Book Description
In this classic scripture of Tibetan Buddhism—traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation—death and rebirth are seen as a process that provides an opportunity to recognize the true nature of mind. This unabridged translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead emphasizes the practical advice that the book offers to the living. The insightful commentary by Chögyam Trungpa, written in clear, concise language, explains what the text teaches us about human psychology. This book will be of interest to people concerned with death and dying, as well as those who seek greater spiritual understanding in everyday life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Tibetan Book of the Dead
A superb classic, sharing deep wisdom and guidance for life.Greatly enjoyed it and read it twice in a row.First encountered this book many years ago as a teenager.As useful now as it was then.

Small But No Extras
We accidentally ordered this book not realizing it was a pocket edition.

We ended up returning it because it did not include the glossary, pronounciation guide, etc. of the full-sized version (which we had to order directly from the publisher as it wasn't available here at Amazon.)

If you're looking for a pocket edition, though, it's just fine.

Travelling Riverside Blues
This is my favorite transliteration of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.Trungpa Rinpoche and Francesca Fremantle bring scholarly precision, elegance, and a certain audacious directness to the text.The introduction and commentary are also first-rate.The pocket edition of the paperback is lovely airline reading, as it literally fits in your pocket.(Will having this book on your person put you on any "watch lists" when you get the super-size security treatment?Dunno.)

The audio version is a terrific companion on the long and salty road trips we're exposed to out here in Western Walmartistan."As I wander in samsara's dangerous path" indeed.The reader, Richard Gere, does have a little trouble with the more elaborate Sanskrit vocabulary, but for my money, that further humanizes the translation.

If you find this text perplexing, I humbly recommend Fremantle's guide to the TB of the D, called Luminous Emptiness, which is very strong in a rubber-meets-the-road kind of way.

Three cheers to Padmasambhava for generating this text, Karma Lingpa for communicating it to us, and the Trungpa/Fremantle team for the beautiful and workable translation!

The Tibetan Book of The Dead, read by Richard Gere
This was my first exposure to the Tibetan book of the Dead.Basically this book is aninstuctional guide for traveling thru the Bardo; the period or placein which we find ourselvesafter death, and beforeincarnating into our next life or form. The book gives a very detaileddescription of the deities and phenomena one can expect to encounter in theBardo, and the actions one must take to facilitatean optimal incarnation. It also instructs on the practices that we should engage in while living,to prepare for the Bardo, andtherefor have the best out come of thatexperience.In addition, this is a guide for facilitating and guidinganother person thru death and the Bardo.This is a straight forwardreading of the book by Gere, it is clear and easy to understand. He is easyto listen to. The descriptions of the variousdieties get a bit longwinded as he decribes at least a hundred of them. Some of it is gruesomeand down right scarey sounding.But the basic thing to remember is, thatit is all emenating from our own mind, and not to be overcome by fear.Exposure to this information,practice and meditation on these deities canhelp prepare us for this experience. Apparently, if we take the correctactions (or non actions) in the bardo, we may not have to continue insamsara but can go directly to the Buddha state, or at least an incarnationin one of the more pleasant realms.I am fairly new to Tibetan Buddhism,so my interpretations of what I heard may not be a perfect reflection ofthe actual teachings. But that is how I heard it.

A Great Source of Wisdom and Insight into Tibetan Buddhism
Sadly, even amongst some practitioners of other sects and traditions of Buddhism not much is known about the mythology and philosophy of many of the sects and lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Venerable Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche released many of the teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Buddhism (into which he had been trained and initiated) to the general public and as a result provided a wonderful source of information to the student, practitioner, and teacher of Buddhism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT
This is a hard to find book. If you can get your hands on a copy, you won't regret it! I LOVE THIS BOOK. Full of color illustrations, easy to follow text. Explains rituals and beliefs about Tibetan Buddhism. A must have, even for long time practioners. If not for anything, then for the wonderful photos. I would give more stars if I could.

A tourist's guide to Tibetan Buddhism
Even before the Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, Westerners have looked upon Tibetan Buddhism as a source of timeless wisdom and inspiration. Unfortunately, many of us who participate in the practice of the religion find themselves as lost as a deer that stares with confusion into the headlights of an oncoming car.Robert Thurman has been through that already. In 1964, he became the first American to be ordained a Tibetan Buddhist monk, by the Dalai Lama no less! Four years later, he left that life to pursue an academic career; he now chairs the department of Religion at Columbia University. Having lived in both cultures, (not to mention the fact that he is literally a genius) qualifies him as our guide for this magical mystery tour. If you read this book, you will then recognize at least some of what is going on in any Tibetan Buddhist ritual or celebration which you will ever witness. As an added bonus, reading this book will give you gobs of insightful trivia for interesting dinner-table conversation. The pretty pictures make this a suitable coffee-table book for illiterates; this book has something for everyone ... Read more

Book Description
The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Reading Aloud is famed playwright Jean-Claude van Itallie’s poetic adaptation of traditional Tibetan passages used to aid and comfort at the time of death. His lyrical and insightful poetry is accompanied by Gerry Vezzuso’s vivid photographs, Tibetan art, and other images evocative of this process. This text leads us through the stages we experience after death and helps us to overcome the ambitions, desires, jealousies, and fears that can obscure our understanding of ourselves and our transition into the next life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

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

Book Description
A marvelously clear and accessible presentation of this Buddhist tradition's fundamental training, with special emphasis on the important preliminary practices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Enthusiastically and confidently recommended
Kalu Rinpoche is justifiably considered to be one of the most highly regarded Buddhist meditation masters of the 20th Century. A master teacher, Kalu Rinpoche's Foundations Of Tibetan Buddhism is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the basics of Tibetan Buddhism enlivened with illustrative examples on the preliminary practices of taking refuge, prostrations, Dorje Sempa purification mediation, mandala practice, guru yoga, the guru-disciple relationship, and so much more. From the vows of the lay person to the tantric practitioner, Foundations Of Tibetan Buddhism is enthusiastically and confidently recommended reading for dedicated students of Buddhist philosophy, rituals and practices.
... Read more

Book Description
Milarepa, the prince of yogis used to sing: The fear of death has led me to the snowcapped mountains. On the uncertainty of the moment of my death I have meditated Thus I have reached the immortal stronghold of true essence My fear has vanished into the distance.

Later, the great sufi poet, Jalal Od-Din Rumi was to say: "Our death is our wedding with eternity."

Not so long ago Sri Ramana Maharishi, the wise man of Arunachala wrote the following in one of his rare books. Those who fear death intensely only take refuge at the feet of the Supreme Lord whom neither death nor birth can impress. Dead to themselves and to all possessions, how could the thought of death arise within them? They are immortal!

We will almost certainly never be as certain as these sublime beings. At best we will have hope and at worst we will experience the anguish of nothingness.

Death who are you? What do you have in store for us? Will you end with all encompassing darkness the fleeting moments of several decades of life? Will you open a window onto other worlds, other splendors and other hells for us? From the scientist for whom awareness and brain are irremediably linked to the sage who during this lifetime has realized immortality, there are many responses.

Buddhism asserts that beings live on eternally beyond the impermanent fluctuations of this life. Death is not a definitive end but just a passage to one of the three other states: - a rebirth in the world of human beings or in another world of the cycle of conditioned existence where a constant flow of joys and suffering goes on; - the entry into a "pure land", domain of luminous manifestation as we shall see as this book unfolds; - the flowering of the ultimate nature of being as a pure, non- dual, unlimited all-knowing and all-loving consciousness, which is called Buddhahood.

It takes an entire life of labor to prepare for these achievements. Nonetheless, when time comes, there is an "art of dying", an ars moriendi as it was said in the Middle Ages. Such will be the main thrust of this work even though a general description of death had to be provided and is contained in the first chapter. The real issue, the one from where it will be pointless to divert oneself with fine theories is as follows: how can we turn our death into a positive expansion? Such was the question we asked Bokar Rinpoche and which he answered in the precise frame of Buddhism and, more particularly, within the Tibetan tradition. Another essential issue is how can we accompany those who are leaving before us and what can we offer them by way of a pleasant journey? As curious it may seem when dealing with a subject like this, this book is intended to be more practical than philosophical. May this book ensure that our last moment is also the most beautiful. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Survey of biographies, poetry, novels, histories and other writings covering 1300 years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A facinating (albeit scholarly) vista of Tibetan literature
Academic students as well as non-academic amateurs will find this study, which includes thirty essays on a whole range of different instances of Tibetan literature, very useful and inspiring. Its main interest lies in the broad overview it offers of the great variety of material written in Tibetan over the centuries and of the state of current research attained by international scholarship in this field. As pointed out by the editor in his introduction, applying the term `genre'to the field of Tibetan literature raises, in itself, interesting problems of definition. Furthermore, as this work was not intended to be an encyclopaedia or comprehensive overview of all the existing `genres' in Tibetan literature (the editor also conveniently lists the omissions or subject areas which are not covered), the reader will be all the more curious to find further reading material on the subject. Each essay is from ten to twenty pages long and is followed by the notes and a bibliography pertaining to the subject, thus making it a good starting point for a more in-depth study of the particular `genre'. This study proves how dynamic this field of literary research has been over the past thirty years and we hope a second study, including many of the previously omitted subjects (especially some of the modern `genres') will be published in a not too distant future. ... Read more

Book Description
Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism contains the fundamentsl practices of Tibetan Buddhism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent resource for practitioners
Many books about Buddhism are written from the academic point of view.For practitioners (particularly of the Kagyu lineage) who want wonderful advice about specific practice issues, this is one of the best booksavailable.The translation is excellent; clear and illuminating, thetranslator has also captured some of the author's intelligence and sense ofhumor.As someone who practices Shamata (Zhinay) and Ngondro, I have foundthis an indispensible resource.

Opening the Door to the Vajrayana
During his lifetime, His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche was widely regarded as a realized master by great teachers in all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.He spent nearly fifteen years in solitary meditation in the mountains ofTibet, and achieved great realization.In this book, presenting teachingshe gave at Kagyu Droden Kunchab in San Francisco, Rinpoche demonstrates hisfamed gentleness, humor, breadth of understanding and acceptance, andability to vividly bring the dharma alive to Western students.

The textdiscusses practices central to the Vajrayana path in the Kagyu lineage ofTibetan Buddhism.Kagyu tradition stresses experience and contemplation asthe mode of integrating the teachings, and the practices discussed herereflect that emphasis.Rinpoche gives clear, detailed instructions abouteach of the practices, but never fails to remind the reader that anauthentic teacher and guide is essential to integrating them and assistingour development.

The ordinary preliminary practices are meditations onthe Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma--precious human existence,death and impermanence, karma, and samsara (the suffering of aimlesslycycling through existence). Rinpoche lucidly explains how these meditationshelp provide the discipline necessary for consistent practice and give riseto the hunger for the transformation that the "extraordinary"practices make possible.

"Extraordinary" here means justthat--beyond the ordinary, or basic, practice of meditating on the FourThoughts.In the Kagyu lineage, these practices are refuge andprostrations, Dorje Sempa (Vajrasattva) purification, mandala offering, andguru yoga.Each of these practices plays a vital role in helping torelease our habitual clinging to self-created visions of identity thatobstruct an understanding of true reality.

The sections on the vows andcommitments explain the foundations for understanding the moralunderpinnings of daily practice--how we prepare and tend to the ground onwhich to build a dharmic home.Rinpoche also discusses modes of meditationand introduces Mahamudra, a highly advanced topic.

The book is a usefultool for anyone interested in an introductory overview of the Vajrayana,and is essential as an introduction to those choosing to undertake thejourney on this beautiful and liberating path. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

very, very interesting...opened a new way of looking at life!
An easy read and certainly of interest to those wishing to understand Buddhist thought on life/death and the importance of birth/rebirth!This book sparked a series of readings for us and still going!Cultural differences between Eastern/Western birth experiences are also of interest here;the role of mother and birth SHOULD be more revered, as illustrated in this book, very nicely, no matter what your faith or background.Enjoy!

Very informative and interesting
This is a good book that takes an intimate look at Tibetan culture. One of the most fascanating aspects of cultures is how each one has a different technique to raise their young ones. There is no other book like it to my knowledge. Neat parenting ideas, and great information about Tibetan culture. ... Read more

Book Description
Whether you are looking for a room, visiting a monastery, or bargaining for a bus seat, Learning Practical Tibetan will make immediate communication with Tibetans easy and fun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

No one will understand you
This is a good phrase book ONLY if you can read and pronounce Tibetan script already... The transliterations have frequent outright errors, but in general are simply wrong. They have used their own imaginative system of transliteration, which is fine, but spoken Tibetan words is simply not pronounced this way. As ONE example, according to this book, no Tibetan word ever has a consanent on the end!PAR and PAL and PAG are all PA, apparently. While endings are often softened or clipped in Tibetan, the pronounciation you will get, using this book, will make Tibetans think you have a serious speech impediment. Simply useless to the average student.

A good book, but certainly not the best
Don't let the title of this review fool you, this is a really good Tibetan book.It is full of vocab and set up really well for Westerners.It is great if you are wanting to learn simple Tibetan phrases.But as the title says, this is a 'practical' not a comprehensive language book.The Tibetan language is incredibly complex and difficult.If you are taking a trip to central Tibet and want to know the basics of the Tibetan language, don't leave home without this book.If you want to learn the foundations of Tibetan and really want to tackle the language try "Modern Tibetan Language" (vol I and II) by Losang Thonden published by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala (make sure you get the tapes too!).If you are looking for a comprehensive system to learn conversational Tibetan, try the 4 volume, 18 tape "Fluent Tibetan" system published by Snow Lion.Good luck!

Very useful
This is a very useful book.It is basically a phrase book, but I also gives word-by-word translation, and so you know how the sentences are made.Tapes are also useful.It is very practical in outlook, and frankly it could have been better with theoretical description of sound and tone marks - those who don't care can just skip them.

The Best Tibetan Book Out There
Unless you get the audio forum set that has over 2 dozen tapes & several books, this book is the best thing to get you up to speed with Tibetan pronunciation and vocab. Very useful and user friendly, with lots of vocab and clear instruction, as the other reviewers have mentioned. With casual effort, you can make good use of the book, however the more time you put in with it, the more you will be rewarded in learning Tibetan.

Wonderful book
I first read a glowing review of this book from Columbia University and decided to buy it.It's a wonderful book in its own right and especially good when you purchase the accompanying tapes.I used the book when I was in Nepal with great success, and imagine my surprise when I saw many Tibetans with the same book!They told me it helped them to learn English. By far better than the confusing Goldstein alternative (lonely planet), I thanks the authors for filling a gap with such a worthy product. ... Read more

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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

Book Description

Book Description
The movie, Seven Years in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt, highlighted the religious conflict of that nation for many people living in the West. For those looking for a detailed "insiders account" of more recent Tibetan political and spiritual struggles (from a Western point of view), look no further.

Rogues in Robes pulls back the curtains on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the search for the 17th Karmapa. The author provides insightful historical background, which proves interesing in and of itself, and sets the stage for this "real life" adventure.

The social fabric of the old Tibet was very much determined by the institution of the tulku. Nine centuries ago, Karmapa Pakshi, as a small child, declared himself to be the incarnation of the recently deceased Karmapa Dusun Khyenpa. From that time on, Karmapa kept coming back in an unbroken sequence of embodiments that has spanned nine hundred years. In similar manner, other highly realized lamas consciously reincarnate, bringing the mind's enlightened qualities of life after life into contact with their students. Hundreds of tulkus manifested throughout Tibet and the system served as a unique mechanism for preserving an unbroken transmission of Buddha's teachings.

Over the centuries, however, monasteries and their incarnate tulkus grew in wealth and started to wield considerable influence upon the social and political life of the country. A number of tulkus assumed political roles in addition to their religious duties. To locate and deliver the new incaranation of a tulku to his old monastery was to gain influence over, in some instances, a sizable amount of wealth and territory. In many cases the criteria according to which the incarnates were recognized left much room to maneuver, so the process became an instrument for political infighting.

Roges in Robes is a personal account of events by a Western observer. A two-year, chronological review of the happenings that nearly brought the Kagyu School under Communist Chinese control....Let the facts speak for themselves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Lots of otherwise unavailable info, but reliability is suspect
The main intended thrust of this book is to persuade followers of Tibetan Buddhism that an unscrupulous Tai Situ has knowingly imposed a fraud, complete with false Karmapa, upon the world.Lehnert's writing is unabashedly partisan.You could pick just about any single sentence from the book and read it on its own, and if it concerns a villain, you'll know from the rhetoric in that one sentence.This strident rhetoric detracts from any sense of reliability.Thirty-five letters from principals in the conflict are photocopied and reprinted in the back of the book; however, this fails to sufficiently document much of the content of the book.

The outline of the story is that the sixteenth Karmapa died, leaving four regents to handle affairs together until the seventeenth could be found and raised to maturity.Traditionally, the Karmapa leaves instructions for finding his successor, but this time, no one seemed to be able to find the instructions.

Tai Situ eventually presented a letter, which Shamarpa (the main regent) and Topga Yulgyal (General Secretary of the Karmapa Charitable Trust and controller of Rumtek Monastery, Karmapa's main seat in exile) considered to be a forgery.Shamarpa wanted the letter forensically tested by Western experts, but Situ blocked this.

Situ subsequently announced that he had found the seventeenth Karmapa, following the instructions in the letter.His candidate was one Urgyen Trinley, in Tibet.Shamarpa did not accept the boy.

Rumtek Monastery remained in the control of Shamarpa's camp.Situ tried to arrange a legal coup by changing the board membership of the trust which controls the monastery, but these maneuvers were ruled invalid by an Indian court.Situ, according to Lehnert, used cash donated by wealthy devotees of Chinese descent to bribe corrupt government officials in Sikkim and then sent gangs and mobs to Rumtek, where they took physical possession of the monastery by violent means, with the collusion of the bought governmental authorities.

Shamarpa, operating from Delhi after losing control of Rumtek, announced that the seventeenth Karmapa had been found, one Thaye Dorje.Unlike Situ, Shamarpa took care to extract his candidate from Chinese-controlled Tibet before publicizing his identity.(Urgyen Trinley, of course, was prevented by China from leaving Tibet.Chinese authorities intended to use their captive Karmapa to advance their own control over Tibet.)Situ sent gangs, "rogues in robes", to physically prevent Thaye Dorje's recognition ceremony.Throwing rocks and bricks, they seriously injured one, but were dispersed by Indian police, and the ceremony took place.

Situ, says Lehnert, has since been banned by the Indian government from entering India.Urgyen Trinley escaped from Tibet in 1999.Indian courts have confirmed that the Rumtek Monastery belongs to the Karmapa Charitable Trust, but it still remains in the physical possession of Situ's people, while legal proceedings continue.

Lehnert does not shy from one lesson learned, that some, at least, of the Tibetan Rinpoches are, shall we say, imperfect.Heck, let's say they can be Rogues in Robes.Besides the despicable tactics attributed to Situ, we have the weak-willed acquiescence of many other Rinpoches who had varying degrees of doubt as to Situ's assertions, but who found it personally convenient, under pressure, to sign documents his people presented.We have the implicit belief by at least some Rinpoches that the whole tradition of "finding" the true reincarnation of a Tulku is a pretense.

An Unbiased Review----I am not a Buddhist
I don't think I trust most of these reviews because they are either for one or the other Karmapa's.I am not a Buddhist but interested in the controversy and the book provides some insight from the author's perspective.So far, the other books on this topic are limited in perspective (e.g. Music in the Sky, Dance of 17 lives, Karmapa: The Politics of Reincarnation).The author provides one of the few perspectives from the other side and admittedly he is on good terms with Ole Nydahl and provides Ole's perspective as well which is critical in this entire controversy since Ole Nydahl is one of the most important lamas in Europe.I live in the U.S. in Florida so again I could care less about this whole thing but not only is he an interesting character but from what I have read Ole Nydahl brought in probably about half of the people for the Karmapa chosen by the Shamrapa. Why did Ole go with Shamrapa's Karmapa is one of the key questions which is explained in this book?This Karmapa recently gave a video interview in English to a British Journalist which I thought was very revealing.I don't believe in reincarnation to begin with but if I did I would go with Shamrapa's Karmapa.I hope they can straighten this whole thing out because it is an unfortunate development for everyone involved.Ole just lost his wife and he is back on the trail training...I don't think anything stops this guy.Never met him but if I ever entertained the idea of being a Buddhist, whichwill never happen, I would want to learn from him.And if he came to a location reasonably close to me in Florida I would want to hear him and I would invite others who I know would be interested.

worthy story
A really fascinating account of the split in the Karma Kagyu lineage. A great deal of detailed background information is provided regarding the events that have resulted in two claimants to the throne of the Black Karmapa. Lama Ole's international legacy of spiritual achievement speaks volumes, and that voice is significant. He seems to shun for himself a part in centuries of Tibetan political manoeuvering except insofar as any present machinations threaten or impede the mission given to him directly by the XVIth Karmapa. In the end, what does the controversy mean, does it matter? Buddhism holds in its means a rectitude to solve human conflicts, by healing individual lives. That has been Lama Ole and Hannah's life work. Is that disputable? Whatever else, practictioners must realize the wild human adventure in stories like this one. The book is literate, timelines are crafted with quick follow ease, and the tale it tells is, even through a great sadness, worthy of the Tathagata.

Observation of Reviews
In case you haven't noticed already, the reviewers for this book fall into two factions: those for whom H.H. Trinlay Thaye Dorje is the 17th Karmapa and those for whom he is not.This causes the polarity in ratings, most of which are 1 star or 5.So much disagreement, how exciting.Simply put, Mr. Lehnert writes what he knows, which is what every author does.There are no unbiased authors, just as there are no unbiased reviewers.

-a student of Lama Ole Nydahl

recently read Tomek's account
This book is a must for anyone interested in the Karmapa controversy. It is scary, it detailed and it is truthfully told.Whatever your belief tells you is right, this book gives insight and courage to us westeners about the intricacies of tibetan and perhaps eastern politics.It is also a sad sad story when one thinks of the two young men (notwithstanding any buddha aspect) involved in such a power-struggle.
It also helps settle the questions a bit, questions about "how can an enlightened being be wrong?" and/or "does this mean the whole shabang is wrong?" -- It will strengthen your buddhist view while putting to rest any doubts that you may or may not have had.
... Read more

Book Description
ON TRANSCENDENTAL WISDOM, REVIEW OF TEXTS, MAJOR CONCEPTS, WITH EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF OBERMILLER AND HIS CONTRIBUTION TO BUDDHIST STUDIES. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Several editions available
Sold out? Prajnaparamita in Tibetan Buddhism by E.Obermiller, Edited by Harcharan Singh Sobti M.A.,Phd. by Paljor Publications, is an exact copy of the 1988 Pilgrims version with ISBN 81-85132-05-04 who might still be available. ... Read more

Book Description

The second volume in the landmark Library of Tibet series, Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart examines the next step of the Path: Compassion. Based on a classic fourteenth-century Tibetan poem famous for its ability to awaken compassion in the human heart, this elegant primer combines the mind training and stages of the path traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with enduring simplicity and illuminating prose.

Customer Reviews (4)

Volume Two of Three
Core Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.I can't recommend this series high enough.

words cannot describe the power of this book
The title of this book, 'Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart' is, in essence, the core topic of this book.This book is entirely dedicated on teaching us how to awaken our minds and lighten our hearts.

His Holiness's eloquence and understanding of compassion are great and vast as an ocean.I realized this while reading the book.It took me over two months' time to get to page 30, because I was determined on completely understanding and grasping the meanings of each page before I moved onto the next.I was also determined to apply each page's teachings into my life before I'd move onto the next.How wrong I was to think I would finish this book in a timely fashion.

I would read a few pages, then set the book aside and contemplate on the teachings.I'd carry His Holiness's words in my heart and my mind as I went about my day's events.I'd go back to read the book, thinking I'd pick up where I left off.While skimming through the pages I had already read, I'd stop and notice that I realized something about a paragraph.How curious, I had already read it, but suddenly it was as if I were reading it again with fresh eyes, and I'd learn yet something else.Doing this again and again, it took me two months before finishing page 30.Then I'd look back on the past few months and realize I had basically changed into a much more patient and caring person.

I started on this book a long while back, and I'm still discovering and rediscovering truths and revelations in His Holiness's simple words.

The reason I provided the small anecdote is because this book can last you a lifetime if you apply His Holiness's teachings into your life.There is a lifetime's worth of lessons to be learned from the seemingly simple exterior of his teachings.

This book basically starts us at the basics and teaches us the fundamentals of Buddhism.What is suffering?What is the cause of suffering?How do we overcome suffering?The Dalai Lama goes over the Four Noble Truths and the Three Poisons (ignorance, greed, hatred) in such a friendly, warm, simple and engaging manner that we can't help but sit there and listen.I felt as if I were a preschooler listening to my favorite teacher while reading this book, and truly, when reading this book with an open, receptive mind, you'll feel as if you're re-learning all the basics about everything.It's as if we've walked all our lives in a manner that has caused us to trip and fall constantly, and here His Holiness is giving us a guide that teaches us why we were walking incorrectly, why our previous way of walking would cause us to fall, and finally, how to practice walking correctly in a manner that won't cause us to fall and hurt ourselves.

Usually, I review books and items pretty harshly.I'll point out descrepancies, things I didn't like, etc.I'm at a loss with this book.I've been a Buddhist for my entire life and after reading this book, I realized just how far from understanding I was.Don't be fooled by the deceptive simplicity of this book.It's one thing to read something and understand it, but in trying to apply it, this book will provide a lifetime's worth of lessons, knowledge, and understanding.It's as if the closer you come to accepting what the Dalai Lama always teaches -- compassion -- the more understanding you gain from the book that perhaps you never saw there before.

This is a book, I feel, that anybody can read.All it does is offer insight into suffering, what causes us to suffer, and how we overcome suffering.It's not about His Holiness preaching on and on about the Dharma.It's about him taking the best of the Dharma and bringing it to you in a very reader-friendly format, coupled with his own explanations.

I couldn't think of anything better.

Gentle Teachings
I have been reading the book each day,it has become so well worn I decided to buy another.The concise step-by-step information appealed to me. The book is well written, illustrating a clear path to enlightenment throughwisdom and compassion. The simple steps guide the reader to an easyunderstanding of the peace and beauty ofa compassionate life.I wasdrawn to discovering more about Tibetan Buddhism after reading "someof the dharma" by Jack Kerouac. In contrast, this book by the DalaiLama compelling in its advice about the importance of disciplining themind. Kerouac struggled with these issues, and may have found some measureof comfort had he had this book available to him.

empowered; plan to read it again
The teachings and the wisdom written by His Holiness is incredible.Iregret not knowing his teachings during childhood.The book is an easyread and quite powerful.I shall meditate each day in hopes of followingHis teachings. I have passed it along to a good friend and am lookingforward to reading it again. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Great Divination System
The advice this Mo gives can be translated into more familiar terms, like if it says, "Rely upon Manjushri as your special deity," that can be seen as an indication to rely upon one's own inner wisdom, or something like that.Clear and it covers many topics like spiritual practice, wealth, lost items, illness, friends and family, and so forth.

This is very traditional and well done.Even better with the cards, but if you can't find a book with the cards, it's still just good!

Flawless divinatory system!
I have been using this system off and on since 1999 and find it very useful! This system is desined for initiates within Tibetan system. In other words, rather useless for non-Buddhist folk. If the Bodhisattva Manjusri means something to you, then seek a copy. You get my meaning...

This is not an ordinary fortune telling kit. Most oracles are designed from a non sectarian point of view. This is not one of them. The system is based on timeless and ageless Buddhist tantras. This makes is meaningless to most people. That doesnt mean you should not use it. If you feel some sort of connection with this system, by all means do so!

This is not based on any Western or New Age system. Closer to the I-Ching, but only by proximity to ancient China. Remember this is Buddhist, making it very unique. Random dice with mantra syllables are cast. It also helps to chant the mantra while casting the dice. Then you get an message from the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Unique and unusual, as this was practiced in old Tibet about anything from lost items to spiritual matters. Now it is available in the West. Use with compassion and wisdom!

help from above
Jamgon Mipham was and is master of the universe. If you have faith, and a connection to the dharma, you may get some useful info from this.

Remarkably easy to use
This small book is easy to understand and easy to use.This system of divination is based in Tibetan Buddisum but anyone can easily apply the fundamentals. You begin by asking for guidance in what to use, and what to discard in the reference material.You begin by quieting your mind, chants are provided for focus.You select a question you wish to ask, you then roll a single dice twice. You may caste the dice for yourself, or another.You record the number rolled on each throw, and look up those combinations in the reference. A wide range of areas (family, goals, business, money, health, etc. - 10 in all) are covered for each combination, providing a "general climate" (positive/neutral/negative) for the current personal and earth energies occuring at that moment in time. While my copy came with a traditional dice, any traditional six sided dice can be used.Personal experince has found the method informative and useful. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Magickal & Beautiful Book

I had the very good fortune of meeting and attending meditation
sessions with Dudjom Rinpoche when he was in New York City. The
Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism is a beautiful and highly
magickal book that should be in the library of anyone interested
in the occult and Tibetan Knowledge. This book is written in
such a way that there is a transcendental essence about it and
one truly can feel and sense the great magickal power that
Dudjom Rinpoche manifested through this book.

Larong, Nyingma
The book of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche gives a full account of Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

An Outstanding Feat
The two volumes are both extremely useful for anyone seriously interested in Buddhist philosophy in general and Tibetan Buddhism in particular.Dudjom Rinpoche gives a thorough, encyclopedic overview of all Buddhistschools, seen from the Nyingma (i.e. The Great Perfection, or Dzogchen)perspective, and an account of the history of the Nyingma lineage is given.The reference volume contains amongst other items a brilliant bibliography.Dudjom Rinpoche's work is not easy reading, but demonstrates the complexityof Buddhist thinking and practice. Gyurme Dorje's translation is annotatedand is in itself a remarkable feat in buddhology and tibetology.

A profound and complete way to understand tibetan buddhism
this book make a review on the history and pracice of Nyingma school of tibetan buddhism. The first English translation of the master work of His Holiness Dujom Rinpoche, The Nyingma School is presented in two volumes andconstitutes the most complete work of it's type in the west ... Read more

Product Description
The urge to fly has transfixed human imagination with a steady, irresistible charm for millennia. This catalog presents Tibetan paintings that explore the theme of flying as a spiritual power. In Buddhist thought, flight is within our potential as human beings. With advanced spiritual development come supernatural powers such as flying, levitation, or the ability to walk through the sky as some walk on a mountain path. Indo-Tibetan literature is filled with accounts of the phenomena, and biographical accounts of the great lineage masters often includes a section on occasions when flying was called for. Similarly, Indo-Tibetan Buddhist artists frequently draw from flying anecdotes in their paintings and sculptural works.

Flying Mystics can perhaps be regarded as a preliminary adventure into this ancient and venerable history. Using Buddhist art and literature as its vehicles, it presents some of the greatest Tibetan masterpiece paintings depicting famous Buddhist masters of flight, and also draws from the biographies of the most famous Buddhist flyers over the ages. ... Read more

Book Description
Thirty of the most creative, eloquent, and energetic Tibetan Buddhist teachers of Westerners in recent decades are featured in this collection of teachings that are certain to be highly treasured by all students of Buddhism. The contributors are masters who helped establish Buddhism in the West, founding centers in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and Europe; publishing books in English; and gaining recognition among Western Buddhists. Their teachings, drawn exclusively from the spoken word as given in talks and seminars, convey the directness and power for which the oral tradition is so valued in Buddhism. The book highlights the teachings of the practice lineages, the branch of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes meditation practice, personal experience, and spiritual realization. Selections are thematically organized, including topics such as the major approaches to the spiritual path, meditation and other practices, Buddhist ethics, tantric practice, and the role of the teacher.Includes the following teachers: Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche · Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche · Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche · Deshung Rinpoche · Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche · Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche · Dudjom Rinpoche · Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche · The Dzogchen Pönlop Rinpoche · Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche · Gen Lamrimpa · The Third Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche · Kalu Rinpoche · Venerable Khandro Rinpoche · Khenpo Könchog Gyaltsen · Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche · Lama Lodö · Lama Thubten Yeshe Rinpoche · Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche · Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche · Ringu Tulku Rinpoche · Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche · Sogyal Rinpoche · Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche · Thinley Norbu Rinpoche · Thrangu Rinpoche · Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche · Tulku Thondup Rinpoche · Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche · Lama Zopa Rinpoche ... Read more