His Holiness The Dalai Lama received the Nobel Prize for peace and is renowned in the field of spirituality and Tibetan Buddhism. An adept in Buddhist philosophy, Dalai Lama writes 'The Joy of Living and Dying in Peace', the third volume to the Library of Tibetan series.

These series are written to preserve the cultural heritage of Tibet. Edited by Donald S. Lopez, a professor of Buddhist and Tibetan studies at the university of Michigan, along with John F. Avedon, author of 'In exile from the land of snows' (History of Modern Tibetan).

The language and style he uses is very lucid and simple. No philosophical jargon is used, thus enhancing the teaching of Buddhism. The introduction is very traditional and adopts an authoritarian style. A glimpse of Tibetan culture and their relationship with the Chinese add color and identification to the element of the book.

While discussing the essence of life, Dalai Lama describes vividly the attributes of suffering, laying emphasis on the teachings of Buddha. He describes the intense and agitated emotions of man, realistically and with simplicity. If one flows with his style, he helps the reader cultivate an insight into selfless actions and aids him in the analysis of one's own mind. He constantly tries to use a practical and a pragmatic approach.

His Holiness brings out the significance of human birth and focuses on making death easy and acceptable. In the process, he tries to change our attitude and aspire us towards nirvana. He has beautifully explained how as individuals we are free to cultivate an awakening mind and achieve freedom through the human potential.

Although his approach is very conventional and conservative, in the chapter 'Dying in Peace' his personal experiences and present day anecdotes highlight the sense of concern and commitment for others. He chooses the non-violent approach of human dialogue and understanding, enveloped with mutual respect and understanding for others.

Examples that we encounter in our daily lives must remind us of our death, is addressed with feeling and empathy. Dalai Lama's personal attitude and his need for daily practice of meditation is recognized, making him as mortal as others who are struggling. He makes the reader recognize death as a predicament that one must face bravely, which one subconsciously avoids due to fear or simply puts it away from a thinking mind.

Death is described plainly and candidly while offering the need to put in special effort to practice and lead a life in accordance with Dharma. As the chapters unfold he leads the reader to perform good actions, and finally attempts to create a meditative state of mind. Simple autosuggestions are cited that may be used during the meditation periods. Tibetan yogis like Milarepa and Tsong-kha-pa are quoted to inspire faith and devotion.

Procrastination, laziness are the two attributes that force us to neglect the spiritual aspect of our lives. Dalai Lama says: Being merely alive is not a guarantee of practice. For the first twenty years of our life passes by in saying "I will practice" then we pass another twenty years lamenting that "I couldn't do it, I did not study," by then the physical body gets sick, old and worn out by the disturbing accumulated emotions on our minds.

Meditation on the unpredictability of death is necessary to enhance and progress on the spiritual path thereby, paving the quality of life after death. This idea threads the book together.

He has propounded well of human potential as having the capacity to accept death and achieve spiritual fulfillment in this lifetime and the next. He lays emphasis on life after death, but gives no reason or explanation of it. A mere statement of life existing after death is affirmed in various forms. Regressing in the cycle of life and death is talked about without any rationale and hypothesis.

Recommended to beginners in Buddhism and the Dalai Lama style of living.

Reviewed by Heeru Bhojwani

• Title: The Joy of Living and Dying in Peace
• Author: H. H. The Dalai Lama
• Publisher: HarperCollins