Tibetannet

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. [Photo/amazon.cn]

There was a time when my WeChat Moment was bombarded by "chicken soup"-type advice. They always start with similar catchy titles, for example, "10 good pieces of advice from XXX", or "What successful people will not tell you".

In most cases, this advice is empty and useless, for a person's life will not change just because of some sugar-coated quotation.

If you really want good life advice, perhaps you should turn to time-honored spiritual guide books instead.

Here are five books from five respected Tibetan lamas, which will guide you on your way to find fortune, face difficulties and even heal the wounds of the past.

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, by Sogyal Rinpoche

This book has been translated into 30 languages and printed in some 56 countries. It teaches people how to live better and wisely through learning the meaning of death. And it encourages readers not to be afraid of death, but have peace and remain clear-minded when the day comes.

Sogyal Rinpoche was born in 1947 and traveled to many countries to promote Buddhist teachings.

Chinese business magnate Pan Shiyi, film star Chen Kun and celebrated actress Zhao Wei are both faithful readers of the book.

"The book teaches people how to face death, the most terrifying thing in our lives," said Pan.

Chen said, "This is one of my favorite books. Since 1998 when I found it, I have read it from cover to cover for at least ten times."

Achieve by Doing, by Khenpo Sodargye

The book is a sequel of Khenpo Sodargye's other book Living through Suffering, and aims to help you apply its teachings to your every aspect of your life. Complaining is vain, and what you really need is action.

Just as Buddha said, "However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?"

Born in Tibet in 1962, Khenpo Sodargye was ordained at the Larung Buddhist Institute when he was 23 years old. He translated many Tibetan Buddhist teachings into Chinese to let Han people know more about Tibetan Buddhism. In the past twenty years, touring from Asia to Europe, he has fully devoted himself to bring the essence of Buddhism to people.

"My mom is very stubborn and closed to any good advice but she became softer and nicer after reading this book," reader Tihuguanding, commented on Amazon.

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Everything is the Best Arrangement, by Gyatso

This is Gyatso Living Buddha's first book, sharing his understanding of life in nine chapters. The book was strongly recommended by Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and Professor Lou Yulie from Peking University.

Gyasto teaches readers how to deal with confusion and failure, and how to develop a strong inner ability to face the changing world.

Being ordained at the Larung Buddhist Institute at 13, Gyatso also helped to launch a charity fund to help children in rural areas.

The Truth of Life, by Tsultrim Lodrö

In this book, Tsultrim Lodrö discussed about reincarnation and the relationship between Buddhism and modern science. He encourages people to keep a soft and tolerable attitude towards others and the whole world. "If you don't want to be hurt by the outside world, you had better treat others well first."

Tsultrim Lodrö was born in Carze county in Sichuan province in 1962, and began his spiritual journey at 22. As a follower of Jigme Phuntsok, he is also good at debating and composing.

A reader commented on Amazon, "13 years ago I had a amazing experience. And this book explains to me the reason why I had that experience."