Spiritual advice for buddhists and christians

In the words of the Dalai Lama, the purpose of religion is not to build beautiful churches and elaborate temples, but to cultivate positive human qualities such as tolerance, generosity, and love. Spiritual Advice for Buddhists and Christians contains the four talks given by the Dalai Lama when he attended a meeting of Buddhist and Christian monks and nuns at Gethsemani Abbey, Kentucky. The Dalai Lama shares his understanding of four major themes explored in that meeting: first, the practice of prayer and meditation in the spiritual life; secondly, the stages in the process of spiritual development; thirdly, the role of the teacher and the community in the spiritual life; and finally, the spiritual goals of personal and societal transformation. In each talk the Dalai Lama expresses clearly and compassionately the basic principles of Tibetan Buddhism, and shows how they are applicable to daily practice for all spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious affiliation. His Holiness The Dalai Lama now resides in exile from his native Tibet in Dharamsala, India. He travels the world spreading his message of love, peace, and understanding, while also advocating Tibetan independence. Donald W. Mitchell is Professor of Comparative Philosophy and Chair of the Religious Studies Program at Purdue University, Indiana.