Daily Advice From the Heart- 365 by the Dalai Lama

Sometimes I freak out that I have to get two sources a week for our preparation class, but as of right now I am actually really excited about it.  I've finally come to realize that finding sources does not necessarily mean that I need to find something that has everything to do with the exact topic I am studying.  In fact, it can be about the location I am going to, the religion of the people, and a world more.

This little book, Daily Advice From the Heart, is one of those kind of sources.  I've had it for awhile, but I have never had the time to look through it too intensely. It is stocked full of quotes for just about every stage and phase of life. Every time I pick up this book I find myself surprised.  I think it is easy to say that all religions have certain fragments of truth and and a similar core in the right spirit, but I think it is also important to recognize that there really are differences that cannot be missed.  For me, this is how I realized what the 8 Fold Path means as far as where attachment is concerned.  There is still a lot with this doctrine I do not completely understand.  I know that it is something I will definitely look into when I get to Dharamsala and get to know their beliefs on a more personal level.

Just an observation, the advice is very practical.  His Holiness seems to give advice that anyone can apply to their lives.  It is not wrapped up in theoretical mumbojumbo.  In many ways it is like a step by step guide through living the happiest life possible.

I've decided that I want to incorporate this into my scripture study each night.  Not replace it or anything, but just get into that mind set.  It is meant to be read daily, so why would I not do just that?

Lama, Dalai XIV.  Daily Advice from the Heart.  New York: Metro Books,  2003.  Print.