think a lot of people need in the current climate of the world right now. I am just finishing the book in November 2020. Even though the book was written back in 2011 I believe, the knowledge that it puts forward is timeless. A lot of this should be automatic for human-beings, but you'd be surprised how many people a lot of the concepts in the book just simply do not apply to or are a foreign concept to them. Mainly compassion, which is spoke about a lot in the book, just seems like it is lacking today. I think if we all take a second to step back, assess, and then open our mouths, the world would be at least that much better. We have seem to forgotten that the world is bigger than just ourselves and need to try to come back to remember that. We all seem to have to forgotten that other people have feelings and they should be taken into consideration. Its very easy to get wrapped up in the me me me culture and completely forget that in the end it is all us us us. “You” may have gotten what you wanted, but what about all the people that was crushed along the way? Are they any less important than yourself? Myself, I picked up the kindle version of this book and you can digitally “highlight” passages that you like of course. If I had a physical copy of this book, I think I would have had to use a couple of highlight markers because I found myself constantly highlighting passages in it. Like I stated earlier, majority of this book should be automatic for people, but still interesting none the less. At the end of my reviews, I usually state if I think that the book is worthy of a physical copy for the bookshelf. I can say that it is.

The Dalai Lama does a fantastic book distinguishing ethics, morality, character and spiritualness in a way not tied to religion. How could such a prominent figure in the Buddhist faith not mention any swaying ideology to his faith and practice? Could the Pope right a book on how to be a good person outside of the realm of Catholicism? Regardless, he does it. A perfect distinction on living life similar to that of water (character/values) and tea (religion). One element you absolutely need to survive as a human, I'll let you guess which one it is ;) Overall, a good back that is also a quick read straight from the mouth of the Dalai Lama, himself. Although, I don wonder how royalties on this book deal or purchases work for him? I'm sure they go to the monastery -anyways that's another topic. Good read here!

A book that all people can relate. Good material for discussion. Do we need someone to teach us in school how to be compassionate. Maybe, I am not sure. I that is up to the individual. Great book.

The Dalai Lama is one of the religious figures that transcends his denomination. In this well written philosophical text, he explores the value of developing a secular set of ethics, with compassion, balance and acceptance as key elements. His approach remains influenced by Eastern practice and philosophy, but does not rely on Buddhism or any other religion to grasp. A good read.

I would recommend this book to anyone over 16 who wants to continue his or her life in harmony with others and to treat others with compassion, patience, and love in order to make this a more peaceful and fulfilling world

I have been studying about secular Buddhism for a while and I just love Tenzin Gyatso's teaching.As soon as I started reading, I just could not put the book down. I finished it in a couple day and there are so many great teachings about how to be a compassionate person, not as a Buddhist, but just as a human being. I believe that everyone should read this and it would be even better for all the school to teach about empirical truth teachings.

I found a lot of meaning in the book and the ethical framework discussed.

I'm a Zen Priest and wanted to read what the Dalai Lama's perspective is on living a moral, ethical life without the typical religious associations. I know too many people I love that love life...that care deeply, that do not subscribe to any religion. I though this would give me an insight into what the Dalai Lama found out for himself along the way regarding these citizens of the world. Excellent reading. Not so much in having something new to say but rather the focus being what it is, on those committed to cultivating a healthy life for themselves and others without the polarization we most often see with those that subscribe to a religions dogma. The way I paraphrase it is that people spend to much time on the fence and not enough on the grass.

S.S. Dalai Lama afirma que en las actuales condiciones del mundo requerimos de una guía ética que nos ayude a direccionar nuestras acciones: tanto a nivel individual como social. Esta ética no debe estar fundamentada en valores religiosos, sino en nuestra conciencia de interdependencia entre todos los seres humanos, otros seres vivos y el ecosistema que habitamos.Este proyecto de ética sin religión: es fundamental para garantizar las relaciones humanas y la supervivencia como especie.

His Holiness the Dalai lama, expressed his immense experience and wisdom towards the benevolence of entire human society. I observed that His Holiness took extreme precaution on interpretation of modern scientific evidences (psychology, neurology, evolutionary biology and behavioral aspects of several organisms) and provided appropriate justification for the basic quality (compassion and love) that resides in each and every human heart. Further, His Holiness described the steps that required to move our life one step further using classical Buddhist tools without boasting himself or buddhism. His Holiness, perspective on impact of globalization on religions, race, ethics and morals aided me to understand the socio-dynamic problems (to some extent) that prevail in my country. Further, the possible solutions addressed or little steps provided by His Holiness certainly make a better way to live harmoniously. His Holiness, message on the necessity of Secular country or Secular thoughts with examples of Indian Subcontinent People is need of the hour. Ironically, His Holiness inference on the failure of scientific methodologies (after french revolution) to fulfill the spiritual needs and journey and transforming everything (almost) into material satisfaction aided me to understand my own shortcomings. I hope, this book will provide an answer for most of the burning questions in young minds or intellectual peoples whoever worried or think about the direction of human migration (as a whole). I recommend this book for all kind of people - religious, non-religious, spiritualist, atheistic, and individuals with nihilistic thoughts. His Holiness, idea / message on taking all good things from every corner into ourselves rather than expecting such thoughts from others will aid us to have a better nurtured niche within ourselves.

Es ist ungemein wichtig, dass in einer Zeit, in der die größte Flüchtlingsbewegung jene aus religiös motivierten Krisenherden hin zu säkularen Ländern (in denen offensichtlich alles besser funktioniert und friedlicher ist) ist, jemand ausspricht: vielleicht ist es Zeit für ein Ende der Religion.Küng hat es mit seiner Initiative Weltethos versucht, blieb aber im Religiösen verhaftet.

Sinceramente, não sei se, desprovido de um background religioso e da minha grande admiração por Dalai Lama, eu tivesse ido até o fim deste livro. Na minha opinião, Dalai Lama não consegue desprender a proposta de uma 'ética secular (que acho possível) dos postulados religiosos, muito pelo contrário, até os alimenta. Principalmente na segunda parte do livro, o autor se prende muito a exercícios de concentração e de auto-controle que, se já são difíceis para uma pessoa de fé, imaginemos para uma pessoa sem nenhuma religião. O autor teria deixado mais a pensar se tivesse se contentado com a primeira parte do livro.

I give an unreserved five star rating to His Holiness's book "Beyond Religion". The theme is that we should be compassionate to other people and also in this way satisfy our inner selves. I am sure many people and humanity in general will benefit as more people read this book. His approach uses excellent examples from His lifelong exposure to Budhist teaching. I had understood though that The Buddha started with the idea of developing inner peace and shutting out the turmoil from elsewhere in the world, however much Buddhists might lead us now in wanting to help humanity. His Holiness writes that close to the heart of major religions has been the aim of promotion of kindness and compassion in people, which is good. Much of the Qur'an however is devoted to getting people who lived then to go and fight in Muhammad's army, for the booty of goods and slaves and to kill people who had not yet converted to Islam. The Roman Catholic Church used torture to get confessions until the mid nineteenth century. The word "Inquisition" was not removed from the department until 1908. The Papal States retained the last Jewish ghetto. In 1949 President Truman authorized development of the hydrogen bomb on the premise that a more devastating bomb than the Soviets would stop wars. In July 2015 people in the USA have been demonstrating against the removal of a state flag which celebrates their wish to own slaves. Israelis, the leaders of Judaism, have recently killed thousands of Palestinians, apparently so they can have more of their land. In His 'Afterword' His Holiness mentions the need to educate children to be more responsible for the world. If we real want a more humane and compassionate world we seem to need much more than that. Also His Holiness does not mention two factors which have helped the spread of compassion. One is just the spread of more education. The other is more people being able to evolve self-esteem and personal satisfaction. People who are happy doing work they are suited for and think is good and worthwhile are less likely to spend time troubling others in the world Charles Simmonds