Beyond Religion

Ethics for a Whole World

By: His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Narrated by: Martin Sheen

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Emmy Award-winning actor Martin Sheen (The West Wing) lends his distinguished voice to this stirring call to move beyond religion for the guidance to improve human life on individual, community, and global levels, including a guided meditation practice for cultivating key human values.

Ten years ago, in his best-selling Ethics for a New Millennium, His Holiness the Dalai Lama first proposed an approach to ethics based on universal rather than religious principles. Now, in Beyond Religion, the Dalai Lama, at his most compassionate and outspoken, elaborates and deepens his vision for the nonreligious way.

Transcending the mere "religion wars", he outlines a system of secular ethics that gives tolerant respect to religion, but, with the highest level of spiritual and intellectual authority, makes a claim for what the Dalai Lama calls a third way. This is a universal code of ethics that transcends religion boundaries, that recognizes our common humanity and advocates for a global human community based on understanding and mutual respect.

Beyond Religion is an essential statement from the Dalai Lama, a blueprint for all those who yearn for a life fulfilled and a better world.

©2011 His Holiness the Dalai Lama (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"An impressive guide for teaching religious tolerance and respect to readers of all ages." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"This wise, humane book, an original work rather than a collection of talks, is an incisive statement of His Holiness’s thinking on ways to bring peace to a suffering world." ( Publishers Weekly)

Practical and logical

Would you listen to Beyond Religion again? Why?

It's important to regularly remind myself of what I believe and why it matters to me. I have the tendency to become rushed and caught up in things that need to be done, and when this happens I can forget what I value in life. This reading both reminds me of the importance of a compassionate and mindful attitude, and provides practical advice on the practice of meditation as a way stay grounded in what is most important to me.

What did you like best about this story?

The book is written in a logical format, and presents its arguments in a convincing manner.

What does Martin Sheen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Martin Sheen reads as though he finds the text profound and insightful, which makes his meaning resonate with the listener.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yep. I have it on in the background while I do other things.

thinking on this

Well for starter Martin Sheen is an absolute GREAT narrator! the book and its subject matter are worth listening to more than once. It was worth the price

Spiritual!!

Inspiring and insightful. Its been privilege to learn about Dalai Lama's ideology and vision for future. I am looking forward to applying the lessons from book in my life.

Another Nobel Prize

I did not know he had so many books. I want to listen to his other books now. It was really great to have Martin Sheen as the reader. I love the Dalai Lama. I don't need to say anymore because everyone knows. Thank you for your wisdom and inspiration.

Many valuable life lessons.

Excellent reminder of how daily spiritual fitness is key to happiness. This book helps keeps me on track of what is really important in life and how to continue to be a quality human being.

2nd half was great!

First half was OK too. the Dalai Lama spends a good bit of time making the case for his premise--that a secular ethics is possible. I needed no convincing on that point, so I enjoyed much more the second half of the book in which he discusses what that secular ethics looks like and how one might cultivate it.
I think all listeners will find something to connect to and reflect on in this book. Enjoy!
p.s. Martin Sheen rocks

An excellent book for guiding our coexistence!

An excellent book for guiding our coexistence and developing our better selves through tolerance, understanding, compassion and mental training!

Why isn’t this taught in church/school

Here the Dalai Lama talks about how all religions around the world teaches us about kindness, honesty, patience, and forgiveness (inner values) that are for the good of all life on this planet. He also talks about how these same religions are at war with each other despite these teachings. Why can’t we be at peace on the religious front?

If for a moment we stopped and actually applied what was in our religious doctrines or holy books then we’d be at peace tomorrow. Why aren’t we? Because war is money and money makes the world go round.

Excellent food for thought and conjecture.

Where does Beyond Religion rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

my first Audiobook

What did you like best about this story?

Although people found this book controversial or anti-religious....it's obvious they didn't read it. It is meant to unite people unlike secular religion that divides people who worship differently, It suggests more of moral and ethical examination and behavior that should be adopted and practiced by all mankind regardless of religion...the point is to unite.

What about Martin Sheen’s performance did you like?

Martin Sheen is an excellent choice to narrate, He is well spoken and as a staunch Catholic he is not offended by the text.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Too many pages for one sitting, very delightful to enjoy at night during relaxed state.

Any additional comments?

I commend both the Dalai Lama and Martin Sheen for joining together to expand the human consciousness.

The Way to a Better World

Any additional comments?

This is a brilliant book by the wisest man of our time. If everyone read this book and took it to heart, we could solve so many of the problems we face in this world.