Book Description
The expanded edition of the classic reference, one of Snow Lion's top ten bestsellers. Thorough coverage of Tibetan Buddhism from its Indian origins to the present day; includes new information on the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, religious practices and festivals, and the current political situation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Thoroughly 'reader friendly' and an excellent, highly recommended addition

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, "Introduction To Tibetan Buddhism" by John Powers is a comprehensive and informative introduction that covers a wide range of topics including Tibetan Buddhist history, doctines, meditation practices, schools, religious festivals, and major historical figures. Of special not in this revised edition are the expanded discussions of recent Tibetan history and tanta, and significant new publications in the field. Articulate, superbly organized and presented, "Introduction To Tibetan Buddhism" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and an excellent, highly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Buddhist Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Very good introduction
This is a very good undergraduate-level introduction to Vajrayana. It's well-organized, thorough without being too intimidating, and evenhanded. It really isn't a substitute for a teacher or time spent with a practice group, of course, but it'll help a newcomer make sense out of terminology and references.

A Very Good Introduction
This book is one of the most valuable I have come across in all the academic studies of Buddhism. I highly recommend it to all.

A Good Survey Despite Wierd Feminism
I was glad to find J. Powers' comprehensive explanation of Tibetan Buddhism. It was both technically informative and colorful. I enjoyed the detail on the discovery of the reincarnated Dalai Lama; the testing of the 2-year-old boy by the disguised monks. Tibetan Buddhism can be confusing and arcane, and a book like this was needed. My only complaint: Powers' use of female pronouns throughout the book is offputting to a male reader; slightly bizzare. Buddhism was founded by a male, developed by men, and has attracted men for aeons. A feminist agenda in work of this weight (even twisting the conventions of literature) is misplaced and gives to the text a triteness.

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother...
This book is not a good "Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism."It
took me about one month to read the book.It is 500 pages.
The author uses big words.There is great detail.For an
intro to Tibetan Buddhism, buy "Open Heart, Clear Mind" by
Thubten Chodron.I learned a lot from this "Comprehensive
Guide to Tibetan Buddhism."But I have read thirty or forty
books on the subject.And this is still a HEAVY meal.If
you do want to really know about Tibetan Buddhism in an

"intermediate" fashion, then please buy and read the book.
You will learn a lot.I was dissapointed to learn that one of the Dali Lama's was a romantic poet and womanizer who did
very little spiritual practice!And that the Chinese organized
massive "gang rapes" in order to subjagate the Tibetan people.
So I learned a lot.But I still wished that there was less detail and more clarity.The meal is just too big.I'll state it once more.Buy and read this book if you want a comprehensive text on Tibetan Buddhism.Thank You. ... Read more

Amazon.com
In this highly readable collection, Robert Thurman brings together the jewels of Tibetan literature that have made their own distinctive contribution to "the great river of Buddhism." He introduces the selection with an overview of essential Buddhist thought, orienting the reader with a history of Buddhism's development, from its origins in India, expansion across Asia, and flowering on Tibetan soil. Explaining the distinctive attainment of Tibetan Buddhist civilization as "the vivid sense of Buddhas in ordinary, daily reality," Thurman guides readers through selections that speak to the possibility of liberation for all beings. Stressing also the importance of the teacher or mentor figure in Tibetan Buddhist practice, he presents key texts from teachers whose words serve as inspiration to those seeking the path toward enlightenment. Excerpts culled from the vastness of the Tibetan canon include the hymns to the liberator goddess Tara, pieces from The Tibetan Book of the Dead, writings on mentor worship from the first Panchen Lama, and selections from esoteric tantric practice texts. The volume ends with the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize lecture by Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, illustrating the enduring relevance of this ancient wisdom for modern life. --Uma KukathasBook Description
Despite its burgeoning influence, few people truly understand the core beliefs, traditions, and movements of this popular Eastern religion. Robert Thurman, professor of Indo-Tibetan studies at Columbia University, has assembled the first guide to Tibetan Buddhism that introduces the distinctive Tibetan practice through its own rich literature. He includes excerpts from The Book of the Dead as well as lesser known but comparable scriptures.Essential Tibetan Buddhism is a part of The Essential Series, beautifully packaged works that feature the core texts of major religious traditions in definitive translations, edited by leading authorities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Boring
I never like to write a bad review, especially not when the author had displayed such a sincere effort to enlighten his audience. This book, however, I can't escape the inevitability of doing so; it was so very boring! I practice Zen, and admittedly am often turned off a bit by the hierarchy and dogma that seems to surround Tibetan Buddhism. This book is certainly a scholars book, not that Thurman is not a sincere practitioner-for he is. He is also a very intelligent man, at times too intelligent, for he kills any life the book could have.

Maybe it's just me. It's not that I like the Dharma simple. I was disappointed because I came wanting to find out more about Tibetan Buddhism, and realized it was much like reading the names in Genesis of the Bible. The Dalai Lama, as far as Tibetan Buddhism goes, is more clear to me. Perhaps that's because he leaves most of the scholastic approach out of his writings, and focuses on the marrow of PRACTICE. This book lacks much physical reference to that.

If you are looking to understand the Dharma, this book is for you. If you, however, are looking to UNDERSTAND the Dharma, go find a zendo and sit. That and any book by Zen master Seung Sahn, if you find Tibetan Buddhism isn't your "cup of tea"-will point you on your way. Sorry Robert, your book put me to sleep. Better writings next time.

Difficult material, and cheerleading.
Thurman is a Buddhist in the Tibetan tradition (as am I), and his introduction to this volume, while very valuable and succinct, makes no claim at objectivity.He asserts that the Tantrayana (Tibetan Buddhism, to simplify) is superior to the Mahayana and Theravada traditions because it represents the culmination of Buddhism's "progression."Right off the bat, that makes me uncomfortable. Why must the pious Theravadins be consigned to an inferior, "early-stage" Buddhism?Why make such hurtful invidious comparisons?It seems beneath a genuine practitioner.To answer my own rhetorical question, perhaps it is because Mahayana Buddhists are often a bit defensive.This is the result of being accused of not having a "genuine" canon, in the sense that most admit the works were composed (not just written down) after the Death of the Buddha.Similarly, Thurman attempts to argue against those who claim Tibetan Buddhism represents an effort by early proselytizers to offer a pantheon of gods and a lurid conception of the Buddha(s) to Hindus.His response to this argument is limited to two sentences and is not convincing.He simply asks, rhetorically, If that was the aim of Mahayana Buddhists, why did they keep the Buddha at all?Why not just become Hindu?But surely it is believable to assert that Buddhists wanted to broaden the attraction of their religion while keeping what they saw as its key elements.


On the question of which miracles to believe (and Tibetan Buddhism is chock full of them), Thurman simply accepts a great number of them, while consigning other claims, such as the 500-year lifespan of one "living Buddha", to the realm of myth.How can he tell the difference between myth and religious reality?Either accept all the fantasical claims or tell us how to pick and choose among them.


A word of warning, as well. Despite the claims of other reviewers, most of the material in this book is quite difficult and will not reward those who do not have considerable background in Buddhism.If you'll note the cheap prices for used copies, above, you'll see that I'm not alone in this view.


The weirdest thing: Thurman apparently has decided to replace the word "karma" with "evolution".In the classic texts, therefore, where one would read "fruit of karma," or whatever, Thurman offers "evolutionary progress," for example.This is perhaps defensible, but he offers no justification.That seems quite a big departure for translators of the Dharma. Doing away with karma to make it a) more accessible to modern readers?; 2) more attractive to modern readers?; 3) because perhaps Thurman (as many of us are) is uncomfortable with the teachings that claim starving babies are simply reaping the fruits of miserly conduct in previous lives?Such a major change needed at least some justification and explanation.

All that said, get this book if you are a Tibetan practioner with considerable knowledge of the Dharma.It offers a nice collection of very important works.

The Politics of Enlightenment
As a professor of Indo-Tibetan studies, and chair of the religion department at Columbia University, Robert Thurman has had a great career devoted to the task of making the Buddhist teaching and scriptures, particularly those of the Tibetan people, intelligible to students and interested laypersons.

`Tibetan Buddhism increasingly rivals Zen in its popularity as a path of Buddhist wisdom and practice.'

Thurman has written and translated many texts in this area, particularly the well-received `Tibetan Book of the Dead.' In this book, `The Essential Tibetan Buddhism,' Thurman does a thorough job at laying out in concise and accessible terms the history and development of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as an explication and explanation of the core beliefs and practices.

Dedicated to the Dali Lama (who I have had the honour to be near during his regular trips to Bloomington, my current home -- his brother has been on faculty at Indiana University), this book shows how Tibetan Buddhism grew out of a sense of having been personally touched by Buddhas dwelling among them. Indeed, Tibetans often take for granted the idea of a constant presence of Buddhas among them. While many varieties of Buddhism allow for the theoretical attainment of the absolute freedom required to be a Buddha, Tibetan Buddhism is rare in accepting that there are many Buddhas currently at hand.

Tibetan Buddhism also preserved the Indian Tantric traditions, as a means for the attainment of complete Buddha-hood. Indeed, some of these Tantras contradict the cosmologies which speculate that there is a cycle of Buddhas, and that another Buddha is not due for thousands of years.

`Thus at least one of the levels (the highest, most would say) of the Tibetan sense of history sees the planet as progressing positively toward a time of unprecedented fulfillment. Tibetan Buddhist society therefore is perhaps unique among Buddhist societies in that the people live within a consciously articulated myth of historical progress, carrying within itself a fascinating complexity.'

Tibetan Buddhism is far from nihilistic, as indeed most Buddhism is not nihilistic. One discovers a unity of awareness and of all creation, something at the heart of many of the great religions of the world, if not so specifically laid out as a premise or as a possible attainment. The Buddha obtains total consciousness, a kind of universal omniscience; this is not to say a Buddha is God or becomes God (in fact, the Buddha will eschew God-like powers and domination over other creatures).

Grant the vision of direct enlightenment,
Whose nature is universal voidness!
The disciple should press her palms together,
Praise the Mentor, and then entreat him:
'Great teacher, grant me the vision
Of direct enlightenment,
Free from evolution and birth,
Beyond the three luminaries...

Complete with original translations of source texts, commentaries, essays of context and interpretation, and a good source of religious studies (history, philosophy, theology, etc.), this is an excellent introduction to the contemplation, study or even practice of Tibetan Buddhism.

A highly usable introduction into Tibetan buddhism....
As far as popularly available books go, this is about the best 'introduction' into Tibetan primary-ish texts that is really available. I am supposing that the core market for this book is as the reviews above indicate: Americans who are familiar with the Dalai Lama and/or Zen but want to know more about the wide and fascinating religious domain that is Tibetan Buddhism.

And this is the best place to 'start' provided that a) this is not your introduction to Buddhism in general (there are good books for Westerners for that-- 'The Gospel of the Buddha' by Paul Carus is a simple one that orders the Pali Canon into a structure more accessible for Christians; Thurman's 'Inner Revolution'; a general introduction into world religions that differentiates classical Therevadan forms from Mahayan stuff from the Vajarana stuff....) or b) a book on Tibetan history c)a comprehensive book in any sense.

It's a fun read and a good introduction. Other books on top of this: Thurman's translation of 'The Holy Teaching of Vimilikirti' and any of the stories of Milarepa are fun; a neat history is 'The Dragon in the Land of Snows....'

I highly recommend this book....

A very good introduction to the Tibetan vision ofBuddhism.
From the introduction which gives a summary of the history of Tibetan Buddhism to the poems by the Dalai Lama at the end, Thurman introduces the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism to those who may be primarily familiar with Zen Buddhism. The selections, mostly poetic works, give a good cross-section and through-time view of Buddhism.

Some things are glossed over, for those who are not familiar with Tibetan Buddhism.The role of the gods is not thoroughly explained. Where do the gods originate?From Bon?From Indian Religion. In general, I found this a very interesting and useful book. ... Read more

Book Description
The age-old tradition of Buddhism continues to influence those of myriad faiths in the East as well as the West. This deck features beautiful, traditional images of thirty-six Tibetan deities, bodhisattvas, and guardian figures. The cards explain the historical qualities and strengths they represent and offer meditation exercises to deepen your understanding and practice of Buddhism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Love them!
I absolutely love these cards! They are so beautiful. They have a nice description on the back of each card giving you some info on the each deity.

Remarkable quality
These cards are astonishingly beautiful. I keep buying them as gifts for my friends. ... Read more

Book Description
This book begins with the very awakening of student's interest in spirituality and their initial encounter with Tibetan Buddhism; then leads them through all the steps necessary for successful proactive in the West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Misleading Title
I haven't yet picked up a book on Buddhism that I found anything other than helpful, as it seems that anyone who writes a book on the subject has their heart in the right place, if that makes sense.The same goes for this book, but the title is woefully misleading, which is problematic for the unaware reader.

Bruce Newman writes in the introduction that he wrote this book to help bridge the gap between Buddhist ideas and Western practitioners, as Westerners sometimes have problems assimiliating Buddhist concepts due to the culture and language gap.This is an admirable idea for a book, but not a book for beginners.

When I picked the book off the shelf and skimmed it, I saw some charts on lineages, and I thought it would be a primer on the different sects and an introduction, in as much as that is possible, to the basics of Buddhism.However, Newman assumes a shared, deep knowledge of the subject and so he cherry picks his ideas, frequently writing something along the lines of: "I know you're all familiar with these ideas, so I am going to talk about the specific points that I want to focus on."Again, that would be fine in a book that wasn't labelled "For Beginners," as the beginners (like me) will have no idea of the context in which the material fits.

Additionally, be prepared to read about the author's very specific point of view.There are multiple lineages in Buddhism, and Newman talks almost exclusively about the one in which he practices.Also, he takes for granted that the reader is about to, or already has, a teacher or guru.Again, if you're a beginner, you are probably nowhere near that point.

Lastly, and this may be considered a petty point when compared to the depth of the subject (as well as being the fault of the publisher, not the writer) but this book is riddled with a ludicrous amount of obvious, almost laughable, printing mistakes.It's kind of hard to take the information seriously when it's clear that no one at the publishing office even bothered to read through the manuscript before approving theprinting run.At one point, the author writes something and then, in parentheses, questions his own writing, and answers his question.Basically, the author's notes made it into the final printing of the book!Another obvious mistake occurs at the beginning of a chapter.You know how the first letter of a chapter is sometimes enlarged, or embellished?In one of the chapters, the first, enlarged letter is a "W," but the first word of the sentence is "By."No one bothered to update the first letter so the sentence reads: "Wy this time, we should have..."Because the "W" is so large, it made me laugh out loud.Other than those two, there are countless dropped words, doubled words, plurality mistakes, etc.Again, it might be considered snobbish or petty, but I find it really hard to take the writing seriously in the midst of all these mistakes.

I get the feeling that I will come back to some of the ideas in this book once I have a lot more grounding in the subject, but for now, it is simply too advanced for me.And there's a good chance that I'm a bit further along in reading on the subject than some other people who might pick up a book by this title.

If it had been named something more accurate, like "Explaining Vajrayana Practice: An Integration Guide for Western Buddhists,"I would have known that it wasn't the right book for me at this time, but would have kept it in mind for later.And it would stand out to Vajrayanists, which is who it should appeal to, really: those who are interested in immersing themselves further in that particular lineage with the help of a Westerner who wants them to have greater access to, and benefits from, the Eastern texts and gurus.

A Beginner's Guide makes it seem easy
I have been interested in Tibetan Buddhism for many years, but felt intimidated by its seeming complexity. A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism puts it all in order. Bruce Newman writes about the beginnings of his study, the people who inspired him, and his own development through study and practice. He has been practicing and teaching Tibetan Buddhism for many years. He describes his journey from student to teacher simply and logically. I highly recommend this book to anyone else curious about or interested in learning about Tibetan Buddhism

Not easy sledding for the beginner...
The earlier reviews of the book are written by people who have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for several years.I read this book after studying Zen for several years.I read it to prepare for a journey to Dharamsala, India, to attend a teaching by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Much of the difficulty in understanding all of Buddhism is its interlocking structure, and this book reflects it.To a newcomer to Tibetan Buddhism, this book does not offer a straightforward explanation of what to expect or to know.Admittedly, it would be difficult to provide one.However, the book was difficult to understand, and only after visiting Dharamsala and immersing myself in the Tibetan environment could I start to make sense of it.

If you're approaching Buddhism for the first time, Zen can be more attractive because it's much more stripped down, while there is much more complexity (and in the long run, I believe, more richness) to Tibetan Buddhism.The best western analogy I can think of is comparing Presbyterianism (probably the most straightforward Christian sect) vs. Roman Catholicism (with its saints and rituals and intensive symbolism).If you were new to Christianity, Presbyterianism would be probably easier to start with, but the volume of information available to a practitioner (regardless of the philosophy behind it) is greater in Catholicism. Now imagine trying to explain hundreds of years of Catholicism in a single 200-page book, including all of the mystic traditions, history, artwork, differences in monastic traditions, etc.!In this book, that's what Newman is trying to do with Tibetan Buddhism, and it's a difficult task at best.

If you're just starting to learn about Buddhism, I can't say I'd recommend this book; it's rather technical to start with.But if you've stuck your big toe in the water for a while and need some clarification, it's worth reading.

A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism
I have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for over eighteen years. I have found Bruce's frank discussion of the cultural clash most western dharma students face when seriously practicing Tibetan Buddhism to be delightful. His honesty does not put me off at all. Finally, someone has the courage to honestly share his experience of the path with me. He's brave enough to discuss everything in this book. I say, "Bravo!"

If you are a new, younger female student, be sure to read the chapter on Dzogrim and the Body. It discusses one of the most important issues facing women lay practitioners. How do we relate to the sexual imagery of tantra? What do we do when older dharma students or lamas hit on us? It could save you a lot of grief to read this chapter carefully if you are seriously interested in dharma practice.

I disagree with one reviewer who says the author's lama should've written about Tibetan Buddhism, with the author just sharing his experiences in anecdotal form. This isn't a translation of dharma material. It's an overview of the path for new students. It's a chance for older students to realize that we aren't the only ones who've faced these difficulties when attempting to practice Tibetan Buddhism. Sure, it would have been better if there weren't any typos, but hey, why not cut the author some slack? It's the meaning that is most important, not the words, right?

I want to thank the author for writing this wonderful book. It finally discusses in an honest way, many of the problems I've faced over the years. The chapter on ritual is also very important. It cautions western students to not dismiss any aspect of these practices, simply because we consider them unfamiliar and peculiar to Tibetan Buddhism.

I can't recommend this book enough. It is a unique and practical guide that is a must read for anyone seriously considering devoting themselves to the path of Tibetan Buddhism.

Words of Advice from an Elder Brother
When I was first studying physics, I found that it was sometimes more illuminating to discuss a problem with a teaching assistant than with a professor: Although the TA's level of understanding was greater than mine, he would consider more alternative approaches, and show more hesitation in deciding among them, than would a professor. Watching a graduate student proceed in this way, I felt validated in my own process of learning by exploring and stumbling around.

The author of this book, Bruce Newman, has certainly achieved a higher level of experience and understanding in the Dharma. For thirty years, he has been living the life that most other Dharma students have only day-dreamed about: living as a nearly full-time yogi, with continual guidance from his teachers, both in and out of retreats, in the East and in the West. As a result of his efforts, he has been given authorization, encouragement and continuing support by two highly regarded teachers in the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages to introduce Western students into the Vajrayana and to train them in its meditation.

After teaching other Western students for a decade, and reflecting on his own process of coming to terms with and progressing in the Vajrayana, he has now written a guide to Tibetan Buddhism that explores the issues that arise for Westerners encountering this rather complex system. He is able to explain, in a very down-to-earth way, some of the central issues that we confront: how to deal with the lama most straightforwardly, how to relate to the ritualistic aspects, sexuality (what is "tantric" and what is not?), dealing with other students, fitting practice into your life, and so on. He discusses the detailed relationships among the different types of Vajrayana techniques, why they are done in a certain order, and what they are designed to do; and also some of the difficulties that are likely to arise while doing them.

One of the most important points he makes is that Westerners often have a difficult time with their relationship with the guru: They tend to believe that the lama is somehow aware of all of their issues and confusions, without their being discussed. This attitude leads to a lack of communication on meditational experiences that makes it difficult for the lama to point out the nature of the mind to the student in a definitive way.

He also explores the conceptual difficulties that arise for Westerners: Some of these come from cultural differences with Tibetans, but some are intrinsic to Buddhist thought. Westerners often come to the Dharma with the general idea that Buddhism is a form of super-logic, a kind of science with added spiritual insight; there is then the tendency to disregard aspects that don't fit into this picture. The author explains in specific detail how this conceptual view can limit one's understanding of how the Vajrayana actually works, and therefore one's experience.

The author mentions in general terms, but does not go into detail about, his own experiential phenomena during his career in meditation: This is probably in good taste, as practitioners' phenomena are individual and shouldn't be imitated; but it also means that this book will never serve as the basis for a movie script. He is honest about acknowledging in many cases his own lack of attainment of the lofty goals of the Dharma. (Of course, in the Mahayana tradition, of which Vajrayana is a part, there is, notoriously, no "attainment": It is really the quality of one's "non-attainment" that counts.)

One nit that I would pick: There is a useful discussion near the end of the book concerning the difference between the Western concepts of ego and the ego that Buddhists are always trying to get rid of. They're not the same. I believe this crucial point should be explained much earlier.

Overall, I believe that even for many Dharma students who have been around for awhile, this book, written in an informal style by someone a bit ahead on the path, will shed some light: validating some intuitions on how to proceed in the Dharma, while disabusing one of others. For newer students, it could be an eye-opener that can save years of orientation to a very complex system of spiritual development. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Good elementary introduction to Buddhism--3.5 stars
This is an edited version of a lecture series in Seattle in 1988, ordered from basic to "more subtle & advanced" based on the author-monk's 18 years study in all 4 schools + Pali texts.It is intended as a "guide to practice" esp. for those w/o Buddhist background.I found it simple, straight-forward, & easy to understand.As a short book it cannot bring much breadth to its vast subject, is simplistic at times (e.g. inadequately addressing self), & explanatory/descriptive vs. analytical/critical.Thus, the scientific, skeptical, western perspective is minimal, greatly reducing the potential value of a western Buddhist insider's viewpoint.Further, the author seems naïve--e.g. p. 134: "We are born with a natural, unlearned sense of intrinsic self."Psychologists have shown that self-consciousness is developmental not inbred--only the potential is inbred (similar to Buddha nature).Similarly, he says p. 134: "The workers, acting together, manage themselves."I suggest they'd need management ability, skills & training (e.g. most startup businesses fail)--see Elliott Jaques' Executive Leadership: A Practical Guide to Managing Complexity (Developmental Management) & Human Capability: A Study of Individual Potential and Its Application.But he also makes some fine observations: p. 176: "If one were a bee, for instance, one's perception of this page would be very different than it is for a human.Similarly, it would look uniquely different to a bat, an owl, or a snake, p. 180: As the renowned physicist Werner Heisenberg said, `What we observe is not nature itself but nature exposed to our method of questioning,' & p. 181: We reify an object by removing it from its context, by ignoring the subjective influences of perception & conception."He also provides a good exercise--visualizing bubbles rising & bursting (p. 114) which was new for me.All in all it's a pretty good elementary introduction to Buddhism IMHO, but I much prefer Thubten Chodron ("Open Heart, Clear Mind" & "Buddhism for Beginners"), Pema Chodron, & Surya Das.These authors provide more depth, breadth, & practical value than this book IMO.

Finally, a directand cogent introduction of the essence of Tibetan Buddhism
One has to appreciate the fact that many books taking on this task that was given in this short, under 200 pages are as introductions anywhere from 450 to 650 pages. If one wants more detail check out John Powers', Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism which runs, as an introduction, some 470 pages. For one who is looking for the essence of this practice without too much dedication of time, this is the book. You will come away with a very good idea of what this type of buddhism is and why it is important.

Very good, but some shortcomings
B. Allan Wallace has extremely impressive credentials.He was ordained by the Dali Lama, earned an undergraduate degree in Physics and a Ph.D. from Stanford University.Therefore, he is well qualified from an exposure to the concepts point of view.

My experience reading this book, however, was mixed.While the author has impressive credentials, his material is easily accessible and he make it relevant to Western people, he often left me wanting more of an explanation or more detail.

In an attempt to make the concept of Tibetan Buddhism accessible, I found that Mr. Wallace often over simplified his explanations.He appeals to common sense, but I found this book lacked the depth I was looking for given an author with such an impressive background.

Basic and informative
My teacher suggested this book for anyone new to Tibetan Buddhism.It's well-written and has basic information for some of the most popular questions a new person might have.It's a good "starting point" as well as a good text for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of various paths of life.

10 stars if possible....
This is by far the best explanatory book on Tibetan Buddhism I've read.It should be a Must Read for everyone interested in this fascinating philosophy and life style. Although targeted for beginners mostly, it is a thorough book for us in the western cultures. Easy to read and thought provoking.This books deserves a ten star rating and a special mantra. Buy it!Another recommended book is Open Heart, Clear Mind by Thubten Chodron. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Exxcellent but for advanced
Marvellous book, however, the two parts are more for people that already know about Buddhism from practice, those who have their Kleisha yet cannot understand about void or Tantra, aspects that cannot be understood without the deep moral basis attained by following the Four Noble Truths. Thus the First part of the book is for everybody who wants to learn in general about Buddhism, but then the book starts to be very complicated, what a pitty for neophytes.One is not that surprised the write has gained so many doctorates, his intelligence is sparkling from the text, but this would be for a different review...

A BEAUTIFUL BOOK
This book is just what the title implies, an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.As I read through the pages of this book, what transpired was an overwhelming sense of spiritual peace and tranquility.In today's "crazy world," so many people are looking for peace of mind and "a haven from the storm"that will sustain them through the everyday trials and tribulations of life.If you are not familiar with Buddhism and are still searching for that "safe haven," I think you will, indeed, find this book on the philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism both enlightening and enjoyable.

A good introduction to Buddhism
Before reading this book, I didn't know much about Buddhism, and reading it made me realize just how little I really knew.It gave me a good perspective on Buddhist practice and especially the difference between ZenBuddhism (what I knew a little about) and the rest of the Buddhist world.

It may change your life...
...for the (very) better!I just wanted to do my bit to put the general rating nearer were it should be.This book will put light, wisdom and happiness in your life...how can anyone rate it below five stars isbeyond me!If you love life, you'll love this book (whether you areBuddhist or not)! ... Read more

Book Description
This pocket-sized reader will be cherished by students of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the many readers of such popular books as The Art of Happiness, When Things Fall Apart, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and Awakening the Buddha Within. This unique collection features short inspirational selections and pithy quotations from the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism, past and present, including Milarepa, the Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rinpoche, Patrul Rinpoche, Chögyam Trungpa, and others. Topics include cultivating compassion, letting go of ego, and developing a clear perception of our own true nature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A small but illuminating gathering of Buddhist voices
"The Pocket Tibetan Buddhist Reader," edited by Reginald A. Ray, is an anthology of short passages from "Tibetan lamas, both present and past."The passages are drawn from both other published books and unpublished transcripts.As the title indicates, this is a small, pocket-size volume; the text fills 226 plus xiv pages.The back cover information notes that the editor is Professor of Buddhist Studies at Naropa University and at the University of Colorado.The passages in the book are organized into seven chapters: "Foundations," which covers such topics as suffering, karma, and samsara; "The Path"; "Meditation," which covers both the process and obstacles to effective practice; "Compassion"; "Emptiness"; "Mind of the Buddha"; and "Realization."

In addition to the primary text, the book has some great supplemental features.Especially admirable is the detailed listing of sources of the passages.The extensive bibliographic information offers interested readers lots of leads to other books both from Shambhala and other publishers.There are also biographical notes on the more than 20 contributors.Also worthy of note is the glossary, which covers such terms as "bardo," "bodhisattva," and "wish-fulfilling jewel."

The anthology is full of fascinating entries.I encountered many wonderful insights and thought-provoking declarations.I found some of the more striking passages to include the following: the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche's use of computer metaphor to explain Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama's graphic warning against the practice of slander, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's thoughts on reaching "the citadel of the absolute," and Sogyal Rinpoche's inspiring explanation of the buddha-nature.Also worthy of note is Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche's beautiful use of weather imagery to explain the best path of meditative practice.

My only disappointment with this anthology was that, while it contains a wealth of information on meditation and interesting Buddhist concepts, I felt that it doesn't offer enough insight into how Tibetan Buddhism functions in the world in a broader practical sense.How, I wonder, does all this relate to war, homelessness, sexual morality, family life, addiction, human rights, and other issues?I think I got a better sense of what it means to be a Tibetan Buddhist in the greater world from "The Pocket Dalai Lama," compiled and edited by Mary Craig and also published by Shambhala; I recommend that book as an excellent companion text.This reservation aside, "The Pocket Tibetan Buddhism Reader" is a small but wonderful collection of spiritual treasures.

A glowing pocket trinket
Topics from Foundations,The Path,Meditation,Compassion, Emptyness,Mind of the Buddhas,and Realization. Great reminders throughout the day.Also has a glossary,226 pages. Excellent for reminders, in case you find yourself needing a pick me up, i start reading them and I find myself reading more than one. Excellent quotes,inspirations from Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rimpoche, Patrul Rimpoche,and others. ... Read more

Book Description
The grammar, syntax, and technical vocabulary of classical Tibetan used in Buddhist works. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

great book if you really want to lean tibetan...
Hi guys, well i've been living in Nepal for the last 4 years and i can tell you that learning tibetan (and by this i mean really know it) its really hard, but i found that wilson's book is actually great not only coz it does work but also coz it provides you with the tools to do it... its the best next thing just after learning tibetan from tibetan grammarians

so what i would suggest is...
get wilson's book, then if you are completely new go through the whole book, coz it provides basic concept on Buddhism and lots of vocab (all really useful)... if you are a bit more experience then learn by heart apendixes 4 and 5 which deals with verbs, and clases which are a primordial part of tibetan (but for some reason some "serious" books dont even mention them... oh by the way tibetans do study tibetan talking about cases)...then move on to...

Craig preston's how to read classical tibetan... which if you don't know by heart appendix 4 n 5 is rather useless... but otherwise excellent to show how to make the complex sentences (pages long at times) into short and readable clauses or sentences... besides it also completes wilsons lack of talk or not wanting to talk about transitive and intransitive verbs (which they also exist in tibetan and are of great importance when trying to get across the right meaning)

last but not least... in my experience there have been tons of mistranslations all over the place even by "famous" translators... thats why i recommend Tony Duff's excellent Illuminator dictionary...

until the day that someone explains tibetan grammar the way tibetan study it and understand it these are the tools for anyone who is serious about learning tibetan, and when the time is right go and get teachings on tibetan from a tibetan grammarian... then the whole world is open to you... once again i think these are the best for whats outer but once you see the real thing you wont go back...

Decent, but ...
This is the first book I bought at the start of my journey into Tibetan. The overall strategy of this bookis to build an hybrid Tenglish (Tibetan-English) language, which should gradualise and faciltate the student's approach to Tibetan texts. I regard this idea as essentially flawed and therefore I basically agree with the less enthused reviewers.
Still, this is a honourable work and it may be useful for a first, cautious approach to classical Tibetan. If you want to plunge into the real thing right away, I suggest you buy Stephen Hodge's "Introduction to Classical Tibetan"(if you can find it).

Not as good as it looks
The first 5 or 6 Chapters are very useful for the Beginner but afterwards it becames increasingly difficult. It hard to understand the explanations on more advance grammar. I think that unnecesarilly tries to explain many concepts instead of teaching the howto of the language as in the first part. I think I should be reworked (at least the last part) in order to make the student to be able to use the grammar at least for some basic reading. I think I should include more practical examples of reading and interpreting texts. Vocabulary alone is not enough. So I guess that considering the few book about this subject this is a good one after all despite the shortcomings.

Basic for leaning Tibetan
Very useful book for learners with a constructive introduction to Tibetan sentence structure and a useful basic vocabulary for classical Tibetan. Start with this book if you want to learn to read Tibetan and get a good basis. With the next edition please give us a lighter version an add an index!

Less enthused
I am less enthused about this massive tome than the other reviewers. I have a feeling that the book has failed to make the transition from a very lively university course to a textbook.The approach using all thedifferent 'dimensions' is rather idiosyncratic. There problem is that thereare few other choices when it comes to Tibetan textbooks. There is a heavyreliance for examples on the literature of logic. In my opinion moreexamples from practice-related material would have been useful.Too muchreliance is placed on traditional Tibetan grammar for my liking. And thatromanisation is unnecessarily complex. Still, it is a very significantwork, and inspite of its short-comings, is still the best in this smallfield. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An insightful introduction to Tibetan Buddhism!
This is a beautiful little book that would make a great gift. This book communicates the deeply spiritual tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and shows you how to bring some of its wisdom into your own life. It describes the history of Tibetan Buddhism, the key themes such as the use of mandalas, mantras, yoga, and trantras to enhance your inner development. It also shows how women have a special place in this tradition. This book gives simple exercises drawn from Tibetan Buddhist practice to guide you on a compassionate path to enlightenment. I found this book very informative and inspiring. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A great guide to meditation for practicing Buddhists
I am glad to write a review on this extraordinary guide to meditation for practicing Buddhists.According to the sutras and the texts written by sages such as Nagarjuna and Asanga, it is impossible to attain enlightenment without the stablization in meditative states.Getting familiar with this book can prevent Buddhists from mistakenly treat faults in meditative states as signs of enlightenment.However, I must admit that this book is not for those who have no knowledge of Buddhism, or for those Buddhists who do not wish to attain a high state of meditation.

A fairly good text on Tibetan meditation training
This is a fairly nice and helpful book. It is divided into two parts. The first part is a fairly clear explanation of the basics of Mahayana Buddhist meditation training as taught in Tibetan traditions. The book is at itsbest here in the first half, presenting practical advice that one caneasily put into practice in one's own meditative training. The second halfis more academic, less practical, being a rather difficult to followtranslation from the Tibetan of a commentary on a commentary on Maitreya's"Ornament for Clear Realization", dealing with the higher states ofconsciousness attained through meditative absorption. Those far enoughalong to understand what is being talked about are probably not going toneed to read about it, but even if they do, a clearer explanation wouldprobably be helpful. But still, the first half of the book justifies thepurchase and reading of this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com
In 1927, Walter Evans-Wentz published his translation of an obscure Tibetan Nyingma text and called it the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Popular Tibetan teacher Sogyal Rinpoche has transformed that ancient text, conveying a perennial philosophy that is at once religious, scientific, and practical. Through extraordinary anecdotes and stories from religious traditions East and West, Rinpoche introduces the reader to the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism, moving gradually to the topics of death and dying. Death turns out to be less of a crisis and more of an opportunity. Concepts such as reincarnation, karma, and bardo and practices such as meditation, tonglen, and phowa teach us how to face death constructively. As a result, life becomes much richer. Like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Sogyal Rinpoche opens the door to a full experience of death. It is up to the reader to walk through. --Brian BruyaBook Description

In this major and comprehensive work, Buddhist meditation master and international speaker Sogyal Rinpoche brings together the ancient wisdom of Tibet with modern research on death and dying and the nature of the universe. With unprecedented scope, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying clarifies the majestic vision of life and death that underlies The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Sogyal Rinpoche presents simple yet powerful practices from the heart of the Tibetan tradition that anyone, whatever their religion or background, can do to transform their lives, prepare for death, and help the dying.

Rinpoche shows the hope there is in death: how we can go beyond denial and fear to discover what it is in us that survives death and is changeless. He presents a lucid, inspiring, and complete introduction to the practice of meditation, to karma and rebirth, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path. He gives advice on how to care for the dying with love and compassion and offer them spiritual assistance.

Rinpoche presents his own vision of the near-death experience from the Tibetan perspective. He explains in detail the "bardos," those states of consciousness after death that have fascinated and tantalized Western artists, psychologists, scientists, doctors, and philosophers ever since the publication of The Tibetan Book of the Dead in 1927.

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is not only a spiritual masterpiece but also a manual, a guide, a work of reference, and a source of sacred inspiration. It has been written to inspire all who read it to begin the journey to enlightenment and so become "servants of peace," working in the world with joy, wisdom, and compassion to take part in safeguarding the future of humanity.

Customer Reviews (96)

Breaking down the barriers of mind
When I first read this book I found it "very" hard going. As I recognised fairly early on the path, the more difficult something is, the more you have to gain by facing it head on. This book was really the first book that taught me true compassion. Persevere with this book, read it again and again, and you may just find that your whole view of the universe and reality has shifted to something far, far better.

Fantastic
It is great book, loving it. good condition and good postage time. Extremely happy with it

"must reading"
This is an outstanding book for everybody who is a serious follower of Buddhist philosophy and possibly has also read books by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Very much recommended as a gift also for younger people.

WISDOM FOR ALL OF US, WHETHER LIVING, DYING, OR GRIEVING
Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
Stunning book presenting Tibetan Buddhist philosophy in an easily understood and moving way. I bought this to help myself as I grieved for my mother. I couldn't put it down. Buddhists say you can know only two things for sure in life: 1. You will die. and 2. You don't know when. Makes the time you have on earth very poignant.

Well Worth Reading
This book started me on the Buddhist path years ago because it was so powerful. It's an amazing account of Life and Death and how each of us can look at Death in a whole new light. Since the first day I read this at a teen I have thought of it often and return to it from time to time. After all these years I'm still a Buddhist and haven't looked back. I think everyone ought to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description
A concise, succinct version of one of Snow Lion's top ten bestsellers. This slimmed-down, 144-page introduction covers all of the important topics necessary to understand the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. ... Read more

Book Description
Philosophy or religion, way of life or way of being, Buddhism never ceases to intrigue.Its many aspects bear witness to the diversity of its paths, and its innumerable aspects can disorientthe newcomer.Its essence is simple, however, a deep root common to all those searching for knowledge: a man, anchored in a moment of history, who awakened to affirm that it's within everyone's power to attain wisdom.The renewed interest that Buddhism has enjoyed over the past years, led by its spiritual and tempral guide the Dalai Lama, has made it possible to approach the meaning and origins of his teaching. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful & Interesting
Beautiful & Interesting

As a student of Buddhism I've come across some items in books or stores or just along the path that I don't know what they are - specifically in Tibetan Buddhism.

This is a great book for anyone interested in what some of the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism are, what they mean or represent and in some cases how they came to be.

The descriptions are easy to understand and the pictures are absolutely beautiful and captivating.

It's a short and enjoyable book - doesn't dive deeply into the items/symbols - it's a nice introduction and is informative and makes for nice reference material. ... Read more

Book Description
Details the nature of mind and its functions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Specific Analysis of Mental Functioning
This is an extraordinary book.The written Introduction is detailed and specific enough to immediately expand one's own knowledge and one's own personal experience of one's own knowledge, to allow for a whole series of conceptual leaps in personal knowledge both directly and indirectly.The rest of the book follows forward from this point.I studied with Lati Rinpoche, and he was an exceptionally brilliant man.

Profound Ideas of the Mind and Its Functions
This is a extraordinary book of ideas of the mind.To grasp the meanings you will find it necessary to read (even more than twice) the various parts of the book.You will no doubt find the ideas different from Western writers of the mind, which sets this book apart from the many books about the mind.

A very intriguing book.Anybody who is interested in the mind and its functions from the Tibetan Buddhism point of view is highly recommended.

A concise guide to the study of the awareness of thought.
This book reviews several buddhist thought traditions that have developed through the time.It is somewhat polemical but is remarkable in that the referenced texts predate Kant, Hegel and other western thinkers delving thesame subject.The book is tough to read but the reward is worth the effortbecause one comes to an awareness of what one goal of enlightenment is: theactual awareness of thought, origins of impressions, etc.Engrossing. ... Read more

Book Description
This volume provides a comprehensive survey of Indian Buddhism and its subsequent establishment in Tibet. It concentrates on the tantric period of Buddhist theory and practice, from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, when the Tibetans were actively engaged in absorbing all they could find of Buddhist culture and religion into their own country. Snellgrove emphasizes the significant role played by the Central Asian kingdoms along the ancient Silk Route in the gradual process of Tibetan conversion. He draws convincingly upon documents of the time to illustrate the cultural changes that swept Tibet as a result of its rule over an extensive empire from the seventh to the ninth centuries—a period of history largely forgotten by the Tibetans themselves when they later embarked upon the wholesale importation of Buddhism directly from Northern India. Throughout, the author quotes extensively from numerous original sources, many of which have never before been translated into English. The illustrations include iconographic art as well as photographs of historical interest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Exceptionally good work by a true expert on Buddhist tantra
This is a stupendously good book for those with any interest in the 3 phases of Buddhist development--the early period of the Buddha and his disciples and the so-called "Old Wisdom" phase of Buddhism, the Mahayana phase, and, especially, the rise of Vajrayana/Tantrayana/Mantrayana. This last phase is what Snellgrove specializes in and he has done an impressive job of presenting his vast erudition to the reader.

Many people will come to Snellgrove's Indo-Tibetan Buddhism specifically due to their interest in and perhaps practice of Vajrayana Buddhism of the Tibetan variety and will be most drawn to the book's Part V on Buddhism's introduction to Tibet and its flourishing in that land.

But many of us, interested in the precise details and mysterious enigmas of the formative period of Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism as it arose in India, will find Snellgrove's very long Part III on the rise and complex development of Vajrayana to be SUPERLATIVE--probably the best overall treatment of this multi-faceted topic in the English language. (Note: Part III is pp. 117-303 in the Shambhala 2002 revised, single-volume edition, and so, at over 180 pages, not including many other references to tantra elsewhere, and maps, footnotes [so much easier to read than endnotes!], etc., represents a book-length treatise on just this one topic.)

Snellgrove knows **many** of the few dozen most important of the early, middle, and late Buddhist tantras in their original languages, and offers lengthy quotes from the most relevant passages in each of these tantras to illustrate or back up a point he is making in his text. He is, truly, one of the world's experts on Buddhist tantra, and explores interesting themes and discrepancies I've not seen with any other writers on the topic, even the prodigious Alex Wayman (not to mention younger writers like Thurman, Hopkins, et al.).

Moreover, he brings a candor to the topics at hand, showing how the Buddhist tantras diverge on important topics, such as the specific Deities in the 3- and 5- and 6-Buddha families, and on the controversies over whether sexual yoga and the offering of "foul" sacramental ingredients are to be literally enacted or performed only symbolically. He also demolishes the later Tibetan idea that any of these tantras can really be hierarchically ordered according the the well-known (but dubiously based) "four classes" (Action Class, Performance Class, Yoga Class, and Highest Yoga Class tantras).

I could go on and on about this wonderful Part III, which is so filled with delightful surprises and riveting insights. If one has ANY interest in Buddhist tantra and likes a writer who doesn't "dumb down" his subject matter but goes into the rich details on a wide array of topics connected with tantra, then just this Part III alone is worth the price of the book.

But then one also gets with this book all its other parts, such as Part IV's information-rich treatment of Buddhism as it developed in Central Asia and Nepal, and Part V on the schools of Buddhism in Tibet.

Get the book and learn something from an expert (and non-apologist) about the crucial set of developments in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.

Good Reference Book on Tibetan Buddhism
I recommand this book for one who want a good reference book on Tibetan Buddhism. This book is imformative and has a reasonably comprehensive coverage on all the most important areas in Tibetan Buddhism. This book is certainly a good bargain and has a good "useful information per dollar" ratio, especially when compared to many other books in the market.
This bookhas also been referred to and cited by many other scholars and is a respected authority in this area. ... Read more

Book Description
While Buddhism enjoys much popularity in the West, Tibetan Buddhism remains a mystery for many. The role of women within this religion remains an even greater mystery. In this study, both the religion itself and the role of women within its philosophy and symbolism are examined by an author with a unique personal experience of this branch of Buddhism. Drawing on psychoanalytic and feminist theory, she provides a Western perspective on an Eastern philosophy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Brilliantly Clear Comprehension !
This is one of the best books I've ever read!It's a historyof the evolution of thinking. It focuses on the ways thinking has beenmanipulated, for example, by Tibetan Buddhists to be anti female, to be rigid, limited and fearful.It covers a wide range of time, thousands of years before Buddhism arose as a thinking style as well as the Tibetan version of Buddhism...June Campbell is not only scholar whose meticulous research shines through each sentance of the book but her real life experience studying with Tibetan lamas for 20 years gives deep insight into the reality of Tibetan Buddhism.Having been Tibetan Buddhist myself for 25 years, I can honestly say that Traveller In Space is an exceptionally clear book about how Tibetan Buddhism is actually taught,the core attitudes of Tibetan lamas, as well as serious misunderstandings Tibetan lamas have about human relationships and why. Many of the Tibetan teachers have become unethical and the author has the courage to gently reveal the truth. In the end Traveller In Space left me feelingmore in touch with thetruth that authentic spiritual awakening cannot be conveyed in thetraditional Tibetan atmosphere...I believe the point Ms.Campbell is making is that being truly fulfilled as a human meansbecoming more at one with the "spacious",unconstucted aspects ofone's being. ... Read more

Book Description
Although Tibetan Buddhism continues to grow in popularity, the crucial relationship between teacher and student remains largely misunderstood. Dangerous Friend offers an in-depth exploration of this mysterious and complex bond, a relationship of paramount importance in Tibetan Buddhist practice. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the student must have complete trust in the teacher (the "dangerous friend") if he or she is to achieve any understanding. It is the teacher's responsibility to uphold the integrity of the tradition, the basis of which is compassion for all beings, by transmitting it properly to an appropriate student. Likewise, it is the student's responsibility to meet the challenge of carrying on the lineage of teachings. By entering such a relationship, both teacher and student accept the burden of protecting those teachings by understanding them completely and correctly, by practicing them fully and faultlessly, and by transmitting them without omission. Dangerous Friend includes discussions of the following topics: Meeting and recognizing an appropriate teacher.Understanding the gravity of entering the teacher-student relationship.Shifting one's approach from spiritual materialism to genuine Buddhist practice.Accepting the challenge of being truly kind, honest, and courageous. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A much needed commentary
This is an amazingly well-written book filled with insight. It is an important book for western students of Vajrayana to understand in terms of their relationships with their root teacher. However, it is sad that such a commentary is necessary. Since it is written using the terms and phrases of Vajrayana Buddhism, it is unlikely that non-Buddhists will understand many of the concepts. It is also written from the perspective of a Nyingma tradition using Dzogchen as the primary example of Vajrayana practice, but those of us from the other traditions should be able to substitute our own common terms in place of the Nyingma terms (for example, students of a Geluk lama may be more likely to hear about the self-cherishing mind than the dualistic mind) and still understand the point. I recommend this book.

Lotus
Anyone interested in the Aro gTer should ask to see the pictures of the interesting ceremony called "The Full Lotus". This should help the seeker to decide if this is the organisation for them.

needy
The author of this book is a member of a small Buddhist flavored cult called the Aro gTer.H.H.The Dalai Lama has refused to acknowledge the authenticity of this group, and has in fact, publically advised Dharma practioners to avoid them. They in turn state that as the H.H. is not a Nyingma practioner he has no say over them. This is too simplistic, since the Chinese invasion of Tibet all schools of the Tibetan Vajrayana acknowledge the authority of His Holiness. In any case the Aro's point is undermined by the fact that the head of the Nyingma, Mindrolling Rinpoche, has also declared the Aro to be inauthentic. As have all of the other Nyingma lineage holders. Why bother with a fake when we live in a time when the real thing is so readily available? In the Nyingma Tradition there is Namkhai Norbu, Tarthang Tulku, Sogyal Rinpoche, and numerous others. There is no reason to settle for a western imitation.

there have to be better books on the topic
Even though I'm enamored of the Nyingmapa school and highly idealize the student-teacher relationship traditional to several different religions, I found this book to be highly dissatisfying -- even maddening.I was expecting to read a nice devotional book from the Nyingmapa perspective that would make it easier for me to explain the student-teacher relationship as positive and essential for spiritual growth.Instead, the book's tone was so strident, confrontational, and (it seemed to me) uncompassionate that I found myself questioning whether Buddhism was the benevolent religion I had taken it to be, and whether perhaps the student-teacher relationship shouldn't be reformed!

The