I was wondering if everyone had gotten their book yet. I just started mine. I am blown away. For a man who is still living, his childhood was so entirely different from ours and the culture is so different. I love maps and I spent some time looking at Tibet - even the location and surroundings are fascinating as are the animals that live there.
I think there are many important lessons that we can learn from this man. He tells the lessons as he learns them from his mistakes. This is an easy to read book and not a heavy autobiography or theological study.
For you that are still deciding if you want to join us - there is plenty of time. I was assuming that sometime next week everyone would be ready to start a discussion? If you aren't finished by then that is okay - we can still start.
(Note to DL, can you make this one sticky now? Thanks)
Book Club Discussion - Freedom in Exile - Dali Lama
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
-
Lynn Farris
- Posts: 559
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:24 pm
- Location: Lakewood, Ohio
- Contact:
Book Club Discussion - Freedom in Exile - Dali Lama
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ George Carlin
-
Brad Hutchison
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:45 pm
-
Jennifer Frank
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:21 pm
-
dl meckes
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Lakewood
-
Lynn Farris
- Posts: 559
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:24 pm
- Location: Lakewood, Ohio
- Contact:
-
Lynn Farris
- Posts: 559
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:24 pm
- Location: Lakewood, Ohio
- Contact:
As I read the book I saw three distinct threads running through it.
1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation?
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
d) Should the US have done more?
e) Should the US now do more?
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
I really enjoyed the book and was pretty amazed that I wasn't as aware as I should have been about this whole topic. Please feel free to comment on any of the above questions and add some of your own.
1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation?
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
d) Should the US have done more?
e) Should the US now do more?
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
I really enjoyed the book and was pretty amazed that I wasn't as aware as I should have been about this whole topic. Please feel free to comment on any of the above questions and add some of your own.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ George Carlin
-
Lynn Farris
- Posts: 559
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:24 pm
- Location: Lakewood, Ohio
- Contact:
1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
His loneliness. Being taken so early away from his parents. His playmates being the sweepers, talking about the mice running over his bed at night almost as if they were pets, looking down on the prisoners as if they were his friends.
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
His strong optimism that man was basically good and that you could learn from your enemies. I was impressed that he was intellectually curious and wanted to learn about all religions. I was surprised that he didn't want people to convert to Buddhism. "However when it actually comes to people changing their religion, I usually advise them to think the matter through very carefully. Rushing into a new religion can give rise to mental conflict and is nearly always difficult." pg. 204 c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize? I wasn't sure. He certainly is a man devoted to peace. The situation in Tibet certainly deserved the world's attention. But he hasn't been successful. The Chinese are still in Tibet and taking over at least at the end of the book and the Tibetan people have bee ravaged. The environment has been raped.
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
The emphasis on learning and debating. While I guess I knew it, the respect for all life, from humans to insects. But it did bother me that despite this strong belief against killing, they would eat meat if someone else killed the animal.
I have seen a lot of Asian art and have seen the world Bodhisattva and knew it was someone on their way to Buddhahood. But I wasn't sure other than that what it meant but it comes from "Bodhi which means the understanding or wisdom of the ultimate nature of reality and a Sattva which is someone motivated by universal compassion." pg. 204-205 So it makes sense that he called Mother Theresa a Bodhisattva.
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
The teachings were great, they made me want to study the Budhist religion more. The oracles and mediums were out there a little bit for me. The concept of reincarnation is too - but I must admit there is a equlity to it that I like. A person that beats a dog, comes back in his next life as a dog whose master beats it.
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation? I was blown away here. I do think that the mind plays an important aspect on our body. This is something our Western Culture hasn't tapped into. I would love to see more studies completed on this.
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
They seemed very primative but happy.
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
That they convinced themselves that what they were doing was to help the people. When in actuality, the Dalai Lama would have been open to some Marxist changes - he is to some degree a socialist - but they went way to far. Now using Tibet as a dumping ground for nuclear waste from all over the world and mining for uranimum there is very disturbing.
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
I think so - it bothered me at first - but he didn't have the resources to fight the Chinese and fighting was against his religion. I think he has been able to save many of the Tibetan people by so doing. I was very impressed by the help that India has given and they are a poor country too.
d) Should the US have done more?
I think we should have tried to force political discourse earlier.
e) Should the US now do more?
It bothers me that China has to some degree become our "best friend" and that we have so many entangling alliances with them. We have borrowed so much money from them that we are now in their debt. We are transferring so many of our businesses there. But we seem to ignore the human rights violations and the fact that they are raping the environment. (I know, we have little right to talk - but is this the country we want so much to be in bed with?
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
One of my favorite articles that the LO has published was by Gordon Brumm entitled, "The French Revolution, Iraq and the Lessons of History" He begins it "First there was moral clarity. From moral clarity came self-righteousness and supreme self-confidence. Then came arrogance, and out of arrogance came the waging of aggressive war."
Please Click Here
Perhaps at first the goals of Mao were moral and the Tibetans were not modern to say the least. But do you liberate someone that doesn't want to be liberated and force your ideas on them? This is what Napoleon did - he thought he would be hailed as a liberator. To some extent this is what the British did in their colonization period. And it disturbs me that it what we are doing in bringing democracy to the middle east. I grant that hopefully we aren't as brutal and as ruthless as the Chinese. But... neverthe less I think we should see this as a cautinary tale.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
His loneliness. Being taken so early away from his parents. His playmates being the sweepers, talking about the mice running over his bed at night almost as if they were pets, looking down on the prisoners as if they were his friends.
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
His strong optimism that man was basically good and that you could learn from your enemies. I was impressed that he was intellectually curious and wanted to learn about all religions. I was surprised that he didn't want people to convert to Buddhism. "However when it actually comes to people changing their religion, I usually advise them to think the matter through very carefully. Rushing into a new religion can give rise to mental conflict and is nearly always difficult." pg. 204 c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize? I wasn't sure. He certainly is a man devoted to peace. The situation in Tibet certainly deserved the world's attention. But he hasn't been successful. The Chinese are still in Tibet and taking over at least at the end of the book and the Tibetan people have bee ravaged. The environment has been raped.
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
The emphasis on learning and debating. While I guess I knew it, the respect for all life, from humans to insects. But it did bother me that despite this strong belief against killing, they would eat meat if someone else killed the animal.
I have seen a lot of Asian art and have seen the world Bodhisattva and knew it was someone on their way to Buddhahood. But I wasn't sure other than that what it meant but it comes from "Bodhi which means the understanding or wisdom of the ultimate nature of reality and a Sattva which is someone motivated by universal compassion." pg. 204-205 So it makes sense that he called Mother Theresa a Bodhisattva.
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
The teachings were great, they made me want to study the Budhist religion more. The oracles and mediums were out there a little bit for me. The concept of reincarnation is too - but I must admit there is a equlity to it that I like. A person that beats a dog, comes back in his next life as a dog whose master beats it.
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation? I was blown away here. I do think that the mind plays an important aspect on our body. This is something our Western Culture hasn't tapped into. I would love to see more studies completed on this.
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
They seemed very primative but happy.
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
That they convinced themselves that what they were doing was to help the people. When in actuality, the Dalai Lama would have been open to some Marxist changes - he is to some degree a socialist - but they went way to far. Now using Tibet as a dumping ground for nuclear waste from all over the world and mining for uranimum there is very disturbing.
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
I think so - it bothered me at first - but he didn't have the resources to fight the Chinese and fighting was against his religion. I think he has been able to save many of the Tibetan people by so doing. I was very impressed by the help that India has given and they are a poor country too.
d) Should the US have done more?
I think we should have tried to force political discourse earlier.
e) Should the US now do more?
It bothers me that China has to some degree become our "best friend" and that we have so many entangling alliances with them. We have borrowed so much money from them that we are now in their debt. We are transferring so many of our businesses there. But we seem to ignore the human rights violations and the fact that they are raping the environment. (I know, we have little right to talk - but is this the country we want so much to be in bed with?
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
One of my favorite articles that the LO has published was by Gordon Brumm entitled, "The French Revolution, Iraq and the Lessons of History" He begins it "First there was moral clarity. From moral clarity came self-righteousness and supreme self-confidence. Then came arrogance, and out of arrogance came the waging of aggressive war."
Please Click Here
Perhaps at first the goals of Mao were moral and the Tibetans were not modern to say the least. But do you liberate someone that doesn't want to be liberated and force your ideas on them? This is what Napoleon did - he thought he would be hailed as a liberator. To some extent this is what the British did in their colonization period. And it disturbs me that it what we are doing in bringing democracy to the middle east. I grant that hopefully we aren't as brutal and as ruthless as the Chinese. But... neverthe less I think we should see this as a cautinary tale.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ George Carlin
-
Jennifer Frank
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:21 pm
I was able to use part of my Snow Day 
to finish the book. Here are my answers to Lynn's qustions.
1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
I was interested in how he was identified as the 14Th Dalai Lama. I found the concept of the search party finding him, and how as a child he recognized a member of the party and called him by name very intriguing. I too noted his loneliness as a child. He was virtually surrounded by adults, especially when his brother was sent away because the two of them goofed around too much. It must have been a lonely childhood.
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
I was impressed by his maturity and ability to handle great adversity at a young age. He was given full temporal power (2 years early) at the age of 15. At that time he was the leader of 6 million people in Tibet with the threat of invasion from China on the horizon. He later traveled to China to meet with Mao at the age of 19. He went into exile in India when he was 24 years old.
c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Very little of the reasoning behind awarding him the Peace Prize was mentioned in the book. I got the impression that to The Dalai Lama, prizes are not important. However, I do believe that he has reacted to the occupation of his country peacefully, and he has a desire to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion. Overall, yes, I believe that he deserved the award.
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
I found the Dalai Lama's daily schedule interesting. His commitment to Buddhism is certainly impressive. He spend at least 5 1/2 hours every day in prayer, meditation, and study.
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
I was fascinated by the entire Of 'Magic and Mystery' chapter. I found it interesting that when faced with an issue he would consult his conscience, his advisers, people in his government, and the oracles. I think it is notable that as the Dalai Lama looks back, he notes that on every occasion the oracle was correct. I am also intrigued by the idea of reincarnation, and the how your actions in this life impact you in the next.
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation?
These studies were fascinating. I was especially amazed about the monks who sat naked overnight on snow without losing body temperature. Truly there are things that happen in our world that science can not yet explain.
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
They were primitive, without modern conveniences such as roads, cars, or electricity, but they were happy. They had a rich society with historical traditions. they lived in an undisturbed natural environment.
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
What disturbed me most were the atrocities committed against these people. The beatings, imprisonments, torture, rapes, and murders of the essentially defenseless people. They had no chance against China's more modern army. I was particularly sickened by the treatment of the monks and nuns of Tibet.
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
I believe so. I think that had he remained he would have been imprisoned or killed. I believe that by living in exile he was able to get the message out about the plight of his country. He would not have been heard had he remained in Tibet. However, I don't believe that he will return to Tibet in this lifetime.
d) Should the US have done more?
The Dalai Lama notes that the only reason that the US took any notice at all was to stop the spread of Communism rather than to defend the people of Tibet. I have to agree. I found the attempts of covert CIA aid to the freedom fighters remaining in Tibet very ineffective.
e) Should the US now do more?
Hopefully, the US will continue to push the Chinese on this issue. I'll be curious to see if this is discussed more as we lead up to the Olympics in China this summer.
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
I agree that we should be careful, and to avoid "liberating" a people who do not want to be liberated. Simply because a society is not modern or Democratic does not make it a less valuable society.
to finish the book. Here are my answers to Lynn's qustions.1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
I was interested in how he was identified as the 14Th Dalai Lama. I found the concept of the search party finding him, and how as a child he recognized a member of the party and called him by name very intriguing. I too noted his loneliness as a child. He was virtually surrounded by adults, especially when his brother was sent away because the two of them goofed around too much. It must have been a lonely childhood.
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
I was impressed by his maturity and ability to handle great adversity at a young age. He was given full temporal power (2 years early) at the age of 15. At that time he was the leader of 6 million people in Tibet with the threat of invasion from China on the horizon. He later traveled to China to meet with Mao at the age of 19. He went into exile in India when he was 24 years old.
c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Very little of the reasoning behind awarding him the Peace Prize was mentioned in the book. I got the impression that to The Dalai Lama, prizes are not important. However, I do believe that he has reacted to the occupation of his country peacefully, and he has a desire to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion. Overall, yes, I believe that he deserved the award.
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
I found the Dalai Lama's daily schedule interesting. His commitment to Buddhism is certainly impressive. He spend at least 5 1/2 hours every day in prayer, meditation, and study.
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
I was fascinated by the entire Of 'Magic and Mystery' chapter. I found it interesting that when faced with an issue he would consult his conscience, his advisers, people in his government, and the oracles. I think it is notable that as the Dalai Lama looks back, he notes that on every occasion the oracle was correct. I am also intrigued by the idea of reincarnation, and the how your actions in this life impact you in the next.
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation?
These studies were fascinating. I was especially amazed about the monks who sat naked overnight on snow without losing body temperature. Truly there are things that happen in our world that science can not yet explain.
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
They were primitive, without modern conveniences such as roads, cars, or electricity, but they were happy. They had a rich society with historical traditions. they lived in an undisturbed natural environment.
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
What disturbed me most were the atrocities committed against these people. The beatings, imprisonments, torture, rapes, and murders of the essentially defenseless people. They had no chance against China's more modern army. I was particularly sickened by the treatment of the monks and nuns of Tibet.
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
I believe so. I think that had he remained he would have been imprisoned or killed. I believe that by living in exile he was able to get the message out about the plight of his country. He would not have been heard had he remained in Tibet. However, I don't believe that he will return to Tibet in this lifetime.
d) Should the US have done more?
The Dalai Lama notes that the only reason that the US took any notice at all was to stop the spread of Communism rather than to defend the people of Tibet. I have to agree. I found the attempts of covert CIA aid to the freedom fighters remaining in Tibet very ineffective.
e) Should the US now do more?
Hopefully, the US will continue to push the Chinese on this issue. I'll be curious to see if this is discussed more as we lead up to the Olympics in China this summer.
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
I agree that we should be careful, and to avoid "liberating" a people who do not want to be liberated. Simply because a society is not modern or Democratic does not make it a less valuable society.
-
Brad Hutchison
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:45 pm
I'm purposely not reading your answers before I post mine, so sorry for any redundancies...
1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
That he was a normal kid, and he was kind of allowed to be. Not that he had a normal childhood by any means, I just would have expected him to be more revered, I guess
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
More as a young adult, but his endless patience and self-control with the Chinese, his ability to know that going along with them was better than standing up to them
c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
As far as I'm concerned, his actions in dealing with the Chinese (specifically non-resistance) before he left for India may have saved tens of thousands of lives. Most Nobels go to people who create peace from violence, but he earned his for preventing violence
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
I didn't really know much going in. I like its consistent message of peace and tolerance for all people and religions
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
I think the teachings are generally very practical fables teaching peace and love, not unlike the New Testament stories of Jesus. Oracles are one of several examples of times when I was struck by his unquestioning acceptance of religious concepts. He was so curious about everything in the world around him but he was so off-handed describing the oracles, as if he didn't even anticipate the reader being curious about him doing whatever the oracle said.
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation?
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
It was so isolated and poor, but they didn't really seem to mind.
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
The ease with which China could crank out propaganda, say one thing to your face and do something different. I can only imagine the frustration of being completely helpless, but constantly being fed the illusion of being in control
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
Who can say? I do think that while he remained in Tibet, he was able to extend some measure of protection over his people.
d) Should the US have done more?
We always think the US shouldn't be involved when we are involved, and should be involved when we aren't. What could we have done? It wasn't so easy then for the world to put non-military pressure on China.
e) Should the US now do more?
Perhaps, through institutions like the UN, pressure could be brought to bear. But anything short of worldwide uproar would be ineffective. Again, what could we do? Should we do more in East Timor, Sudan, Kenya?
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
I think I could take more lessons from Buddhism than from the political history. My history studies have given me the gift/curse to be detached watching history happen. China's occupation of Tibet is horrible, but it's a page in the story of the world. It's certainly evidence in a discussion on the need for more peace and understanding and human rights in the world, but I don't really see it as different or special compared to the whole history of world conflict.
1) The Autobiography of a remarkable man.
a) What stood out to you the most about his childhood?
That he was a normal kid, and he was kind of allowed to be. Not that he had a normal childhood by any means, I just would have expected him to be more revered, I guess
b) What impressed you most about him as an adult?
More as a young adult, but his endless patience and self-control with the Chinese, his ability to know that going along with them was better than standing up to them
c) In your opinion, did he deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
As far as I'm concerned, his actions in dealing with the Chinese (specifically non-resistance) before he left for India may have saved tens of thousands of lives. Most Nobels go to people who create peace from violence, but he earned his for preventing violence
2) Buddhism
a) What did you learn about this religion that impressed you, if anything?
I didn't really know much going in. I like its consistent message of peace and tolerance for all people and religions
b) What did you think about the teachings, the oracles, the mediums?
I think the teachings are generally very practical fables teaching peace and love, not unlike the New Testament stories of Jesus. Oracles are one of several examples of times when I was struck by his unquestioning acceptance of religious concepts. He was so curious about everything in the world around him but he was so off-handed describing the oracles, as if he didn't even anticipate the reader being curious about him doing whatever the oracle said.
c) What did you think about the scientific studies on the monks and meditation?
3) Tibet
a) What did you think about Tibet before the Chinese "liberated" them?
It was so isolated and poor, but they didn't really seem to mind.
b) What disturbed you most about the Chinese occupation?
The ease with which China could crank out propaganda, say one thing to your face and do something different. I can only imagine the frustration of being completely helpless, but constantly being fed the illusion of being in control
c) Did the Dalai Lama do the right thing by going into exile?
Who can say? I do think that while he remained in Tibet, he was able to extend some measure of protection over his people.
d) Should the US have done more?
We always think the US shouldn't be involved when we are involved, and should be involved when we aren't. What could we have done? It wasn't so easy then for the world to put non-military pressure on China.
e) Should the US now do more?
Perhaps, through institutions like the UN, pressure could be brought to bear. But anything short of worldwide uproar would be ineffective. Again, what could we do? Should we do more in East Timor, Sudan, Kenya?
f) Are the lessons that we should learn from this history?
I think I could take more lessons from Buddhism than from the political history. My history studies have given me the gift/curse to be detached watching history happen. China's occupation of Tibet is horrible, but it's a page in the story of the world. It's certainly evidence in a discussion on the need for more peace and understanding and human rights in the world, but I don't really see it as different or special compared to the whole history of world conflict.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
-Gandhi
-Gandhi
-
Jennifer Frank
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:21 pm
Brad and Lynn, I really enjoyed reading your answers to the "Freedom in Exile" questions. However, I really hoped that a few more would join us. For all of those lurkers out there...Has anyone decided to read "The Faith Club" or "Freedom in Exile" because of our discussions? I understand that not everyone has the time to read a book per month, but I would encourage others to check out these books if you get the chance. Both of them were not books that I would have normally picked up, but I am so glad that I did.
Anyway, onward towards March...The next book discussion will be on "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini (author of "The Kite Runner"-soon to be a major motion picture). This new book by Hosseini was listed as #5 recently on the New York Times Bestseller List. It is one of the cool books to be reading right now. Dazzle your friends and relations with your current book knowledge by joining us in reading this new book.
I don't anticipate being ready to discuss the book until after Spring Break, so it'll be the end of March or beginning of April. So everyone will have plenty of time to pick up a copy, and PLEASE join us!!!
Anyway, onward towards March...The next book discussion will be on "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini (author of "The Kite Runner"-soon to be a major motion picture). This new book by Hosseini was listed as #5 recently on the New York Times Bestseller List. It is one of the cool books to be reading right now. Dazzle your friends and relations with your current book knowledge by joining us in reading this new book.
I don't anticipate being ready to discuss the book until after Spring Break, so it'll be the end of March or beginning of April. So everyone will have plenty of time to pick up a copy, and PLEASE join us!!!
-
Lynn Farris
- Posts: 559
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:24 pm
- Location: Lakewood, Ohio
- Contact:
I got my book - but I haven't started it yet.
Like you I was hoping we would have some additional people, but when I look at the views vs. the posts, I think we may have some people that are interested.
We also need fo find a book for April - and I think we are back to Brad. I had thought about the Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle - but that may be too Oprah. I am really open to anything - from non-fiction to fiction. I will confess that my favorite are mysteries - but you are pushing me to read some other things and I really have enjoyed them both so far.
Like you I was hoping we would have some additional people, but when I look at the views vs. the posts, I think we may have some people that are interested.
We also need fo find a book for April - and I think we are back to Brad. I had thought about the Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle - but that may be too Oprah. I am really open to anything - from non-fiction to fiction. I will confess that my favorite are mysteries - but you are pushing me to read some other things and I really have enjoyed them both so far.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ George Carlin
-
Brad Hutchison
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:45 pm
I agree with Jennifer that I've read - and enjoyed - two books that I normally would never have picked up. Thanks, ladies, for that.
I was going to suggest Living Green by Greg Horn. It's a topic I've been wanting to explore more. However, I do like a good mystery, so I'll think about it. Living Green is only 150 pages.
Anyway, I've also been thinking about the discussion format. I suppose the negative of the online book club is the lack of interaction and therefore dialogue. In the first two books, we've sort of just posted a list of questions and responses, and then we kind of fizzle out. Is there a way we can do it to encourage more "back and forth"?
I'll do some googling and see what i can find.
I was going to suggest Living Green by Greg Horn. It's a topic I've been wanting to explore more. However, I do like a good mystery, so I'll think about it. Living Green is only 150 pages.
Anyway, I've also been thinking about the discussion format. I suppose the negative of the online book club is the lack of interaction and therefore dialogue. In the first two books, we've sort of just posted a list of questions and responses, and then we kind of fizzle out. Is there a way we can do it to encourage more "back and forth"?
I'll do some googling and see what i can find.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
-Gandhi
-Gandhi
-
Lynn Farris
- Posts: 559
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:24 pm
- Location: Lakewood, Ohio
- Contact:
Funny, how after you read something - news articles about that topic seem more pertinent. I guess the Monks in Tibet are now protesting inhumane treatment by the Chinese government. Maybe we would push for human rights in China if we weren't so in debt to them.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 528078.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 528078.ece
The protests began when 400 monks left Drepung on Monday afternoon and marched about eight kilometres (five miles) as far as the Lhasa Customs office, where a dozen police cars blocked the road. They refused to return to their monastery unless the authorities met a series of demands.
Topping the list was a plea to the Government to grant full religious freedoms to Tibet before the start of the Beijing Games, a source at one monastery said. They also demanded the release of monks detained in purges at Drepung in recent months, including several expelled after they failed to pass tests to demonstrate their allegiance to Beijing and to vilify the Dalai Lama.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ George Carlin
-
Jennifer Frank
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:21 pm
I think that we will continue to see increased activity and worldwide discussion of Tibet as we lead up to the Olympics in China. Unfortunately, I don't see much change occurring, possibly some prisoners released as a good faith gesture. It will be interesting to follow...
Remember to pick up A Thousand Splendid Suns By: Khaled Hosseini, and we'll start discussing it by the end of the month.
Remember to pick up A Thousand Splendid Suns By: Khaled Hosseini, and we'll start discussing it by the end of the month.
-
Brad Hutchison
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:45 pm
It was neat to read that article and know most of the locations being discussed. Hopefully something will come of the current demonstrations. I have a uneasy feeling about the Olympics - I could see Tibet and Taiwan taking advantage of all the world watching to try to break free, and I'm not sure what would come of that.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
-Gandhi
-Gandhi