The Wisdom of Forgiveness

Author : Victor Chan , Institute of Asian Research, University of BC, Vancouver262pages

There has been many books written about the Dalai Lama, by the Dalai Lama or co authors. Majority of the books are written by Western Authors and on specific scope of topics.

This book is easily readable, its chapters are brief and written by an Asian, a Chinese. It is interesting, as the Dalai Lama and Tibetans has suffered much arocity under the Chinese rule, yet Victor Chan has been given a intimate access to the Dalai Lama over 30 years span. The author indicated his initial apprehension in meeting the Dalai Lama - how will he be treated as a Chinese.

Weaved into the stories of the Dalai Lama private life, and cleverly higlighted are glimpses of wisdom from the Dalai Lama. The lessons are quite varied from compassion, interdependence, emptiness. How, it seems that over the years of meetings and interview, the core lesson keep cropping up. And the lessons presented in the books are those that the Dalai Lama live and emphasize like caring for others, compassion.

Through the author, one gets glimpses into the very private life of the Dalai Lama like when he meditate in the daily morning session, have lunch or meals, the author was present as an observer. One session highlight the Dalai Lama's habit of brushing teeth after every meals.
In one incident, the Dalai Lama was very sick, to the extend for the need to cancel the annual
major prayer session. The Dalai Lama how he think he gotten sick and it was a lesson on interdepence.

Come and See for yourself

Author : Ayya Khema : German nun. Born of Jewish parentage, she escaped from Germany at the age of six with 200 childrens. Separated from her parent and finally reunited in China. During 2nd world war, she and her parents were placed in a Japanes war camp.

This book is a translation from German, of talk given by Ayya Khema. The talks are expounded and expanded from traditional Buddhist scriptures. However, the lessons, though sourced from Buddhist scriptures, has very practical advise for the problems we faced in life. The issues are universal and everyone, regardless of race, religion will be able to identify with it. What is interesting is that the lessons does not require one to believe in the religion to be applicable. However, a secular psychologist, cousellor would not be able to elucidate the lessons. They are based on her personal meditative experience, projected on secular problems. The reading can be difficult going, as one need to constantly pause to reflect and think and analyse what is being expouded. It is one of those books, you buy to keep for regular reference. Best to race through with one reading, and then go back to pick the chapters of most relevant to you today.