

Paperback: 276 pages
Publisher: Namchak Publishing; Pap/Crds edition (April 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0990571106
ISBN-13: 978-0990571100
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 8.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #87,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Dalai Lama #105 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Tibetan #19387 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

I bought the CDs because I do so much driving, and I couldn't be happier with my "choice" (I believe it wasn't a choice at all, but just the way it's supposed to be). Lama Tsomo has a smooth and melodious way of sharing her story, and when she makes a tiny error in the voice over, she calmly and cutely fixes her error. I suspect Lama Tsomo is unaware that the audio engineer left her flubs on the CDs, but I also suspect that she will read the reviews, because she is obviously enlightened but not yet Buddha. ;) When she does, I hope she appreciates the pleasure her new devotee receives from this. I say devotee, because whatever follows, I have found so much power and value in Namchak that I am deeply involved in the research and practice, and of course my goal is to meet Lama Tsomo in Montana and listen to her there. She is a beautiful vessel of the wisdom she delivers.
To begin with, most of us in the West have only a slight understanding of the Dalai Lama as a religious and symbolic leader. From that, we recognize he is a symbolic political thorn to the Chinese government and is recognized globally as generally an apolitical, but inspiring person. The title of the book itself causes one to step back and say - why is he always smiling?I read an average 2 books per week, but I must share this book has caused me to read it in tiny, bite size morsels that cause me to reflect and think. I haven't been affected by a book like this in years.The book itself is very unusual. Under 300 pages in length, the book must weigh at least 2 pounds due to very thick paper. The high quality, slick copy stock includes literally dozens of photographs. Many are not precisely labeled but match the story lines in the chapter which makes it more personal than a travel guide or a who's who.What makes this book so interesting to me is the way the author shares the detailed story of her journey and how she makes the experience of relevance to others besides herself.This is not an autobiography, but an invitation to readers to step back from the information overload we face daily and to pause.To think.To meditate.To simply "be" for a short time.I have reviewed several hundred books and items and have never offered a preliminary review, but am pleased to do so for this very moving story. I will plan to update it after I complete it, which will be awhile. I continue to read my average of 2 or so books per week after I began this one 4 weeks ago, but plan to continue to really enjoy the messages found here.Highly recommendedJohn J Hogan CHA CHMS CHE CHOHospitality EducatorsHogan Hospitality
I was somehow disappointed. I have read many books on Buddhism and probably shouldn't have gone also with this one. Kind of a coffee table format, shiny glossy pages and beautiful pictures. Some good info and all. But I really couldn't connect. You should check it out in a bookstore to see if it has the info you really want.
This is a delightful introduction into Tibetan Vajrayana. Lama Tsomo teaches these important practices in a fun, witty humor that keeps you engaged. Soon you will be smiling just like the Dalia Lama!
I loved this book. It was very helpful for me as a beginner to meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhist philosophy.
nice read
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. One woman's personal journey, well documented and presented. Highly recommended.
Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling?: A Westerner's Introduction and Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Practice The Dalai Lama: Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama Translating Buddhism from Tibetan: An Introduction to the Tibetan Literary Language and the Translation of Buddhist Texts from Tibetan The Great Path of Awakening: The Classic Guide to Lojong, a Tibetan Buddhist Practice for Cultivating the Heart of Compassion (Shambhala Classics) Mind and Life: Discussions with the Dalai Lama on the Nature of Reality (Columbia Series in Science and Religion) Caring Economics: Conversations on Altruism and Compassion, Between Scientists, Economists, and the Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow Living in "The Now" in Easy Steps: Understanding The Masters of Enlightenment, Eckhart Tolle, Dalai Lama, Krishnamurti and more! (The Secret of Now Series) (Volume 1) Stop Negative Thinking in 7 Easy Steps: Understanding The Masters of Enlightenment: Eckhart Tolle, Dalai Lama, Krishnamurti and more! Healing Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Mindfulness, Emotions, and Health The Dalai Lama and the King Demon: Tracking a Triple Murder Mystery Through the Mists of Time My Land and My People: The Original Autobiography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet In Exile from the Land of Snows: The Definitive Account of the Dalai Lama and Tibet Since the Chinese Conquest The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Inner Peace: The Essential Life and Teachings The Dalai Lama Book of Quotes: A Collection of Speeches, Quotations, Essays and Advice from His Holiness (Little Book. Big Idea.) Insight from the Dalai Lama 2016 Day-to-Day Calendar The Dalai Lama 2016 Wall Calendar Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of The Dalai Lama A Force for Good: The Dalai Lama's Vision for Our World The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama (Vintage Departures)