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This book describes and analyses the structure and performance of Tibetan Buddhist death rituals, and situates that performance within the wider context of Buddhist death practices generally. Drawing on a detailed and systematic comparative survey of existing records of Tibetan funerary practices, including historical travel accounts, anthropological and ethnographic literature, Tibetan texts and academic studies, it demonstrates that there is no standard form of funeral in Tibetan Buddhism, although certain elements are common.

The structure of the book follows the twin trajectories of benefiting the deceased and protecting survivors; in the process, it reveals a rich and complex panoply of activities, some handled by religious professionals and others by lay persons. This information is examined to identify similarities and differences in practices, and the degree to which Tibetan Buddhist funeral practices are consistent with the mortuary rituals of other forms of Buddhism. A number of elements in these death rites which at first appear to be unique to Tibetan Buddhism may only be ‘Tibetan’ in their surface characteristics, while having roots in practices which pre-date the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet.

Filling a gap in the existing literature on Tibetan Buddhism, this book poses research challenges that will engage future scholars in the field of Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Anthropology.

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How did a society on the edge of collapse and dominated by wandering bands of armed men give way to a vibrant Buddhist culture, led by yogins and scholars? Ronald M. Davidson explores how the translation and spread of esoteric Buddhist texts dramatically shaped Tibetan society and led to its rise as the center of Buddhist culture throughout Asia, replacing India as the perceived source of religious ideology and tradition. During the Tibetan Renaissance (950-1200 C.E.), monks and yogins translated an enormous number of Indian Buddhist texts. They employed the evolving literature and practices of esoteric Buddhism as the basis to reconstruct Tibetan religious, cultural, and political institutions. Many translators achieved the de facto status of feudal lords and while not always loyal to their Buddhist vows, these figures helped solidify political power in the hands of religious authorities and began a process that led to the Dalai Lama's theocracy. Davidson's vivid portraits of the monks, priests, popular preachers, yogins, and aristocratic clans who changed Tibetan society and culture further enhance his perspectives on the tensions and transformations that characterized medieval Tibet.

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This book explores the Buddhist role in the formation of Tibetan religious thought and identity. In three major sections, the author examines Tibet's eighth-century conversion, sources of dispute within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and the continuing revelation of the teaching in both doctrine and myth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not an easy read but worth the effort
Two-thirds of the book (Part II, III) are composed of earlier publications the erudite Tibetologist had collected and studied over 20 years, while only Part I contains new material.

1. Introduction: Death, Literacy, and Tibet's Buddhist Elite (pp. 1-20)
I. Conversion and Narrative
2. The Chinese Mother of Tibet's Dharma King: The Testament of Ba and the Beginnings of Tibetan Buddhist Historiography (pp. 21-37): The author examines why 'the later diffusion of Buddhism [in Tibet]' (bstan-pa'i phyi dar) falsely attributes king-emperor Trhi Songdetsen's (r. 756-97) parentage to the Chinese princess Jincheng (d. 739).

"[S]he was remembered for having promoted Buddhist funerary rites among the nobility even before the conversion of the Tibetan court, and thus to have adopted a definite stance in the internal Tibetan debate on the contested issue surrounding [Bön] mortuary ritual and the Buddhist cosmology of karma and samsara" (p. 35).

For a full, annotated English translation of an earlier version of the text under consideration ("The Testament of Ba"), see Pasang Wangdu and Hildegard Diemberger's "dBa' bzhed: The Royal Narrative Concerning the Bringing of the Buddha's Doctrine to Tibet," 2000 Vienna.

3. The Mark of Vermilion: Rebirth and Resurrection in an Early Medieval Tale (pp. 38-50)
4. Plague, Power, and Reason. The Royal Conversion to Buddhism Reconsidered (pp. 51-65): "Inner Asian outbreak of what European medievalists now term Justinian Plague" (p. 42) wrought havoc in Tibet (739), causing numerous deaths among the nobility as well. As a result, the handful of foreign Buddhists (from Khotan) were expelled from Tibet, and religious practice was banned until circa 761.

"Tibet rose to imperial greatness, ruling much of Inner Asia...largely on the strength of its indigenous resources and traditions. Within a few generations of the conversion..., however, the empire grew weak, and, riven by factional feuds among nobles, it collapsed. Evidently, the later monarchs' religious concerns led them to divert too much in the way of resources to the monks and monasteries, and to devote too little to the maintenance of Tibet's earlier strength" (p. 52). Kapstein argues there are no available data to support statements like the last one.

"Buddhism interested the Tibetans in no small measure through its successful promotion of a particular, well-ordered, cosmological framework, which implied the ethical and ritual mastery of the cosmos it promoted, and through its institutionalized mastery of techniques, which conformed with the bureaucratic requirements of empire" (p. 59). Tibetan imperial state was viewed "as the body and mandala of Buddha Vairocana,"as attested partly in the design and decoration of the first monastery at Samye (founded c. 779).

II. Sources of Contestation
5. From Korea to Tibet. Action at a Distance in the Early Medieval World System (pp. 69-84): Originally presented at a conference in 1995, this chapter attempts to trace the influence of Chan Buddhism in certain Tibetan lineages, while also underscoring the relevance of a Korean master of northern Chan named Kim Hwasang (Ch. Jin Heshang), based at Chengdu (Sichuan) in the 750s, for Tibetan religious context.
6. 'What is "Tibetan Scholasticism"?' (pp. 85-120) makes use of two previous papers: 'Religious Syncretism in 13th Century Tibet: The Limitless Ocean Cycle' (1985) and 'From Dol-po-pa to 'Ba'-mda' Dge-legs: Three Jo-nang-pa Masters on the Interpretation of Prajnaparamita' (1997). A brief introduction to Buddhist hermeneutics with the help of examples from Sakya Pandita (1182-1251), Karma Pakshi (1204-83), and Dölpopa Sherap Gyaltsen (1292-1361).
7. 'The Purificatory Gem and its Cleansing' (pp. 121-37; first published under the same title in 1989) dwells on the Terma ([re]discovered treasures) tradition on the apropos of a 'late polemical discussion of apocryphal texts' generated by the Mongour (not Mongol!) Geluk scholar Sumpa Khenpo (1707-87).

III. Myth, Memory, Revelation
8. 'The Imaginal Persistance of the Empire' (pp. 141-62) incorporates an earlier study called 'Remarks on the Mani Kambum and the Cult of Avalokitesvara in Tibet' (1992).

"[E]ven among those Tibetan historians who are inclined to accept the validity of the Mani Kambum [itself a (re)discovered treasure said to have been extracted from a pillar of the Lhasa Jo-khang] and related traditions, there are those who see evidence in it not of flourishing Avalokitesvara cult in ancient Tibet, but rather of a secret transmission from Songtsen Gampo (r. 617-49) to a small number of worthy adepts, family members, and courtiers, who did not, in turn, transmit the king's teachings to a subsequent generation" (p. 148).

The reader can also come across gems like the following one: "[Enlightened a]ction is freedom from hankering after whatever there is that arises incessantly in mind, whose nature is pure awareness...Being empty and free from grasping, it is like the moon reflected in water. Being free from all superimposed limits, it is without features that serve to define it. And because it has ever been present within you, it cannot be achieved" (from Trhi Songdetsen's spiritual advice to his daughter Trhompagyen, "Adornment of Town") p. 154.

9. 'Samantabhadra and Rudra. Myths of Innate Enlightenment and Radical Evil' (originally appeared under the same title in 1992) as told by the Dzogchen thinker Longchen Rabjampa (1308-63) and treasure-discoverer (tertön) Orgyen Lingpa (b. 1360).

Allow me to offer an alternative to the author's interpretation of a description referring to the 'ground (of all)' ([kun] gzhi): He writes "[t]he ground in its indeterminacy is essentially empty (ngo-bo stong); in its unlimited potency is characteristically open, or limpid (rang-bzhin gsal)" (p. 169). Why not, as is usually translated, 'its essence is emptiness, and its nature is radiance,' since, to my knowledge at least, 'gsal' is nowhere rendered as "open"? Whereas 'stong' is not infrequently seen as denoting "open(ness)".

"The path of practice by means of which our recovery of [the primordial Buddha] Samantabhadra's ["Omnibeneficient", or simply 'All Good', Tib. Kun-tu bzang-po] enlightenment is to take place is...the path of the Great Perfection [rdzogs chen], whose skillful means are intended precisely to introduce sentient beings directly to their affinity with Samantabhadra...But what is one to do who is so bewildered by obscurations that he simply cannot perceive that to which he is to be introduced...? That was Milarepa's problem; perhaps it is also my problem; and it is possibly your problem, too" (pp. 169-70). Exactly.

"The myth of Rudra 'explains' the origins of tantricism, in part because Rudrahood characterizes our nature as embodied persons who are constitutionally disposed to lust and self-protection, to arrogance and rage. Tantricism...is soteriologically necessitated by our being what we are, by our world's being as it is" (p. 176).

10. The Amnesic Monarch and the Five Mnemic Men. "Memory" in the Great Perfection Tradition (pp. 178-201; first published in 1992). In addition to a concluding prayer, two timeless and allegorically instructive teachings are excerpted and analyzed from the vast corpus of the closely related cyles known as "The Penetration of the Intention of Samantabhadra" and "Primordial Purity, Self-Emergent and Self-Arisen," both by the Jangter (Northern Treasure) Dzogchenpa named 'The Vulture Feathered awareness-holder' (rigdzin Gödemchen, 1337-1408).

Extensive endnotes (pp. 204-72), exhaustive bibliography (pp. 275-303), index (pp. 305-16).

Further reading:

The peerless Herbert V. Guenther's (1917-2006) "Wholeness Lost and Wholeness Regained. Forgotten Tales of Individuation from Ancient Tibet," 1994 SUNY.
Michael L. Walter's "Buddhism and Empire: The Political and Religious Culture of Early Tibet," 2009 Leiden. ... Read more

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This anthropological study examines the encounter between Western travellers and Tibetan exiles in Bodhanath, on the outskirts of Kathmandu and analyses the importance of Buddhism in discussions of political, cultural and religious identity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great insight into the culture of Kathmandu
This is one of the most interesting and insightful books I've read about Nepal and Tibetan culture.Moran's shrewd observations of the interactions between Westerners and the Tibetan refugee community reflect the breadth and depth of his experiences in the region.An enlightening and enjoyable reading experience- I recommend this book to academics, as well as those simply interested in Buddhism and the cultures of South Asia. ... Read more

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Over the course of Tibetan history, revelations-known as Treasures-have been discovered hidden in nature or have emerged directly from the great minds of the Nyingma School, creating a profound and lasting effect on Tibetan religious society and culture. ... Read more

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The Terma Tradition
This is a very accessible modern study of the Tibetan Terma ("hidden treasure") tradition, with special emphasis placed on the discoveries of Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870). Andreas Doctor gives a very readable, well informed and intelligent survey of the Nyingma tradition of hidden treasures, addressing some of the Sarma (new school) criticisms and Nyingma (old school) responses. I found it better (more complete and balanced) than similar available material (including the traditional and authoritative; Dudjom Rinpoche's The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism and Tulku Thondup's Hidden Teachings Of Tibet, or the more contemporary presentations such as found in Keith Dowman's introduction to Sky Dancer - life and songs of Yeshe Tsogyal).

The first part (40 pages of) discussions on, "What is a treasure?" and "Are the treasures authentic?", are especially good (and not insulting to either the traditional Tibetan visionary view, nor the skeptical Tibetan response or modern/Western approach), as is the second (25 page) chronology of Chokgyur Lingpa's life and discoveries (an amazing peek into the arcane visionary world of Tibetan Buddhism). The third part (60 or so page) translation of the actual terma (Vajrakilaya practice and instruction) while being an example of an authentic Earth Treasure and presenting rich details of tantric practice is probable of most interest to serious scholars and lineage holders.

The text is actually quite a bit shorter than the 245pg book length would indicate as several sections include both the original Tibetan and English translation side by side (Ju Mipham's investigation of treasure revealers, and Chokgyur Lingpa's revealed sadhana and instruction manual on Vajrakilya practice), plus the inclusion of some 70 pages of technical (academic) appendices, extensive footnotes, thorough bibliography and index. But this brevity is not a bad thing, as it presents the subject clearly and evenly, without obscuring it in too many details.



... Read more

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Flight of the Garuda conveys the heart advice of one of the most beloved nonsectarian masters of Tibet. Ordained as a Gelug monk, the itinerant yogi Shabkar was renowned for his teachings on Dzogchen, the heart practice of the Nyingma lineage. He wandered the countryside of Tibet and Nepal, turning many minds toward the Dharma through his ability to communicate the essence of the teachings in a poetic and crystal-clear way. Buddhists of all stripes, including practitioners of Zen and Vipassana, will find ample sustenance within the pages of this book, and be thrilled by the lyrical insights conveyed in Shabkar's words. Along with the song by Shabkar, translator Keith Dowman includes several other seminal Dzogchen texts. Dzogchen practice brings us into direct communion with the most subtle nature of our experience, the unity of samsara in nirvana as experienced within our own consciousness. Within the Nyingma school, it is held higher than even the practices of tantra for bringing the meditator face to face with the nature of reality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Essential, Accessible DzogChen
Dowman gives a wonderfully lucid and readable translation, as well as providing insightful and experiential introductions to the various texts included here. And the main texts here are spontaneous songs of realization by the incomparable 18-19th century itinerant Tibetan yogin Shabkar (founder of the 19th century Rime - "nonsectarian" - movement). By 'songs of realization', I don't mean they tell us how great he was, I mean they are poetically evocative ways for us to gain direct realization. They come across like simple and relaxed, yet deep and immediate conversations with a dear friend.

The other 2/3rds of the book are introductions to and translations of four relatively short seminal dzogchen texts - Emptying the Depths of Hell by 13th century Guru Chowang, The Wish-Granting Prayer of Kuntu Zangpo by 14th century Rigdzin Godemchen, Secret Instruction in a Garland of Vision by the 8th century master Padmasambhava, and The Three Incisive Precepts by the first historical dzogchen master, the 7th century Gerab Dorje, with commentary by the great 19th century Rime lama Patrul Rinpoche.

DzogChen ("Great Perfection") is the highest teaching of the Tibetan traditions (found in Buddhism and native Bon), and as such it was deeply guarded in the past. Thus it may not be for everyone, especially beginner Buddhists, but for those who come to it with a modern sense of intelligent, intuitive openness, free of religious or sectarian dogma it is... beyond description. Basically, dzogchen points out the wonder and completeness in the Here and Now, the inclusiveness of this moment... And these traditional texts clearly express this timeless, awakened moment. This teaching which expresses the peak of a buddha's ("awakened one's") experience is not reserved for Buddhist. It does not discriminate. It is utterly simple and yet self secret. This is not an idea to understand and "get" just once, but a ground or basis to begin from and return to again and again. It is awakened realization from the point of view of the goal, not the path. It is our heritage and destiny, no matter what culture we come from or how we approach life.

Dowman makes this all very accessible.

Do not adjust your set.
I'm impressed with Keith Dowman's translation and interpretation of these sacred texts. Dowman's style is clear, precise, and lively: a real joy to read.He writes with a voice of experience, and with wit. If ever I meet the man, I would like to buy him a cup of coffee and offer him my deepest gratitude.

The Flight of the Garuda is a collection of magic books.They have a unique and specific function. Their origins lie in the minds of Buddhas.Read with joy, read with care, and you'll see what I mean. We hold these truths to be self-evident...

Dzogchen is not new-age nonsense. This is old-age reality, proven again and again over many generations. It's still available. This may be your way in.

Poetic Dzogchen
If you are turned on by poetic expositions on spirituality, this book's for you.Indeed, many of the medieval writers on Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhist) topics wrote in a poetic style, including Mahamudra and Dzogchen.I did get a couple of nice quotes for my collection:
"Purification through creative emotional efflorescence." p. 111
and
"Recognition of the movement of mind as its play."p. 114
I've read that this particular book is only for very advanced students.May be.Perhaps, I'm not advanced enough (though I've read over 16 books on Dzogchen and over 10 on Mahamudra and have attempted to put the teachings into practice).But, this book just didn't do it for me.Maybe it will for you.

Essential Dzogchen
Songs of realization with instruction, humor and description from the genuine, unfabricated View. A must-read for any serious student of Dzogchen. ... Read more

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Explores shamanic and Tibetan Buddhist attitudes toward dreams. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

Intellectual projections destroy this story
This author gets in the way, to excess, of the story he is trying to tell. The intellectualism of most so-called wester scholars consistently clouds the clarity of Tibetan teachings. While this work is a great opportunity to know this monk's views, getting at them is very difficult as the reader is forced to wade through page after page of Anglo generalizations, analysis and pure posturing. This is a common mistake made by people who believe they are students of the culture of Tibet. Over intellectualization and projections from the author hide the revelations that could be in this work, and it is to bad. It seems the author on every page needs to sing his own praises. The story is lost in the go of the writer. I am puzzled why anyone would give this work a serious rating. I gave it one star. I have known and worked with Dalai Lama and other Tibetan people over the years. It is painful to see the natural behavior and cultural ease by which Tibetan people understand their teachings when it is contrasted with the mind-bloat of so-called wester scholars. I think there is a great lost opportunity here.

Finally, THE Definitive Supplement to Madyhamakakarika
After years and years, after studying each verse, within each chapter, with dictionary in tow, along comes Gendun Copel and his important and seminal work.Important because Gendun moves to the front of the line, with boldness, and states the case clearly, exactly as Nagarjuna enunciated.Please, don't let Gelug reformists and, especially, the American interpretationists (i.e, Garfield) detract you.No, my good friends, Chopel makes it clear and unambiguous.If you suspected what Nagarjuna stated was pointing to the inconceivable Truth, however unbelievable others may make it may appear, never fear:Chopel comes in with clarifying footnotes:yes, you were right all along.Now you are unfettered to take the next step:actualizing the Truth in your lives and nevermind the intellectual naysayers.Thank you, Gendun, thank you;why did we have to wait so long?Why?

Gendun Chopel Biography
The book gives more a more detailed account of the life of Gendun Chopel and his significance to Buddhism and Tibet than the film "Angry Monk".Both the film and the book make great companions, however.

A Brilliant and Difficult Work
It is rare to find someone in any field who is fully expert in their subject and also able to explain it well to others.Gedun Chophel was a master of philosophy, language, poetry, and above all, an open thinker.This book is special in that there are few if any people who can explain the true Madhyamika view beyond assertions.Gedun Chophel not only leads you there, but refutes possible mistakes and uses the debate style employed in the Gelugpa monasteries to explain the subtle views of Madhyamika that are not often found outside the context of Mahamudra.This text is tremendously difficult, but worth every effort.I hope many will read this and find it of benefit.The root text is translated well, but I did not find the commentary helpful in the least.

Pure Gold
Nagajuna's work is notoriously difficult to grasp but I found Chopel's text and commentary much easier to negotiate than the other translations I have tried. The main reason appears to be Chopel's transparent prose. He has such a profound understanding of Nagajuna's work that his interpretation gets right to the essentials and doesn't let translational difficulties get in the way. At times it seemed Nagajuna was addressing the reader directly and something of the master's force of character came through the barriers of another language and another age. I would recommend this text for both beginners and the more experienced student for precisely the reasons I have given - it has made a difficult work more accessible to the general reader and seems to reach across a gulf of time to make Najajuna less a figure of myth and legend than a thinker engaged in questions that are still very much alive today. The account of Chopel's short but full life is also of great interest but of lesser interest to me than how he managed to bring the words of a long-dead master to life. ... Read more

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Buddha's Not Smiling is the anatomy of a crisis. On August 2, 1992, Rumtek monastery was attacked. Its monks were expelled and the cloister was given to a lama appointed by the Chinese government. But Rumtek was not in China, and its attackers were not Communist troops. Rumtek was in India, the refuge for most exiled Tibetans. And it was Tibetan lamas and monks themselves who led the siege. Evidence shows the Chinese Communists directly supported Tibetan lamas and monks who attacked Rumtek monastery.Why was Rumtek attacked? For a decade, the Chinese government has appointed puppet lamas to strengthen its control over occupied Tibet. Shockingly, the Chinese have recruited Tibetan leaders in exile to further these goals. Politically appointed lamas threaten the integrity of Tibetan Buddhism, yet thousands of Buddhists worldwide are unaware of this controversy, the picture blurred by media bias towards current Buddhist leaders. Buddha's Not Smiling challenges readers to judge for themselves the health of Tibetan Buddhism today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Divide and Conquer - an unfolding tragedy
I was a bit skeptical of this book at first because of the nature of this partisan controversy, and the investigative reporter style of writing, yet pretty quickly I was taken in and fully absorbed. I'm a long time student of Tibetan Buddhism, but am not much interested or involved in the Kagyu Lineage, yet by the end of this book I was feeling both well informed and passionate about the subject (I really look forward to being able to meet Thaye Dorje Karmapa some day).

This book appears to be well researched and documented (lots of fascinating historical details and insider accounts), as well as including some helpful pictures, appendices, chronology of events and glossary, and it reads like a leCarre' novel at times - engrossing, convoluted, outrageous and impossible to put down. This is a side of Tibetan culture most Western devotees and outsiders are unaware of, yet this autocratic approach is at the root of how and why Tibet fell to the communists in '59.

My reading experience alternated between disgust, fascination, delight and sadness; sadness for everyone involved, delight that the wizard's curtain was finally being pulled back, fascination to see the utter petty humanness of it all, and disgust to learn of a few so-called "high" Lamas who's debased motives and involvement have led to such a split in the religious community. And this isn't simple political power grabbing, it involves high crimes of treason (to the Kagyu lineage), theft, assault (beatings, killings, & assasinations), forgery, bribery and deceit....

This book appears to be the most unbiased and informative account written so far about this controversy (On further study I discover a couple of the more horrible/outrageous aspects of the story were left out, probably for liability reasons.). It will probably interest a wide range of curious and intelligent readers, but for Tibetan Buddhists, especially Karma Kagyu followers, it is essential reading. I could easily list the dozen or so basic points of the controversy for you, but that would spoil your reading experience. No matter whether you have taken sides already, or never will, this book is worth reading. After all the horrors exposed here (both historic and current), this book amazingly left me on an upbeat note - the possibility of reconciliation. As Thaye Dorje Karmapa says, this will pass, the controversy will eventually be resolved as similar ones have in the past, and the dharma (truth) is too strong to be harmed. I hope he is right. And I hope we all learn something...and allow ourselves to be changed by this unchanging dharma.

Yes Virginia, more anti-buddhist garbage to distract us from the path.
This book is biased at its very heart.Here is what I ask people when they question the legitimacy of a Vajrayana teacher: "Does s/he have lineage?"If the answer is a provable "yes, but..."I stop them and say "then study with them.If they prove to be a valuable resource on the path, ask them to give you transmission to progress further along the path."

Here's the deal: Shamar has bona fide lineage.Tia Situ Rinpoche has direct lineage as well. (Tia Situ recognized Orgyen Trinley and Shamar recognized Thaye Dorje)Both are supported by lamas and practitioners who support their decision regarding their respective Karmapa.Ergo, if the shoe fits, wear it.Don't keep complaining and railing paranoid delusions about who should be wearing a crown or not.Such fears are the stuff of confusion. Its best to ignore such books and arguments, so to "let confusion dawn as wisdom".

Oh yes, I can be accused of naivete' for not taking sides, (the practice lineage I am with is directly through one of these Karmapas), but indulging is such factionalism certainly has little to do with practicing dharma.Leave politics to the pundits.Those of us who are legitimate practitioners should not let such foolish destractions keep us from working towards fruition.If we have a problem with another person's choice, bring it to the cushion: mind loves to dredge up such "maras".

-Prosemo

ignorance is bliss..
Ignorance is bliss.. well glad to be wakened by this detailed account of Tibetan politics and corruption. It seems the happenings were a necessarily step to get the teachings of Buddha to the West, pure and unbiased by cultural habits and cut from ambiguous strings attached. The 16th Karmapa clearly knew beforehand, warned and set pieces in motion, and for us, regulars, time will tell.

Publisher's Weekly Above Is Wrong
When I first perused this here I was impressed with what Publisher's Weekly said above.I assumed this was an amateurishly done book and didn't buy it for quite a while.Finally, I bought it on a whim expecting it to be crap.Well, I was surprised to read a really good book.Obviously the publisher's weekly review above was written by partisans of Tai Situpa and gyaltsab--the other side in the karmapa controversy.I don't know how that kind of partisanship got into "publisher's weekly" but I don't know much about that publication.Is it just a selection of other stuff published in various places?At any rate it should be taken off this web page because it just doesn't reflect reality.In short, it's a lie.

So, if you want a good read reflecting the Sharmarpa side of this you can buy this without hesitation.I'm glad I did.

no need for truth ....
The Karmapa issue is something to remind us (Buddhist) that enlightenment is the ONLY purpose of all our prayers and desires.

To the non-Buddhist, this is as true as in all human related problems, no one is spared.

As long as sentient beings continue to suffers, Buddha's not smiling ... ... Read more

Product Description
Deities of Tibetan Buddhism is an extraordinary encyclopedia of Buddhist icons. The images, presented in the book at full scale, were originally created by a master artist in the early nineteenth century to serve as initiation cards. The original tsakli were woodblock prints, hand colored at the request of a Ch'ing Dynasty nobleman who had received the initiations. Such cards are used in ceremonies to introduce the practitioner to the deity and his or her practice. The paintings are housed in the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich.

This book is also an indispensable reference tool for Tibetologists, students of Mahayana Buddhism, and museum curators. Its extensive supplementary materials include English translations of the basic invocation texts; the associated visualization with descriptions of the deities' postures, attributes, and colors; and the dharanis and mantras used in their invocation. The extensive pictorial index, featuring drawings and text by Robert Beer, explains the symbolic meaning behind the deities' implements and adornments. The cross-referenced indices for Tibetan, Sanskrit, Mongolian, and English names and terms provide quick access to vast amounts of information. Deities of Tibetan Buddhism is an essential text for any serious student of Tibetan and East Asian art and religion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Deities of Tibetan Buddhism
Icons Worthwhile to See is of exceptional importance to the study of Tibetan Buddhist iconography because the text it illustrates are known and available. These texts are compilations of sadhamas, rites for the daily practice of each deity. They describe how to visualize the deity and what to do when the visualizations have been generated. The intended function of the pictures is as aids to assist the generation of the deity visualization, especially during the rite of conferring on disciples permission to practice the deity.

In the present work, the authors restore the pictures to their context by publishing not the pictures alone but translations from the texts as well. In this way they seek to serve scholars as well as practitioners alike.

The book falls into three principal sections, devoted respectively to the paintings, the source texts, and reference materials that cover both. A single system of numbering is employed throughout, so that one can refer immediately between the three sections.

The first section introduces the paintings and reproduces them along with transcriptions and translations of their captions. The second section presents the translations of the sadhamas, divided like the paintings into three parts corresponding to the three sadhamas compilations. These are first the Rinjung Gyasta (Icons 4-420), then the shorter and simpler Narthang Gyasta (421-456), then the Vajrdvali trilogy of Abhayakaragupta (457-507). The last is a collection of mandalas, but Icons Worthwhile to See illustrates only the principal deities. In addition, the painted version of Icons Worthwhile to See boasts an appendix of three pictures of Yamantaka, not found in the blockprint versions.

The extensive reference materials that follows the translations includes English, Tibetan, Sanskrit and Mongolian indexes and a morphological index, which will be found of great value in identifying deity images. The English index is particularly comprehensive, including not only names but entries for iconographic features, explanations of technical terms, and analytical articles. This is complimented by a pictorial index, featuring drawings and text by Robert Beer, to provide a visual key to the iconographic features and an artist's insight into their symbolism.

Amazing collection of iconographic images
This book is truly an amazing collection of both icons of Tibetan Buddhist deity-types, and information aboutthe same.

While this book is undeniably expensive, if you're really interested in Tibetan Buddhist art and/or iconography, you'll be happy to have this book in your library.

Well, someone had to write the first review and give this book a 5-star rating! ... Read more

Product 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

Product Description
Explains the theoretical basis of purification--the cause and effect principle of karma--which will allow us to achieve happiness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

More than providing a theoretical basis for purification..
More than providing a theoretical basis for purification, this book offers an exhaustive foundation for the practice to be done in order to acheive purification. This is the first time a teacher has kindly assimilated and analysed the theoretical and practical elements necessary for purification to take place. All that remains for the sincere student to do is to follow Geshe Jampa Gyatso's directions as provided so humbly in this precious volume.
In Buddhism, this is known as a preliminary practice which, when practiced with mental openness, opens doors to much insight and enrichment and other practice. Geshe Jampa Gyatso's commentary and teaching here, is an essential practiioners reference guide and will be much appreciated by those convinced that the verification of theory through personal practice, is the only way to go.
This book is also available in Italian, originating from Pomaia, Tuscany, where the author, Geshe Jampa Gyatso, is Abbot of the Je Tzong Khapa monastery and Master professor of the Masters programme in Buddhist studies. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1969 Ole and Hannah Nydahl became the first Western students of H.H. the Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu tradition of Yogis in Tibetan Buddhism. After their years of practice in the Himalayas, he authorized them to teach and start centers in his name. They have continued this work ever since. Today, Hannah translates and organized for the main Lamas of the lineage, and Ole, himself a Lama, has now started over three hundred and fifty centers around the world.

Work in the West starts with an audience with the Queen of Denmark. A basement in historical Copenhagen becomes the first Tibetan Buddhist center on the European continent, and rusted-through VW-buses with race-car qualities get them everywhere. The Karmapa's visit to Denmark, in 1974, then opens up the world ...

Riding the Tiger is the inside story of the development of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. In his refreshingly unsentimental style, Lama Ole shows all aspects of the work. With breathtaking intensity, he highlights both healthy and unhealthy tendencies in the light of the Buddha's ultimate aim: To bring about the fully developed beings whose every activity blesses the world.

The book describes the starting of the first 100 centers all over the world, with many intriguing cross cultural adventurs and teachings along the way - from the spiritually hungry of Russia to bandits in South America and travels in North America with Karmapa and Kalu Rinpoche. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

An incredible biography of Lama Ole and Hannahs' adventures
This is an entertaining and unfiltered view of Lama Ole and Hannah Nydahl's experiences of sharing and teaching Buddhism in the west. One can instantly feel how honest and full of discriminating wisdom the author is while reading this book.Lama Ole has an uncanny ability to portray fearlessness, joy, and active compassion in his view of the world.

A truly amazing couple and a wonderful book!

A true treasure
I found this book really met a lot of questions which had formedover the years about lifestyle and the Buddhist view.
Lama Ole really presents joy and excitement with some rare glimpses of early interactions with the 16th Karmapa.
The freedom and acceptance of Kagyu Buddhism in non-judgement and fearless activity brings blessing to many around the world.
I am not suprised more and more that there are over 350 centers forming around the world.Id pick up this book any day, with the element that every part of it captures a unique and integral aspect of the development of Buddhism in the West.It is joy to read of Hannah and Ole Nydahl and their gift to bring lay buddhism to the West and in such a natural, unhindered way.
A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS LIFES TRAVELS

A Fine Dharma Travelogue!
Lama Ole Nydahl is a unique figure in modern Buddhist history -first Western student of the Black Hat lama, H.H. the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa, married, lama 'without robes', and spiritual figure personally chosen bythe Karmapa to teach and make foundations in his name- and 'Riding theTiger' is filled to overflowing with his particular energies and gifts.Itis a galloping book that takes the reader around the world, inviting him infor a close-up look at the making of a Buddhist center for meditation andstudy, and Lama Ole has successfully started over one hundred such centers. And a deep look, as well, at the nature of Buddhism in the West, how ithas been transplanted, how it has flourished.With due respect to anotherof the reviews on this page, Lama Ole's defense of Diamond Way Buddhism andof the singular wishes of the XVIth Karmapa, and his willingness to discussthe schism that has taken place within the Kagyu tradition, with tworeincarnations of the Karmapa presently recognized by two differingfactions, is certainly not childish, nor does the conflict itselfnecessarily reflect negatively on the Kagyu lineage.It is to Lama Ole'scredit that while focusing his attention on the spreading of the Dharma, hedoes not shy away from the controversy.Perhaps that is because he holdsthe truth of this historical situation in his mind and heart, and thereforeneed not fear the light of day when looking at this controversy.It iscertainly interesting that the 'other' 17th Karmapa, the one 'recognized'by Beijing, has recently escaped over the mountains to Dharamsala!Did notthe Lord Buddha say "I show you suffering and the ending ofsuffering?"This is a magical book and a magical ride!

Logbook of building centers in the west
A discription of Ole Nydahls work in building up and cherishing a western community of buddhists. A lot of illustrative pictures. The book is a sequal to Riding the Tiger, but Ole has now a clear program of establishingKarmapas buddhism in the west. It's a down to earth but solid system oftibetan buddhism. Ole's work is still growing and right now gainingmomentum with 17.Karmapa in Europe. So I'm looking forward to anothersequal of his biography.

The auto commentary of a controversial figure
This book is an interesting read. If read on a superficial level, it gives a rather entertaining insight into the life of one of the first Western disciples of His Holiness 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. If the reader reads a bitdeeper, the book sadly portrays a level of deception that casts a seriousdoubt on the authors motivation. In one chapter in particular, the authorreproduces a letter written at the instigation of Ven.Chogyam TrungpaRinpoche in which he effectively bans the author from teaching at any ofhis centres - the most numerous of any Tibetan tradition in America at thetime. The author amazingly launches into a diatribe of childish ridiculeand dismissive abuse which sadly confirms the accusations cast in theletter itself. I found this most disappointing. On the whole, anentertaining read. ... Read more

Product Description
How do we really bring Buddhist practice into our lives? Thirteen topical essays discuss the interweaving of Buddhism into daily life. Women from varied Buddhist traditions discuss how they view everyday situations and relationships, and the larger challenges they face, in the context of their practice. The thought-provoking conversations gathered here encourage greater emotional, philosophical and social understanding. Among the topics included are: Bringing Dharma into Relationships, Dealing with Stress, Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, Mothering and Meditation, The Monastic Experience, and Forging a Kind Heart in an Age of Alienation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fine discussion of "The Monastic Experience" and more
This book originated at a California retreat in 8/89.It consists of essays by individual American women Buddhists as well as some discussions amongst them, including some basic Buddhist principles and personal insights: p. 57: Tsering Everest: "As we mature in our practice, we gradually stop attempting to separate mediation and real life.Eventually, we find that there is no difference between the two" and p. 59: Eko Susan Noble [Shingon priest]: "In a spirit of openness and inclusiveness, we can dispel all the ordinary value judgments that constantly propel the wheel of samsara.We become empowered by our diversity."But it also addresses sensitive feminist points: p. 53: Jacqueline Mandell: "If the word for `woman' means `lesser birth' and this word has been used for thousands of years, it has an effect on people.We need to dispel the myth that being a woman is a lower birth, not only on a societal level, but also on levels we have unconsciously internalized" and p. 129: Eko Susan Noble [Shingon priest]: "It is an open secret that it was actually women who first brought Buddhism to Japan."But, IMHO, the best part is the discussion amongst the contributors in "Chapter 12. The Monastic Experience," especially the comments of concerning changes in Buddhism: p. 129: Eko Susan Noble [Shingon priest]: "The Buddha made a statement that some of the minor precepts could be changed and certainly in Japan there have been some very radical changes...Tendai Master Saicho...felt that adherence to the full 250 precepts codified in India was inappropriate for the Japanese people" and p. 137: Bhikshuni Nora Kunli Shih: "Here in the West, the Buddhist traditions that are transmitted to us are more or less spliced together with Eastern culture...In my experience, the Asian acceptance of hierarchy is quite different from what many Western women are prepared to handle.I sometimes seriously question seriously whether this is really what the Buddha's teachings are all about...For me to prove that I am as capable as a man serves no purpose, for a man is not something that I want to be...Many useful Western ideas are not accepted simply because they are not a part of tradition and don't fit the structure...Thus it is important to consider what is of intrinsic value in the Buddha's teachings and how the teachings address the problems of today, here and now."This chapter alone is worth the read, raising its contribution to the future of Buddhism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

beautiful book
bought the book sight unseen- didn't know if there would be enough full color repros. The book is beautiful-- very good quality repros, and very many of them. Good text explaining the mandalas. I needed this to show this book to students in place of going to a museum to view mandalas in person, and I think the book will definitley work. It's a beautiful book!

A mandala is not a psychic diagram!
Martin Brauen's The Mandala: Sacred Circle in Tibetan Buddhism, translated from the German by Martin Wilson . There have been 3 or 4 other books on the subjectto my knowledge, but this is by far the most extensive.Prefaced byremarks from H.H. Dalai Lama and focussing mainly on theKalachakratradition, it gives examples from other teachings, too.It provides acomplete explanation of the mandala in tangkaform, in architecturalstructures such as various stupas and monasteries, as well as the mandalaoffered in preliminary tantricpractice.Besides scroll paintings and thefamiliar sand-painting forms, we see a delightful 3-dimensional zhi krocarved modelamong the many beautiful photographs and illustrations. Brauen reveals in detail the Buddhist cosmogony and Hindu mythologythatis the foundation for mandalas and the deities that dwell in them.

Anextensive researcher with profound understanding, the jacket reveals thatProfessor Brauen, who is chairman of theDepartment ofTibet, Himalayasand Far East at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich,Switzerland is currentlyworking on a computer animation of the Kalachakracosmos. ... Read more

Product Description
Among Tibetan Texts is part of Wisdom's acclaimed Studies in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism series. For three decades, E. Gene Smith ran the Library of Congress's Tibetan Text Publication Project (PL480)—an effort to salvage and reprint the Tibetan literature that had been collected by communities and exiles of Sikkim, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Smith wrote prefaces to these reprinted books to help clarify and contextualize the particular Tibetan texts: the prefaces served as rough orientations to a poorly understood body of foreign literature. Originally produced in print quantities of 20, these prefaces quickly became legendary, and soon photocopied collections were handed from scholar to scholar, achieving an almost cult status. These essays are collected here for the first time. The impact of Smith's research on the academic study of Tibetan literature has been tremendous, both for his remarkable ability to synthesize diverse materials into coherent accounts of Tibetan literature, history, and religious thought, and for the exemplary critical scholarship he brought to this field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An essential reference
It is impossible to overestimate the impact Gene Smith has had on Tibetan Studies.Smith is universally respected by Tibetologists, Western Buddhists, and Tibetan Lamas.The essays compiled in this book have something for everyone.Their scope covers all four of the major Tibetan lineages, their depth and specificity will interest specialists, their brevity and clarity will interest amateurs.Unfortunately so many publications these days lose their value shortly after publication.Despite their age (up to forty years old), Smith's essays still read like cutting edge research because he proposes so many roads of enquiry yet untrodden. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the classic Buddhist text, this moving, poetic book is designed to be read aloud to loved ones or to be read to oneself in times of crisis. Includes full-color photos of van Italie's own stage production of this material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Most Accessable Tibetan Book of the Dead
I have been asked to be a part of a dear friends death vigil.This was the version that he wanted to use and it is the most beautiful and understandable rendition of this classic book I have ever read.The art is outstanding and the poetic structure is very moving.I have decided that this is the book I want read to me while I am transitioning.

Unforgettable -- and lovely.
What a comforting, accessible volume this is. It brings the formidable -- and possibly intimidating (though enlightening) -- bulk of the full _Tibetan Book of the Dead_ into a size and format that can work for those who choose not to go for the whole experience. It's especially valuable for those of us who will never be Buddhists, but who wish to understand and benefit from the universal spiritual truths we share. Buy this for someone you love, but read it first , and then buy a copy for yourself. Some things (like "Oh, nobly born..." and "Everybody dies") will rest gently in your heart forever.

A Beautiful, Accessible, Deep and Poetic Book
Jean-Claude van Itallie has done us all a wonderful service by adapting his rich and meaningful play into a lovely book that is a feast for the eyes, ears, and mind. This book makes a perfect, accessible introduction toone of the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Without being morbid, thetext takes us on the journey of a soul facing death, and gives agelessadvice on how to approach not only death, but also the little deaths weface in everyday life. The combination of poetic yet pragmatic text, withevocative photos and images, is achieved simply and elegantly. I wouldrecommend this book to anyone, but especially to those learning aboutBuddhism or interested in Tibet, or to those who know of one who is facingdeath or loss. This book would be a treasured and memorable gift. Bravo tovan Itallie for bringing these ageless teachings into the modern world withsuch elegance and spirit! ... Read more

Product Description

Meditation helps us relax, sharpens our minds, and increases our creativity. In The Tibetan Book of Meditation, Lama Christie McNally demonstrates that meditation also provides a much greater gift. It awakens our innate potential to shape our reality, to make moments of joy last forever, and to bring us the peace and contentment that we all ultimately seek.

Written in an instructional yet intimate style, the author guides readers through a progression of meditations, from the simple concept of compassion to the transformative concept of emptiness. Teaching technique and content at the same time, this book is unique in its comprehensive approach and will find a special place in the hearts of novice and experienced meditators alike.

Christie McNally, a renowned master teacher and lecturer who has studied with some of the greatest Indian, Tibetan, and western Buddhist masters, explains the central tenets of Buddhism and reveals how they apply to everyday life. Combining ancient wisdom and contemporary teachings, she leads readers along the path to a richer, fuller life through resonant examples and eye-opening insights.

Her engaging tone and fresh approach to the art of meditation will appeal to followers of Pema Chödrön and to readers of Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. This down-to-earth guide to meditation brings the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism to a new generation.

Customer Reviews (10)

Great for Beginners
The Tibetan Book of Meditation is a good starter book for those people interested in learning how to meditate.The exercises contained within this book are very insightful and display how meditation is learnt by doing.The Helpful Hints section is particularly helpful for beginners and helps to answer the typical questions posed by beginners.For those of you who have been meditating for a while, this book allows you to review the basics and perhaps provide additional meditations that you haven't considered.Overall, well worth buying.

Kelli Malcolm, Esq.
Author of forthcoming book, "Sidestepping the 12 Steps:Using Metaphysical Principles to Move Beyond Addiction"
[...].

Where have you been all my life?
I picked up a copy of Lama Christie's book during her Two as One tour a few weeks ago.She gave a wonderful lecture on partner yoga, prana, and Tibetan yoga theory.She is so full of happiness and light, you can't help but let your whole body smile when she's around.

Anyway, I picked up her book after a recommendation from one of her assistants - "This is the only book on meditation you'll ever need.She lays it all out, and it's so clear and easy!"

And the book is awesome.I started it last night and couldn't put it down.The book is beautifully laid out and a joy to read.Lama Christie's writing is uplifting, accessible, and understandable.She really does lay it all out for you.

This book reminded me of the Bhagavad Gita.In the Gita, Arjuna struggles to comprehend the path toward enlightenment, and Krishna offers clear, step-by-step instructions with beautiful prose and he uses progressive disclosure to slowly introduce complex concepts as smaller, digestible bits.

Lama Christie is doing the same for helping us understand Tibetan meditation and another path toward happiness & enlightenment.I was never able to meditate before reading this book. I hope it helps you the way it has helped me. :)

The best book!
This is the best book I've read about buddhist meditation.The writing is so easy to understand and apply. I checked this out of the library and after reading it in about 3 days, I bought it.I read the Dalai Lama's "how to practice" which I also loved, but the concepts he explains seemed a little hard for me to reach. This book allowed me to grasp the main buddhist concepts and really apply them.I loved it!

Don't waste your time or money
If interested in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist meditation, I'd really recommend "The Stages of Meditation" by the Dalai Lama, or anything by B. Alan Wallace who's a master at uniting Western and Indo-Tibetan Buddhist perspectives. There's over 2,500 years worth of books covering the stages of meditation according to Buddhism, and life is short. This book isn't worth the time or money when there are so many other resources available. And to be honest, Ms. Mcnally self-ascribes the term "Lama," when most of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist community doesn't see her filling that role. Being that she's simply the girlfriend of a Western monk kind of detracts from any credibility that she may have. Most of the rave reviews for this text simply come from direct students of her and Michael Roach. I'd recommend checking out what others in the Buddhist world think before spending time with this book.

WOW...
This was the first book I have ever read on meditation and I'm glad it was. The progressive nature of the meditations (starting small then getting into more advanced and deeper meditations later) is a great set up. It's easy to follow, especially for a newcomer (I have done audio guided meditations but they lack the depth that this book has).

There is a lot of good advice that doesn't just pertain to meditation either. If you are intermediate or advanced in Buddhist knowledge or meditation then you may not gain as much from this but if you are a novice or brand new, you have quite a bit to gain.

As a bit of side advice, I combine my meditations with Tibetan Singing Bowls and it really helps, just in case you're looking for a boost.

Mike Saxton, Author of "7 Scorpions: Rebellion" ... Read more

Product Description
Unlike most books by the Dalai Lama, this book consists of two texts that he himself wrote and two that he chose--all aimed at helping Western readers become better grounded in Buddhism. ... Read more