Richard Gere Books

This is a wonderful story and a great book I was able to share with my students. The only drawback with the book is that the pages are not in color, but the extremely low price allowed me to purchase the books for my students out of my own pocket.

Katherine Woods' translation is the only English-language version of The Little Prince which captures the beauty, simplicity, clarity, and profundity of the Antoine de St. Exupery's classic, penned in French.

(The newer translation is appallingly horrid and bland, mistaken, and frankly perplexing.)

This is really not a children's book, although older children will appreciate it.

Don't measure the value by the thickness of the book. De St. Exupery, himself a WWI pilot, writes with a great economy yet produces here the most beautiful poetry with a delightful playfulness and childlike innocence -- a fresh vision which thus sees clearly and does not obscure the profound.

Mr. Fred Rogers used to quote from de St. Exupery, whose image and illustrations once graced the 20-franc note (in the days before the euro).

There simply is no other work like this one. It is an exceptionally rare treasure, a masterpiece.

Be sure to read Katherine Woods' translation. Read it privately, when you have time to savor each word. And keep a box of tissues nearby.

The Little Prince has often been heralded as a youthful book, required reading in elementary and high schools alike. In delivering it this way I think The Little Prince is missed by the only audience that is likely to truly appreciate it, that is adults. It is not an uncommon misconception that this is a children's book. Indeed, I keep the pictures stored on my computer, and am often asked where they came from. I reply that they are from one of my favourite books, and without fail the response is along the lines of, 'I don't mean to be rude but is that a children's book?'. 'No', I explain, 'it is not'.

The Little Prince is most needed, I think, by adults. It is easy to be caught up in, as De Saint-Exupery describes it, 'matters of consequence' and forget that it is not these matters which bring meaning to life. By pointing out the futility of professions practised endlessly and in isolation of other people, it becomes clear that the Little Prince, with his rose, is the only character with a life of consequence.

This book is beautifully written and translated by Katherine Woods. It speaks volumes through its simple tale, strange though it seems that matters such as these only become clear when they are somewhat removed from reality. Matters such as love, innocence, imagination and priorities. The Little Prince is a gentle and stirring reminder to never forget to see the boa constrictor from the hat.

I was an adult when i read this book, and i really appreciated the lessons in life that Saint-Exupery shares through the Little Prince.

A great book, full of beautiful illustrations, easy to read, while fun and sad at the same time.

I personally read it as if Exupery is sharing with us the conversations he has with his own inner child, in the image of the Little Prince. That is why the Little Prince would ask many questions, but rarely answer the ones he was asked. Like all our inner children he's been hidden inside and kept silent for a long long time, and now that he was given his chance, he will speak. And we better listen, for he is an integral part of our psyche, who will take us through the most unbelievable adventures.

I popped in to a bookstore to buy this book and noticed that it was a new translation. New translation? Fortunately I had the foresight to thumb through it. I promptly left it behind and went straight to a second hand bookstore to buy a copy of the original translation. How could the publisher eliminate the wonderful poetic language? I read The Little Prince as a child ( which by the way wasn't so long ago) and I loved the language. Antoine De Saint-Exupery's work is all about painting pictures through language. This watered down mess is no better than an edition of Cliff Notes. I actually apologize to Cliff Notes. At least with Cliff Notes would have explained the intention and nature of the language. I am sorry to see that this publisher allowed the dumbing down of this beautiful classic.

One day, the daughter of a Khampa chieftain, seventeen-year-old Ani Lemdha Pachen, ran away from home to avoid marrying. It wasn't that she disapproved of the match her parents' had arranged, but rather that she preferred the cerebral and peaceful world of a Buddhist nun to the physical demands of traditional married life.

Runaway Pachen had spent little time at the monastery, before she returned to her parents. Despite the shame of what she had done, they not only forgave her but agreed she would not have to marry. Before she could return to the monastery to complete her training, Pachen's father tells her of their country's dire political situation. The Chinese are coming to "liberate" them. As a Khampa princess, she will be expected to lead their people through this situation, especially if the Chief should die. So the young lady received a different type of training instead.

For all her bravery, Pachen was unable to resist for long. She was captured by the Chinese army and spent 21 years imprisoned. This true story focuses on how Pachen's spirituality kept her hopeful and sane during her confinement and during the many tortures she endured. The book is sprinkled with the Buddhist teachings that helped her maintain both her sanity and will to live through these dark days and features an introduction by the Dalai Lama himself.

Apparently Richard Gere also advocated this book's creation and publication. He contributed his own introduction and story of how the book idea was born. He speaks of Pachen's life as a "beautiful, disturbing, and deeply inspiring story." He argues that no "serious literature" in the form of narratives or the "Great Tibetan novel" had emerged from the "Tibetan Holocaust, so a book like this one would be a great boon to the Tibetan cause. Gere, of course, had become a Buddhist and was studying in Tibet at this time.

The story's merits include its insights into the life of a Tibetan woman seeking nunhood during the Mao era, it offers inspiration through triumph against extreme adversity, it draws attention to Tibet's political and cultural situation and the ways in which they have suffered in recent history, and it provides lamanistic teachings.

Despite Pachen's, Donnelly's, Gere's, the Dalai Lama's, and many others' good intentions, however, this book probably has fallen short of its intended goal. The storyline does little to sustain the reader's interest because it is patchy and doesn't flow well (When Gere called it "a miracle of simplicity," he wasn't kidding! Something is clearly lost in translation here.). Although the author supposedly consulted many reliable resources, oddly very little of Pachen's story is put into historical context and few of the sources are used to draw insights into Tibet's situation. Considering the book committee's intentions, I would have expected to find a list of support organizations for Tibet in the appendices. Because of the sketchiness of the writing, it was difficult for me to find the book an inspiration, though other readers might find it so. Those looking for a story of spiritual stamina and female courage may enjoy Pachen's story, while those seeking a new perspective on Tibet should borrow it from a friend or a library rather than spending the money to buy it. Everyone else, just skip it. Sorry Richard, this one's not the great Tibetan novel, either.

I gave this book four stars because this book is a story that people should know. It is the true story of an amazing Tibetan woman who shows strength and courage in unimaginable situations. My problem with this book is that it is poorly written. It could have been an amazing book as well as an amazing story. "Autobiography of a Tibetan Monk" by Palden Gyatso is still the best I have read on the Tibetan people.

This book tells the remarkable story of Ani Panchen, a Tibetan nun, who led the resistance to the ruthless Red Chinese occupation of Tibet, after her father's death in 1958.
For 21 years she was imprisoned in hellish Chinese prison camps, only surviving because of her strong will and faith.
After her release she continued to lead the struggle against the Red Chinese occupation and genocide of Tibet's people. In 1988 she was forced into exile in India, where she has continued to devote her life to the dream of Tibetan freedom, even after it has been forgotten by the world.

She begins by her peaceful childhood in pre-occupation Tibet:
In 1950 she describes how "Our country was still at peace, though on the eastern bank of the Yangtze River Chinese troops were gathering. In a few short years, they would sweep over my country, changing it forever. In the name of liberating Tibet from 'imperialist' powers they would destroy monasteries, plunder homes, burn sacred texts, and drive our people to poverty and despair."
Babies were removed from their parents in their thousands to be relocated to Red Chinese 're-education' centers were they were to be brought up in Communist doctrine. Over a million Tibetans were to be anihilated in the Chinese holocaust that followed, and even the animal life of Tibet destroyed in order to force the Tibetans to give up their reverence for life.
Ani Panchen tells of her experiences fleeing from Red Chinese forces, and of seeing small Tibetan children gunned down by Chinese snipers.
It also tells of Panchen's deep Tibetan Buddhist faith underpinned by her will to 'Let all beings be free of suffering, let all being find peace.'
While the book hopes to expose the horrors of the Chinese destruction of Tibet, in actions paralleling those of the Nazis during World War II, Richard Gere in his forward expresses his wish this book may help to "dispel the darkness of this darkest night of Tibetan history and be of benefit to all beings everywhere".
Will the world re-awaken to the suffering of the Tibetan people mand the destruction of their civilization, and not least their dream of the re-birth of their culture and self-determination.

I just finished reading this book and didn't want to put it down. The story of Ani Pachen is both horrifying and inspiring, how she against all odds not only survived but kept her faith, battling against her own anger at her captors to try to reach a higher spirit of generosity. The writing of Adelaide Donnelley is gorgeous and poetic, capturing the inner spirit and the mystical beauty of the land in words that lift this book to a high literary level. This book deserves to be widely read over many years. But it! Read it! It will move you.

Need a reality check? Feeling sorry for your life? Then read Sorrow Mountain and experience life at it's best and worst. It will lift one out of ordinary existence into the realm of compassion and tolerance. One will begin to experience the essence of the Tibetan region and the mystical struggles of one held prisoner by torturous bandits who tried to steal the Heart of Compassion and failed. Turn off the tv "reality" shows and experience the real-ness of Ani Pachen and her Sorrow Mountain. I guarantee it will become your Sorrow Mountain too.

This book is great for first time parents. This is my most referenced parenting books and I have several! I kept checking this out from the library before I finally bought my own copy. You won't regret buying this one.

This book has been incredibly helpful to my husband and I, we purchased it after hearing one of the nannies on a morning weekly radio show in Minneapolis. The nanny gives out advice to parents each week and we always enjoy listening to what she has to say. We have 3 kids under 5 and really value the advice of British nannies, this books encourages a routine and schedule, fresh meals and plenty of sleep for kids (and parents). Since reading the book we have introduced these things and have seen incredible changes, our kids are so much happier, they are now going to bed earlier, helping me out in the kitchen, and our bedtime routine is so much easier. Thank You nannies.

I have read every baby book there is, and this definitely rates in the top 5. It's nothing earth-shattering or totally new, but there are great examples and good real-life ideas to use with your kids. Plus, it's entertaining to read.

My kids are 2, 5 and 7 yrs. I actually bought this book because I saw that it had a chapter on school.

My 5 yr old had a rocky first week at school and I was really worried. I read the school chapter first and the first thing it did was it made me feel better. The book reminded me that starting school is another new experience for my son and he needs time to get used to it, which of course on one level I did know but reading it made me believe it. I started using the "Goodbye Routine" and it definately resulted in less tears than the day before. I kept doing it and things have improved.The school chapter is really helpful and I am now using their homework advice for my 7yr old and Hooray what a difference!

I had just accepted that with 3 kids weekday mornings were always going to be rushed and stressful. This book has helped me to change all that and it was not difficult to do. Now most mornings we actually all sit down to eat breakfast together and I don't have to scream at the kids to turn the TV off.

I am also using the strategies on improving communication with all my kids but especially with my two year old who likes to say no to everything I ask her to do. I didn't realize that I was inviting her to say no by giving her too many choices.

My only complaint is that Nanny Wisdom does not cover Potty Training. I am just about to start that with my 2 year old and I had a hard time with my other kids. I would like to know how the nannies do it. Also, the recipes have been so popular in our house that I wish there were even more of them in the book.

Nanny Wisdom is it is actually fun to read which is an added bonus. The book has little stories about the kids the nannies have looked after and experiences they have had in their different jobs. It makes you understand how experienced and caring these nannies are.

After reading this book I really trust their advice 100%. I always say to my husband now, The Nannies say this or The Nannies say that!!

I loved this book because it covers such a big range of parenting problems and situations and really gives parents great answers. It has helped me more than any other parenting book I own (I did like What to Expect when my kids were newborns and I do like Pocket Parent). I know it will keep on helping me as it has so much in it. I am so glad I stumbled across this book in my parenting travels!

Just finished the final chapter and although my parenting of "lovely's are now with my grandchildren, you can always learn something new. The recipe's and the "how to" approach is consistent and right on! All the advice on how to deal with a child sleeping through the night helped out my daughter immensly. The nannies are great and their knowledge is superb. I highly recommend this book to new mothers, new dads, grammies and granpies - everyone who needs "expertise" on handling all the new situations that come with the title of parent.

Stirring, compassionate, profound. One of my favorite books of all time. One of the most poetic books of photographs ever created. Best wishes to Mr. Gere.

This book is really special. The cover, first of all, feels so wonderful. The pages are on incredible quality paper. And the photographs are incredible. It's really a wonderful book.

This book was exactly what I expected from such a sensitive and intelligent man. Thank you, Mr. Gere. We need our hearts broken now and then.

This is a fantastic book! The photographs stir a number of emotions in you. Only a true artist like Mr. Gere could convey these feelings and capture them in his shutter. The book also features excellent text and was a very nice present. I think everyone should peek at this book. A great book for religious souls and open minds.

Richard has access to places most people do not. Take, for example, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness is not accessable to you and I on the level that Richard has. Richard shares private photos, such as plate 63 where His Holiness is in meditation. The photo alone portrays a depth of intensity that the experience offers. Richard also has a true sense of the tragedy of the Tibetan people and can deliver that in a light that few people can ever grasp, even after several trips to the region. Richard is the Pilgrim and we are fortunate to be able to see things in a way he does. Very few photographers can say that of their work. Perhaps it is due to his experience in film, perhaps as a result of his practice as a buddhist, maybe just because the openness of his sharing is felt in his work, regardless of the medium. Thank you my friend for sharing your life with us and a wonderful book.

This is an expensive, coffee table book of Tibetan Art but it is well worth it. The color photos are numerous and large. The text is well documented and very readable without being too dry and academic. Highly reccomended.

My uncle sent me a review of this book and he recommended it and I have found the book rewarding. It is the first book of the Dalai Lama's that I have read. It is refreshing in this era of parochial adherence to rigid dogmas that a spiritual man finds no conflict between science and religion. They are parallel roads to the truth. It is remarkable that the Dalai Lama says that where science is found to contradict Buddhist belief then science must stand and belief must be modified. It's certainly a rare opinion for the leader of a major faith. In interesting and thoughtful book

As a Western Buddhist follower I've been overcome with a strong fascination in the discipline of science particularly physics. Through a deep introspective of my consciousness and intense meditation I attained deep insight and wisdom answering many questions that arise of my personal being however many questions were unfulfilled until I discovered this book. First and foremost Buddhism in my opinion should focus it's attention on the present moment without getting caught up in metaphysical questions of reality, needless to say we're human beings and as human beings we're entitled to seek the questions pertaining to the principles of reality to a certain extent without getting caught up in philosophical quarrels with existentialists.


The Dalai Lama did an excellent job attempting to open a dialogue between science and religion. He presents the reader with an introduction of basic scientific discoveries ranging from "The Big Bang Theory", evolution, neuroscience, biology, and concludes it with the role ethics play in science. The Dalai Lama in an open-minded fashion analyzes these scientific discoveries and provides his insight yet at the same time draws parallels to Buddhist philosophies. For instance he gives the reader a summation of the concept of evolution and identifies "random mutations" as being a deciding factor for the survival and sustainability of a particular species. Nonetheless he points out the idea of mutations being purely random events as inconclusive in being a theory attempting to explain the origin of life. Rather than list numerous other illuminating examples of his different perspective of scientific findings I welcome you to read this book. After reading this book I without a doubt will take a much more closer look at scientific topics of discussion in the world today. I attest to the Dalai Lama's rhetoric and insofar will say it's futile for humanity to shift their awareness level onto the scientific community due to the awesome power (positive or negative) science could impact on our beautiful universe.

Peace and Love

The convergence of science with spirituality is the enlightened path for finding the truth behind human existence. Delai Lama points out some very important issues to scientists and gives the Buddhist perspective towards their answers which weaves spirituality, altruism , ethics and morality. He points out on some of the limitations of science in understanding the truth of our existence.

The main ideas discussed in this book are:

1) The beginning of the universe: The scientific hypothesis of the big bang can also be viewed as a metaphysical assumption. How can something happen by itself out of nothingness without any external spiritual intervention?

2) The Darwin theory of evolution: How can life be created by itself from non living matter without any external intervention? Delai Lama is some ways support the theory in part which has scientific reasoning, however, he does not support the assumption that our present existence is an effect of randomness (natural selection) and "survival of the fittest". This assumption gives support to the materialistic and selfishness nature of the world at present. He discusses altruism in nature which contradicts selfishness in natural selection.

3) The mind and its representation of consciousness: Is consciousness only a result of the physical electrochemical brain? Does consciousness die with the death of the body? These questions are common in areas of "Near death Experience" and "Out of Body experience", Remote Viewing, Extra sensory perception, and in cases of individuals recalling previous lives.

This book is recommended for scientists of all disciplines and for those minds that out of curiosity ponder the truth behind human existence. This book may also intrigue atheists who have given up on spirituality. Spirituality is the core of our being which constituents altruism, ethics, morality and consciousness. Although the politics of religion has caused wars and suffering, the spirit is still is a part of the human body. It should also not be assumed that animals do not have the spirit and consciousness. Animals also feel hunger and pain and have consciousness. No justification can be made by non-vegetarians about the killings of animals for meat when protein is abundantly available in vegetarian diets. This is just selfishness.

This book is a must read.

Rohitash Chandra
Author of " A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems"
Editor of The Blue Fog Journal

Gere, though not my favorite actor, does an excellent job of narrating and his presentation was lively and articulate enough without going over-board. Well done.

HHDL does what he does, again, and as good as every. He gets to the meat and bones of the issues humbily and simply. He expressed many of the same thoughts and feelings I have had (and which I have been unable to articulate) when I examine current issues in Physics, Biology and Neuroscience with the added bonus of the insight of a highly trained Buddhist mind.

There is no fluff, no fuzzy bunnies to be had. Real spirituality working with real science to discover a real ethic and morality for the future.

This is an inexpressibly beautiful book, in which H. H. the Dalai Lama describes a kind of "middle way" between scientific materialism and spirituality without science. If only more people would embrace a combining of scientific endeavor with spiritual values as the Dalai Lama proposes here! We are extraordinarily fortunate that he has made his thoughts available to us at a time when both the wonders and dangers of science grow so rapidly and that he demonstrates the possibility of dialogue between a spiritual leader such as himself with members of the scientific community.

This book is a general introduction to Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. It covers a whole range of topics including the three jewel of refuge, karma, equanimity, loving-kindness (the wish that all may enjoy happiness), bodhicitta (the motivation to serve all people), emptiness and more. The book describes the different levels a student of Buddhism proceeds through as he achieves greater and greater enlightenment. These levels range from the beginners task of conquering personal faults, such as anger, all the way up to Buddhahood (the highest form of understanding of reality combined with the desire to benefit all sentient beings). All this is achieved through the practical methods of analytical meditation and settled meditation. In analytical meditation rational thought is applied in order to generate a specific quality, such as patience. In settled meditation the practitioner remains fixed on a feeling, or object of contemplation, without thought.

is in fact a summary of Kanalasha's , Togmay Sangpo's and Langri Tangpa's . These are the central texts of Tibetan Buddhism.

As I have tried to indicate above, despite the subtitle of the book, this work is not exclusively on compassion (the desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings). Compassion is a very important part of Buddhism and indeed chapters seven to ten concentrate specifically on that subject. There are fifteen chapters in all.

The Dalai Lama is a very clear speaker who has set as his task the aim of introducing the world to Buddhism. As a result this book is very easy to follow and would be ideal for someone seeking a first time encounter with Buddhism. I would have to note, however, that so much material is cover in such a brief way that the book could be said to lack substance. It does not contain meaty discussions. The reader is left with a desire to follow up his new-found interests by reading other books probably written by other authors. I should also note that while the two methods of meditation are discussed very few practical suggestions are included. The book does not contain a step by step guide or how-to section.

This book was given to me as a Christmas present from my mother in 2000. The following February, before I had a chance to read it, she passed away due to complications caused by both Bechets Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. About a month after that, still reeling in grief, I finally decided to make time for this book, and I'm so glad that I did. It almost single handedly helped me process my grief and all the other emotions I was going through at the time. My perspective on life has not been the same since.

I'm not a Buddhist (nor do I consider myself a member of any organized religion) but I am a very spiritual person and I feel closer to Buddhism than any other religions. What's great about this book, and other books by his holiness that I have read since, is that he presents his ideas in multiple ways that can be understood within the context of almost any religion/spirituality/faith/belief system. His writing can appeal to anyone who's part of the global human family.

It's a great book, and it's short/to the point. I can't recommend it enough to everyone out there.

This is an easy to read book with tons of insight into a better mindset. You should read the book slowly -- take time to reflect on each idea, such as compassion. Keep the topics of the book in mind throughout your day, whether you're a mom at home, a student at school, or working in your cubicle. It will be the first step into inner peace and practicing compassion in every day life.

This book presents two different, but related, topics: practicing compassion and meditation methodology. The two topics are related because meditation can assist the practice of compassion; as well, they happened to be the subject of two different lecture series given by the Dalai Lama in New York City in August of 1999. The lecture on compassion, delivered in Central Park, is presented verbatim, and is meant for a wide audience, while the remainder of the book (apparently a synopsis of a series of lectures given on meditation) is aimed at an audience seeking to initiate or deepen a meditation practice.

While the Dalai Lama's remarks on compassion are excellent, the material on meditation is extraordinary, in that it summarizes and presents for Westerners an overview of three ancient texts on meditation, including very specific and practical advice about meditation techniques. I do not imagine that I would have understood the original meditation texts even if I had been made aware of them and had been given a good English translation; but the Dalai Lama's remarks on these texts has made them very accessible.

The combination of the two parts of the book is not always seamless, but the teaching is so worthwhile that it hardly matters.

I have yet to read a book by the Dalai Lama that I was not impressed and moved by. This little book is easy to read and full of insight as well as ways to incorporate the Buddhist ideal of compassion into our every day lives. You can't go wrong with this one.

Mr. Izu produces wonderful work. His photographs of flowers are exquisite. The drawback to this book is that for it's price I expected much, much better reproductions. The screening used in the book is coarse. I have seen much better reproductions in Bullfinch and NYGS publications. John Sexton's, Ansel Adams and other's books are good examples of the quality I would have expected from a similarly priced book.

Splendid, beautiful, conceptually magnificent. Truly gorgeous images supurbly presented.

I've long enjoyed Kenro Izu's work and have until now been able to only see a few images in different collections and publications. I was very excited when this work was published. It is both beautifully printed and presented. The plates themselves are beautiful- amazingly beautiful. I'll leave my opinion at that, while saying that I've truly enjoyed this book. An excellent purchase.

Much of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, this is an early medieval re-enactment society.

This book is an attempt by the author to relate the love between the famous Sir Lancelot of the Lake and King Arthur's Queen Guinevere. As a lover of all things relating to the fabled King Arthur and his kingdom of Camelot I read and enjoyed the book. But I cannot help but feel that it was written with the possibility of it being made into a film at the back of the author's mind.

Hollywood has never been very good at portraying English history and the film they made of this book is no exception. Although many people will have found the film entertaining, it bears no relationship to what Arthur and his knights may have looked like, or their surroundings.

Arthur, or someone very much like him may have existed but certainly not as a "suited and booted" knight in shining armour. Something that was not invented until about five hundred years after Arthur may or may not have existed.

Although I have not read this book in years I still consider it the best book I have ever read. You must read this book.

A great book I never put it down. You have to read this book.

The legend of King Arthur finds new meaning in this powerful romantic novel. When Guinevere, Lady of Leonesse, finds herself desperate for protection for both herself and her people from an ex-Knight of the Round Table, she turns to King Arthur to save them all.

Guinevere's decision - to marry the king, leads her into danger and intrigue as she begins the wildest journey of her life.

When Lancelot saves an unknown lady in the forest, both their hearts become engaged. Lancelot becomes a friend and trusted confidant to the King, and Guinevere becomes Arthur's wife. While fighting to keep their love at bay, war threatens to tear them apart forever.

Chadwick's love of re-enactment becomes apparent in this wonderful story of forbidden love. She describes everything in such striking detail; the reader can almost smell the stench of burning straw or feel the adrenaline and fear accompanying battle. This book is a must read, though not quite as powerful as many of Chadwick's other novels.

If you've seen the movie, you don't need to read the book, and if you've read the book you probably don't need to see the movie -- they are virtually identical. It's like the proverbial horse before the cart, I don't know which came first, the book or the movie. From the promo on Amazon, I suspect the movie, and they decided a book would be a nice way to "enhance" the profits. Either way, this is not a typical Chadwick book, there is no sense of time travel to another century for the weekend whilst reading her book. Only for die hard Chadwick fans(and I am one), or die hard fans of this movie. Otherwise, skip this.

I purchased for myself and received this set in March '08. It would certainly make a nice gift. As one interested in Eastern practices this set has been a good introduction for me to the TBD. Richard Gere is easy on the ears, too ;) Recommended to purchase.

I'm new to Buddhism, about to attend my first Dzogchen Retreat, and was advised to read this text. I selected this version not because of how much I admire the talent of Richard Gere the actor, but because of hearing about Richard Gere the philanthropist who donates proceeds to build Buddhist shrines--thus epitomizing the Bodhisattva vow, Even if I become rich and famous, I will wisely shun conceit; worldly fortune is without essence.
I found that the audio CD is compellingly yet relaxingly performed. His voice is subdued, yet retains the elocution evidenced in his worldly artistry. His expertise with cadence and tone and using them to render continually interesting the rather repetitive text allows the repetitive parts to do their work: to sink in and to generate images and thoughts, rather than float by unretained. In such a way he effectively utilizes the Buddhist science of prosody.

Material that could have felt droning or intimidating in written form thus was rendered accessible and even fascinating in audio form.